Valentina Muller
BELLMERE,QLD
Summary
Compassionate and solutions-focused Social Worker with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals with complex needs in mental health, community services, and aged care sectors. Expertise in empowering clients through a client-centered, strengths-based approach that prioritizes dignity, respect, and social justice. Proven ability to advocate effectively, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and navigate complex service systems to facilitate independence and enhance overall well-being. Committed to fostering resilience and long-term positive outcomes while upholding the principles of choice, control, and social inclusion in alignment with NDIS values.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Research Contributor
Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers
Grafton
11.2020 - 11.2021
- Contributed to development of a national supervision quality strategy
- Supported research using an ecological model framework
- Assisted in shaping policy to improve professional supervision standards
- Engaged with sector insights to inform best practice approaches
- Contributed to policy discussions, advocating for improvements in social service systems at local levels.
Intensive Support Consultant / Navigator
Ministry of Social Development Collaboration
New Zealand
04.2019 - 11.2020
- Managed a caseload of 30 clients experiencing complex and intergenerational challenges
- Supported clients to achieve stability through tailored goal-setting and pathway planning
- Identified and removed barriers to independence (housing, mental health, financial stability)
- Collaborated with multi-disciplinary stakeholders including housing, health, and child protection services
- Advocated strongly for clients to ensure access to appropriate services
- Maintained detailed, compliant case notes and reporting
- Worked closely with families experiencing trauma and high-risk situations
- Facilitated client consultations to assess needs and develop tailored support plans.
Community Worker
Emerge Aotearoa
New Zealand
04.2014 - 04.2019
- Delivered client-centred, recovery-focused support to individuals with mental health needs
- Supported individuals in developing daily living skills and independence
- Facilitated goal planning aligned with client needs and personal choices
- Participated in psychiatric reviews and multidisciplinary team meetings
- Ensured protection of client rights, dignity, and cultural identity
- Applied a strengths-based approach to promote long-term recovery
- Facilitated community engagement activities to promote social inclusion and well-being.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Massey University
New Zealand01-2020
Bachelor of Health Science - Psychology & Mental Health
Auckland University of Technology
New Zealand01-2013
Skills
- Client-centre & strengths-based practice
- Cultural sensitivity & trauma-informed care
- Strong communication & interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving & analytical thinking
- Case management & documentation
- Support Coordination & Service Navigation
- Plan Implementation & Goal Setting
- Psychosocial & Mental Health Support
- Complex Case Management
- Stakeholder Engagement (Allied Health, Housing, Services)
- Cultural Competency & Inclusive Practice
- Report Writing & Case Documentation
Accomplishments
My Thesis :
- Author of “[Factors influencing social worker’s decision-making processes to remove children from parental care],” published in in 2020.
Timeline
Research Contributor
Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers
11.2020 - 11.2021
Intensive Support Consultant / Navigator
Ministry of Social Development Collaboration
04.2019 - 11.2020
Community Worker
Emerge Aotearoa
04.2014 - 04.2019
Master of Social Work -
Massey University
Bachelor of Health Science - Psychology & Mental Health
Auckland University of Technology
Statement
I am passionate about supporting individuals to understand and implement their plans, build capacity, and connect with the right supports to live independently and achieve their goals. I bring a strong advocacy focus and a commitment to ensuring participants experience genuine choice and control.
Cleaning Franchisee
We run our Franchisee and have 5 staff.