Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
More About Me
Personal Information
References
Timeline
Generic

Theresa McGeady

Carseldine,Australia

Summary

A committed and compassionate Child Advocate, I am non-judgmental, adaptable, and deeply motivated to support the safety and wellbeing of children and families involved in the child protection system. With a recently completed Certificate IV in Youth Work and vocational placement at the Department of Child Safety – Children Under Orders, I gained valuable experience in child-centred, trauma-informed practice and developed a strong understanding of the CSSO role within multidisciplinary teams.

Currently employed by Argus Family Services, I facilitate court-appointed supervised family contact, providing safe, structured environments for children to maintain important family connections. I bring calm professionalism, a strong ability to build rapport quickly, and lived experience working with children and families navigating complex and challenging circumstances.

Eager to secure a role as a Child Safety Support Officer, I offer a flexible, reliable, and empathetic approach, confident in engaging safely with children and supporting their social, emotional, and developmental needs. With strong interpersonal and observational skills, I am committed to delivering high-quality support in line with legislation, case plans, and departmental values. Resilient and grounded in ethical practice, I am ready to contribute meaningfully to the protection and empowerment of Queensland’s children and young people.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Child Advocate

Argus Family Services
Wellington Point, QLD
01.2025 - Current
  • Facilitate court-appointed, supervised contact between children and their parents or family members, in line with legal orders.
  • Create and maintain a safe, neutral, and child-focused environment during all interactions.
  • Observe, monitor, and document family interactions with accuracy, sensitivity, and confidentiality.
  • Prepare detailed reports and session summaries for submission to legal and child protection stakeholders.
  • Maintain professional boundaries while building rapport with children and families experiencing significant challenges.
  • Operate in accordance with child protection legislation, duty of care, and organizational procedures.
  • Support the emotional safety and well-being of children during visits, with a trauma-informed and non-judgmental approach.

CHILD SAFETY SUPPORT OFFICER VOCATIONAL PLACEMENT

Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety - children under orders
STRATHPINE, QLD
01.2025 - 03.2025
  • Supervised family contact sessions at designated Contact Centres
  • Transported children, and young people to and from appointments and supervised visits
  • Assisted in maintaining accurate, timely case notes and documentation
  • Participated in case discussions and contributed to case management planning
  • Shadowed practitioners to better understand statutory obligations and child protection processes
  • Supported young people in engaging with services and attending appointments
  • Observed and adhered to policies and procedures, including confidentiality and duty of care
  • Developed practical skills in relationship building and managing complex behaviours

Café Chef

Aspley Hornets AFL Club
Brisbane, Australia
08.2018 - 05.2021
  • Responsibilities: Food preparation, Menu Creation, Maintaining stock levels, Preparing meals to a high standard, Controlling food costs for the Café, Cash handling including nightly cash-up procedures, Barista Duty's, Training of all new Back of House staff

Claims Consultant

Allianz Worldwide Partners
01.2017 - 11.2017
  • Responsibilities: Assessing insurance claims across different software environments for multiple insurance providers, Currency conversions, Taking inbound calls, Providing end-to-end service for clients making claims, Working to strict KPIs in relation to speed and accuracy of data entry, Providing information to customers regarding the purchase of insurance

Restaurant Manager - Hotel Duty Manager

The Aspley Hotel
01.2015 - 01.2017
  • Responsibilities: Responsible for all aspects of Restaurant operations including hiring and rostering of staff, menu planning and implementation, and day-to-day operation of the restaurant, Opening and managing the venue on a rostered basis, Programming and maintenance of point-of-sale systems, Stock control and ordering, Assisting with the planning and design of a new café within the venue, Cash control and banking

Venue Operator (Restaurant & Gaming Manager) & Functions Coordinator

04.2010 - 11.2014
  • Responsibilities: Responsible for all aspects of gaming operations, including maintaining service levels, compliance, staff training, cash clearances, and end-of-month procedures, Hiring, training, rostering, and supervision of all bar and floor staff across the venue, Maître d duties, Close and re-float all venue registers, Opening of the entire venue, Complaints handling, Ordering of bar equipment and supplies, including dessert and coffee station supplies, Consultation specific to the development of seasonal Restaurants and Function Menus

