VANESSA KATAKALOS
Kellyville,Australia
Summary
Highly motivated Program Coordinator, Youth Worker, and Academic Tutor who has a Bachelor of Social Science (with distinction), extensive experience in several people centred roles and a genuine love of connecting with others. Currently contracted to run an employment program for migrants and refugees and have recently established an employment program for youth from an African background. Strong worth ethic, adaptable and passionate about human rights and social justice. Adept at working effectively unsupervised, quickly mastering new skills, and using both logic and creativity to come up with innovative solutions. Committed to understanding, supporting, and protecting the rights and needs of marginalised and high-risk groups. Ideally seeking a role that enables me to work collaboratively toward positive future outcomes for young people.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Worker and Mentor
Police Citizens Youth Club
Parramatta, NSW
10.2023 - Current
- Establishing trust and building rapport with youth from diverse backgrounds.
- Meeting with youth one on one to assess their suitability for our programs.
- Liaising with schools and explaining how our program can benefit young people who are disengaged or at risk of failing school.
- Maintaining regular contact with youth and assisting with job applications, resumes and cover letters.
- Assisting with other PCYC programs as required.
- Facilitating a program in conjunction with a trainer for youth who are at risk or who have experienced significant challenges.
- Casework and wellbeing assessments.
- Maintaining accurate notes and completing administrative tasks.
Program Coordinator
Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency Inc.
Parramatta, NSW
02.2023 - Current
- Managing all aspects of the Jobs for African Migrants Program
- Working with women from refugee and migrant backgrounds
- Establishing a youth employment program
- Networking and liaising with youth, their families and the African community while displaying a high level of cultural sensitivity
- Engaging with youth from complex backgrounds who often have issues relating to drug and alcohol use, mental health, and criminal activity
- Referring youth to appropriate services for specialised support
- Recruiting, interviewing, and supervising volunteers
- Creating an online directory of resources digital workbooks, and online course
- Writing a grant application for government funding
- Creating and facilitating workshops on various topics
- Completing administrative requirements and program evaluation
- Developing promotional material, and maintaining social media
- Networking with community leaders, organisations, individuals
- Collaborating with community leaders, organisations, and young people.
ITAR & ITAS Academic Tutor
The University of Sydney, Queensland University, Southern Queensland University, University of New England, Edith Cowan University, & Newcastle University
Sydney, NSW
02.2023 - Current
- Causal academic tutor and mentor for Indigenous students
- Developing an understanding of individual learning needs
- Planning a program of content specific tuition
- Meeting administrative requirements accurately and promptly
- Establishing and maintaining respectful working relationships with students and working in a culturally sensitive way
- Coaching students.
Workshop Facilitator
Girls Empowered
Sydney
11.2020 - 05.2022
- Creating and delivering interactive and engaging empowerment workshops
- Producing original, creative content such as workbooks and journals
- Teaching strategies to deal with important issues facing young people
- Liaising with parents, children, and community members.
Member Care Consultant
HCF
Parramatta
10.2016 - 09.2019
- Answering a high volume of calls in a professional manner
- Resolving complex enquiries
- Delivering exceptional customer service
- Documenting calls and complaints using CRM database.
Jewelry Sales Consultant
Michael Hill
Erina
08.2010 - 08.2016
- Maintaining knowledge of current sales and promotions
- Recommending, and helping locate and obtain merchandise
- Exceeding KPI's and achieving sales goals
- Building rapport and providing a high level of customer service.
Education
Bachelor of Social Science - Peace & Development Studies
Western Sydney University
Diploma of Life Coaching -
Transformation Academy
Certificate IV Community Services (Welfare) -
Meadowbank TAFE
Skills
- Works well alone or in a team
- Excellent communication skills
- Able to build rapport quickly with youth and their families
- Working with vulnerable groups in a culturally sensitive way
- Networking
- Proficient with Canva, internet and email
- High level of awareness about Indigenous Peoples history and issues faced
- Workshop facilitation
- Grant application writing
- Establishing and running programs
- Academic tutoring
Publications
Muslimisation in Australia as Placemaking, Religions, 2023, True Islam in The West (book review), Australian Journal of Islamic Studies, Issue 7, Volume 2, 2022
References
- Fiona Carr, Manager JAMP Program, Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency, 0434 187 753, employment@harda.org.au
- Sajjad Versi, President, Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency, harda@harda.org.au
- Emma Bonanno, Acting Team Leader, HCF Australia, 0421 488 789, ebonanno@hcf.com.au
- Scott Eaton, Former Store Manager, Michael Hill Jewelers, 0421 814 067, Scotteaton_tab@bigpond.com
Hobbies and Interests
- Travel which has taken me to over twenty countries
- Adding books to my never ending 'to be read' pile
- Fostering cats
- Playing backgammon and building Lego
- Anything creative
Timeline
Youth Worker and Mentor
Police Citizens Youth Club
10.2023 - Current
Program Coordinator
Horn of Africa Relief and Development Agency Inc.
02.2023 - Current
ITAR & ITAS Academic Tutor
The University of Sydney, Queensland University, Southern Queensland University, University of New England, Edith Cowan University, & Newcastle University
02.2023 - Current
Workshop Facilitator
Girls Empowered
11.2020 - 05.2022
Member Care Consultant
HCF
10.2016 - 09.2019
Jewelry Sales Consultant
Michael Hill
08.2010 - 08.2016
Bachelor of Social Science - Peace & Development Studies
Western Sydney University
Diploma of Life Coaching -
Transformation Academy
Certificate IV Community Services (Welfare) -
Meadowbank TAFE
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