Tess Millar
Caringbah,NSW
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience at Marist180, specialising in case planning and crisis management. Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and advocate effectively for clients, resulting in successful transitions for young people. Expertise in managing heavy caseloads within a trauma-informed therapeutic framework, coupled with strong communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills to navigate complex situations. Committed to enhancing client advocacy and ensuring comprehensive support, working towards creating positive change for young people.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Acting Senior Caseworker
Marist180
South West Sydney
03.2025 - Current
- Coordinated comprehensive assessments of young people's safety, permanency, and wellbeing needs.
- Directed case planning with young people and their care teams to assist in achieving individualised goals.
- Conducting comprehensive audits of current casework documentation and implementing systems, developing strategies to ensure documents and plans are reviewed, in consultation with young people, and internal and external stakeholders, on a regular basis.
- Implemented tailored approaches, facilitating smooth transitions for young people exiting care.
- Collaboratively working alongside the Area Manager and Senior Therapeutic Specialist to assess referrals of young people and determine their suitability within the ITC and ITTC models.
- Contributed to care planning and organisational operations planning.
- Collaborated efficiently with CFDU's and district-level stakeholders.
- Overseeing the recruitment and supervision of the Casework Team, offering guidance, and ensuring role requirements and expectations are met.
Caseworker/Acting Senior Caseworker
Marist180
Western Sydney
02.2023 - 03.2024
- Assisted organisational and regional needs through alternating Casework and Senior Caseworker positions.
- Managed fluctuating priorities to align with leadership expectations.
- Collaborated with other departments within the agency to ensure that all services are provided in a timely manner.
- Participated in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss complex cases.
- Assessed client needs and developed treatment plans accordingly.
- Monitored client progress and updated service plans as necessary.
- Evaluated clients and formulated individualized service plans outlining short-term and long-term goals.
Dual Caseworker and House Manager
Marist180
Western Sydney
08.2017 - 02.2023
- Coordinated and oversaw administrative tasks including rostering, leave management, and performance tracking.
- Enhanced opportunities for young individuals by establishing safe living conditions.
- Conducted reflective supervision and provided staff guidance.
- Working in consultation with HR and the Area Manager, lead performance management activities with staff when required.
- Collaborated with internal services and external agencies to address the assessment needs of young people.
- Worked with Therapeutic Specialist and Caseworkers to develop care plans.
- Managed activities related to the residential home, maintaining a positive emotional and stable physical environment.
- Facilitated the implementation of Marist180 Trauma Informed Therapeutic Framework model of care.
- Managed operational processes to ensure seamless functioning of the residential home.
- Managed end-to-end recruitment process for staffing needs, from shortlisting to final checks.
- Ensure all practices are consistent with Marist180 policies, and procedures as well as sector standards.
- Efficiently communicated WHS to ensure regulatory and organisational compliance.
Team Leader
Guardian Youth Care
Sydney
11.2015 - 10.2016
- Managed the care of vulnerable and high needs adolescents within an Out Of Home Care service.
- Supported young individuals with a history of trauma, ensuring fulfillment of basic daily needs.
- Employed trauma-sensitive approaches to support young people in managing challenging behaviours.
- Collaborated with multiple departments including Police, Health, and Family and Community Services.
- Completed monthly casework report writing and developed operational reports to meet KPI requirements.
- Supervised and guided a team of youth workers to enhance their skills and performance outcomes.
- Contributed to development and implementation of case plans for adolescents.
- Implementing specific practices e.g. TIME –Trauma Informed Mindset Ecology, 6 Core Strengths, and Trauma Informed Practice Framework.
- Facilitated client integration back into the community.
- Providing 24 hour on call support to young people and youth workers.
Education
Masters of Social Work -
University of Wollongong
Wollongong, NSW01-2023
Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Life Story Work -
Berry Street Institute
01-2023
Bachelor of Social Science - Criminology
Macquarie University
Sydney, NSW12-2015
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Case planning and management
- Trauma-informed care
- Crisis management and intervention
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- Client advocacy
- Team leadership
- Community engagement
Volunteer Work
Mentor and Support Volunteer, Feel the Magic
- Supporting grieving children and young people at Camp Magic, helping to guide them in processing the grief and loss they have experienced.
Research Intern, Anne – Marie Elias.
- Conducted research on Juvenile Justice and recidivism.
- Developed a program to reducing the rate of recidivism amongst juvenile offenders.
- Coordinated with individuals from different disciplines and fields in order to develop the program.
Research Intern, Salvation Army.
- Coordinated with members of the Unified Ryde Project – A Collective Digital Storytelling Project: Short Films on Racism and Cultural Diversity in Ryde.
- Developed questions to ask participants for the interviews.
- Observed and evaluated the interviews and the process of developing the film as a whole collecting quantitative and qualitative data.
References
Daniel OConnor - daniel.oconnor@m180.org.au
- Area Manager - Marist180 (Current Manager)
Niruthan Nimalkumar - niruthann@thejunction
- SIL Manager - The Junction Works
Timeline
Acting Senior Caseworker
Marist180
03.2025 - Current
Caseworker/Acting Senior Caseworker
Marist180
02.2023 - 03.2024
Dual Caseworker and House Manager
Marist180
08.2017 - 02.2023
Team Leader
Guardian Youth Care
11.2015 - 10.2016
Masters of Social Work -
University of Wollongong
Professional Diploma in Therapeutic Life Story Work -
Berry Street Institute
Bachelor of Social Science - Criminology
Macquarie University
Similar Profiles
Yuda LugonaYuda Lugona
Youth Support Worker at Marist180Youth Support Worker at Marist180
Patrick LeotaPatrick Leota
IT Business Systems Consultant at MARIST180IT Business Systems Consultant at MARIST180
Suinitila Pamela MapapalangiSuinitila Pamela Mapapalangi
ITC House Manager at Marist180ITC House Manager at Marist180