Sous Chef

The Samford Valley Hotel (Bar & Grill)
08.2004 - 03.2010
  • Responsibilities: In control of the Kitchen (Five Chefs and 15 Stewards), Train the apprentice staff, Create and develop Restaurant and Function Menus, Equipment and Stock control: ordering and tracking of all kitchen supplies, Staff roster, Work in all sections - Grill, Cold Larder, Pans, Fryers, and Pizza, Coordination of Buffets, Table service, Banquet & Tapas

Education

Certificate IV - Youth Work

Tafe North Queensland
Cairns, QLD
03-2025

Chef Apprenticeship

Tafe Queensland
Brisbane, QLD
05-2000

Skills

  • Strong personal motivation and dedication to working both independently and collaboratively to support young people in a safe, consistent, and nurturing living environment
  • Capable to accompany young people to programs and appointments outlined in case plans, and complete daily case noting and reporting
  • Competent to share and develop practical life skills
  • Confident to liaise knowledgeably, courteously, and thoughtfully with other support teams
  • Builds trust and models positive relationships within ethical and professional boundaries
  • Acts with sensitivity, empathy, and respect
  • Strong interpersonal communication and active listening skills resulting in exceptional rapport with people diverse groups of people and cultures
  • Versatile, punctual, reliable, and organised
  • Focused, energetic, enthusiastic, and resilient
  • Flexible, decisive, and able to adapt effectively to challenging and emergency situations
  • High level of integrity and ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality
  • Capable to comply with multiple policies and procedures in a highly legislated environment
  • Excellent personal presentation
  • Computer literate and confident with smart devices

More About Me

  • Building trusting relationships: Throughout my career in hospitality, I have honed my ability to form and maintain professional, nurturing relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds I understand the importance of building trust through active engagement and visible interest, which I believe are crucial skills for establishing rapport with children and young people
  • Positive role modeling: as an experienced manager and a mother of three, I have always prioritised being an appropriate adult role model I am committed to engaging young people in purposeful activities that promote life skills development and foster positive self-worth.
  • Family Involvement and Support: While I may not have prior experience with trauma-based behaviors, I have a strong foundation in supporting individuals, including teenagers, and facilitating positive family relationships. I am dedicated to promoting family involvement, facilitating family visits/connection, and encouraging positive parenting practices tailored to individual needs.
  • Encouraging Positive Relationships: I value the importance of positive peer relationships and understand the significance of encouraging positive interactions with significant persons in a child or young person's life. I am committed to promoting a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected.
  • Empowering Decision-Making: I am passionate about empowering children and young people to participate in decision-making processes. I believe in providing them with opportunities to voice their opinions and preferences, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to the activities and programs they engage in.

Personal Information

Date of Birth: 07/20/1979

References

  • Julie Dillon, Managing Director - Argus Family Services - 0493 096 990
  • Sarah Thomas, Senior Practitioner, Children Under Orders - Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety, Strathpine - 07 3385 3600
  • Les Pullos, Owner of The Pullos Group - 0408 739 132

Timeline

Child Advocate

Argus Family Services
01.2025 - Current

CHILD SAFETY SUPPORT OFFICER VOCATIONAL PLACEMENT

Department of Families, Seniors, Disability Services and Child Safety - children under orders
01.2025 - 03.2025

Café Chef

Aspley Hornets AFL Club
08.2018 - 05.2021

Claims Consultant

Allianz Worldwide Partners
01.2017 - 11.2017

Restaurant Manager - Hotel Duty Manager

The Aspley Hotel
01.2015 - 01.2017

Venue Operator (Restaurant & Gaming Manager) & Functions Coordinator

04.2010 - 11.2014

Sous Chef

The Samford Valley Hotel (Bar & Grill)
08.2004 - 03.2010

Certificate IV - Youth Work

Tafe North Queensland

Chef Apprenticeship

Tafe Queensland
Theresa McGeady