Te-Ao Jean Curtis-Hicks
Tarneit,VIC
Summary
Self-motivated and independent professional with a proven track record in leadership roles, consistently excelling in both individual and team environments. Strong passion for delivering high-quality work is complemented by effective communication skills, enabling seamless interactions in diverse situations. Embraces challenges and demonstrates problem-solving abilities, capable of designing plans to meet client and patient needs. Deep understanding of both mainstream and Cultural lifestyles enriches the ability to connect with various communities, fostering growth and collaboration in any professional setting.
Overview
1
1
Certification
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Worker - Youth Worker
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Hauora Trust
New Zealand
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Participated in workshops focused on mental health and addiction support. Provided assistance during pre- and postvention suicide training sessions. Contributed to supervision discussions regarding postvention strategies.
- Delivered compassionate care to clients and families experiencing trauma, mental health challenges, and grief-related issues.
- Collaborated with clients and families to address issues related to post-suicide prevention.
- Formulated comprehensive plans in collaboration with clients and families.
- Evaluated and tracked client performance metrics to ensure optimal outcomes.
- Provided feedback to CEO regarding operations. Assisted in communication with clients and families.
- Supported team members by maintaining a safe environment for all participants. Engaged in training programs to enhance skills and knowledge.
- Conducted hazard identification to ensure safe and hygienic environments for clients.
- Facilitated client empowerment to achieve strategic goals and enhance decision-making capabilities.
- Assisted clients in fulfilling their needs. Participated in in-house and community meetings.
- Ensured compliance with health and disability code of rights regulations.
- Facilitated client meetings within designated safety zones to ensure comfort and security.
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Trust Representative
Local Response Team
Hawkesbay, New Zealand
01.2023 - 12.2025
- Suicide Postvention / Youth in the System
- Involved Clinicians Representatives: Health Managers, Doctors, Social Workers, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Hawkes Bay Mental Health, Police, Schools.
- First discussion is based around recent death by suicide. Offering assistance for Post Suicide Support, for their family’s/friends/all those affected by the loss.
- First point of call must be checked before offering other services like Counselling, their wellbeing, home visits, checking their basic needs being met.
- Our agency takes on many of these clients and many are referred to appropriate agencies.
- Discussing each youth who are in the system and ready to reintegrate with whanau/family.
- Putting a plan in place with an agency that can support the youth and their families / guardians.
- We do follow-ups down the track after the client does not need the assistance from the support agency.
- Confidentiality must be always upheld.
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Trust Representative
Lived Experience Team
Hastings Hawkes Bay New Zealand
01.2023 - 02.2026
- Grief & Loss Suicide / All Ages
- Involved a group of people whom experienced Suicide, a close family member who has lost their lives by suicide.
- Discussing the gaps that are detrimental when supporting the bereaved family.
- Deep discussions about changes that needed identifying.
- Having meetings with Police Suicide Response Team both Cultural and Westernised Reps, Coroner, First Point of Contact agency, Media, all the professionals involved with the Suicide Interventions.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline processes, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Representative
Hawkes Bay Community Support Group
Napier, Hawkes Bay New Zealand
01.2023 - 12.2025
- Suicide Prevention / All Ages
- Involved Clinicians, Social Workers, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Mental Health, Police, Schools, Community Agencies
- Centred around the safety of the Youth.
- Triaging client/family with appropriate support networks Internal and externally.
- Effective listening and communication - verbal and non-verbal.
- Implemented feedback mechanisms to identify service gaps and improve customer experiences.
Volunteer Kaiwhakamana
Mangaroa Corrections Hawkes Bay NZ
Hastings, Hawkes Bay New Zealand
09.2025 - 01.2026
- Voluntary Kaiwhakamana / Support Worker
- Used strong interpersonal communication skills to convey information to others.
- Developed and implemented community engagement initiatives to foster collaboration where appropriate.
- Conducted assessments of participant progress, tailoring support to individual needs.
Crisis Counselor Volunteer
Lifeline Youthline Later LifelinkSamaritans
Rotorua
03.2004 - 12.2007
- Volunteer Counsellor – Casual / On Call
- Provided immediate emotional support to individuals in crisis, ensuring safety and well-being.
- Facilitated active listening sessions, helping clients articulate thoughts and feelings.
- Suicide Line All Ages, Grief & Loss, Trauma, Loneliness, Elderl
- Enhanced client well-being by providing empathetic and supportive counselling during crisis situations.
- Advocated for clients' access to resources, fostering connections with community support services.
- Fostered connections with local resources, linking clients to appropriate support networks for ongoing care.
Education
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (BASS) - Kaupapa Maori Social Work
Waiariki Institute of Technology
RotoruaNational Certificate in Community and Social Work -
Waiariki Institute of Technology
RotoruaDiploma Heke Kaute - Accounting
Te WanangaRaukawa
RotoruaDiploma Mātauranga Māori / Poupou Rorohiko -
Te WanangaRaukawa
OtakiNational Certificate in Security L2 -
Te WanangaAotearoa
RotoruaSkills
- Adaptive, versatile and cooperative
- Suicide Prevention / Suicide Postvention/ Grief and Loss/ Self Harm
- Excellent organisational skills
- Able to work individually and within a group environment
- Self-motivated and willing to learn
- Enjoy a challenge, trustworthy and take pride in my work
Certification
Car Full – Child Check
Workshop Achievements
- 2023 Addiction 101 - Blueprint
- 2023 Mental Health MH101 – Blueprint
- 2023 Suicide Prevention – Taylor Made Training
- 2023 Mates for Life Suicide Prevention
- 2024 The Waves Postvention Suicide Greif & Loss – Ministry of Health
- 2024 ASSIST Prevention Suicide
Disclaimer
In accordance with the Privacy Act 1993, you have permission to contact the above referees in regards to my suitability for employment. Thank you.
Timeline
Volunteer Kaiwhakamana
Mangaroa Corrections Hawkes Bay NZ
09.2025 - 01.2026
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Trust Representative
Local Response Team
01.2023 - 12.2025
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Trust Representative
Lived Experience Team
01.2023 - 02.2026
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Representative
Hawkes Bay Community Support Group
01.2023 - 12.2025
Community Worker - Youth Worker
Ko Wai Tou Ingoa Hauora Trust
01.2022 - 01.2025
Crisis Counselor Volunteer
Lifeline Youthline Later LifelinkSamaritans
03.2004 - 12.2007
Bachelor of Applied Social Science (BASS) - Kaupapa Maori Social Work
Waiariki Institute of Technology
National Certificate in Community and Social Work -
Waiariki Institute of Technology
Diploma Heke Kaute - Accounting
Te WanangaRaukawa
Diploma Mātauranga Māori / Poupou Rorohiko -
Te WanangaRaukawa
National Certificate in Security L2 -
Te WanangaAotearoa