Vasilka Anne Pateras
Northcote,Australia
Summary
Works in a solution focused manner, using a strengths based approach to collaborate and work in partnership. Recognized for f delivering high-quality results amidst shifting priorities, while demonstrating exceptional strategic planning and problem-solving capabilities. Dedicated Project Officer with a proven track record of cultivating strong relationships and building quality-focused teams, consistently completing projects and achieving high client satisfaction. Demonstrates confidence and skill in managing multiple assignments under pressure with remarkable accuracy.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Project Officer
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
09.2021 - Current
- Contract and Relationship manager for a number of programmes including Local Jobs Programme ; Parent Pathways and Workforce Australia
- Mentored junior staff, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
- Strengthened stakeholder relationships by maintaining open lines of communication and providing regular progress updates.
- Boosted team morale by fostering a positive work environment and recognizing individual accomplishments.
- Cultivated strong partnerships with external vendors, streamlining negotiations for more favorable terms on contracts and services.
- Developed and deepened relationships with key stakeholders.
- Identified and resolved project issues and mitigated risks, reducing challenges and improving project results.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
Apprenticeship Program
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
01.2019 - 09.2021
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
Team Leader
Department of Education and Training
01.2016 - 01.2019
- Team Leader and supervisor of the Grants’ Assessment Team; promotion of the ISF; negotiation and provision of advise to Stakeholders.
- Industry Skills Fund
WELL Team Leader
Department of Education and Training
01.2014 - 01.2015
- Contract management and supervision.
- ISF assessment of applications and enquiry forms; promotion of the program.
- In addition responsible for engagement with CALD and Indigenous stakeholders.
- Workplace English Language and Literacy Program and the Industry Skills Program and Promotion of the Industry Skills Fund – Youth Streams – tertiary skills programs including workplace English language literacy and numeracy; training for businesses with a growth opportunity and promotion of the youth streams with key stakeholders including CALD and indigenous.
Contract and Program Manager
Department of Industry
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Contract and program management; file audits; risk management; site visits; promotion of program and building links with key stakeholders such as Centrelink and JSAs.
- Australian Apprenticeship Access Program – prevocational training program for disadvantaged job seekers.
Senior Project Officer
Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Policy development, project management & implementation, and contract management.
- Implementation of program evaluation recommendations; development of new program guidelines; case study project; redevelopment of program logic model and KPIs.
- National Disability Co-ordination Officer Program (out-based National Office Program located in Victoria) – a transition program for people with disabilities- including mental health - transitioning to Tertiary Education and Employment.
Senior Project Officer
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
01.2007 - 01.2011
- Delivery of the IHC in Victoria; contract management; Policy implementation of reforms of the Early Childhood and Childcare sector ie: the National Quality Framework for Children; working at the strategic level with the Professional Support Coordinator setting the direction for the training needs of the IHC sector.
- Program delivery – In Home Care (IHC)
Senior Project Officer
FaHCSIA
03.2000 - 01.2005
- Contract management; evaluating the responsiveness of the program.
- The CSTDA is a multilateral and bilateral agreement that is responsible for disability services both Commonwealth and the states and territories- position included research and report writing, maintaining a dossier on the activities of the State Government of Victoria in relation to funding of disability services, provision of accurate and timely advice, assist in the co-ordination of bilateral co-ordination meetings.
- In addition, I performed the secretariat role of the complaints process of disability employment providers.
- The Stronger Families and Communities Strategy (SFCS) is the key social policy area that develops and delivers programs that contribute to building social capital.
- Project development; liaising with stake holders at the state, local and non-government levels; writing funding submissions and preparation of ministerial briefings; preparation and evaluation of workplans and contracts with community agencies for funded projects; targeting of communities of interest such as CALD, indigenous and others.
- Several positions including Senior Project Officer –Early Childhood Program and Commonwealth State and Territory Disability Agreement.
Tutor in Social Work
University of Western Sydney
03.2002 - 07.2002
- Facilitation of Tutorials, assessment of students, preparation of class materials.
Family Counsellor and Family Support Worker Programme Coordinator
Anglicare Victoria Plenty Valley
03.1996 - 01.2000
- Case-work, case management and family counseling of clients with dependent children 0-17 years
- Supervision of Family Support worker team – provision of in home support on parenting, and provision of group work for local Macedonian women.
- Formerly St. John's Careforce Plenty Valley
Project Manager
Macedonian Welfare Workers' Network of Victoria
03.1999 - 07.1999
- Author of the community profile of the Macedonian Community of Victoria funded by DIMA.
Research Assistant and Tutor
Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus
06.1997 - 11.1997
- Research Assistant for the School of Arts Youth and Cultural Access Project.
- Tutor for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences - Sociology of Health.
Community Development Worker
Women’s Liberation Halfway House Collective Inc.
03.1992 - 01.1996
- Resourced and supported CALD women and children escaping domestic violence and working with community groups to raise awareness on issues relating to domestic and family violence.
Education
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) - Sociology, Criminology
La Trobe University
Bundoora, VIC01.1990
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Melbourne
Parkville, VIC01.1995
Skills
- Relationship management
- Working in partnership with key stakeholders
- Open and relational
- Provider and participant focus
- Innovation and creativity
- Risk assessment
- Work with data bases and windows applications
- Meeting facilitation
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Case management skills
- Critical thinking
- Active listening
- Presentation skills
- Extensive experience in working with CALD communities
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Macedonian
Professional Working
Timeline
Senior Project Officer
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
09.2021 - Current
Apprenticeship Program
Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
01.2019 - 09.2021
Team Leader
Department of Education and Training
01.2016 - 01.2019
WELL Team Leader
Department of Education and Training
01.2014 - 01.2015
Contract and Program Manager
Department of Industry
01.2013 - 01.2014
Senior Project Officer
Department of Industry, Innovation, Climate Change, Science, Research and Tertiary Education
01.2011 - 01.2013
Senior Project Officer
Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
01.2007 - 01.2011
Tutor in Social Work
University of Western Sydney
03.2002 - 07.2002
Senior Project Officer
FaHCSIA
03.2000 - 01.2005
Project Manager
Macedonian Welfare Workers' Network of Victoria
03.1999 - 07.1999
Research Assistant and Tutor
Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus
06.1997 - 11.1997
Family Counsellor and Family Support Worker Programme Coordinator
Anglicare Victoria Plenty Valley
03.1996 - 01.2000
Community Development Worker
Women’s Liberation Halfway House Collective Inc.
03.1992 - 01.1996
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Hons) - Sociology, Criminology
La Trobe University
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Melbourne
Conference Papers
- 1996-03-01, NESB women, Mental Health and Domestic Violence, NESB women and Domestic Violence Conference, Melbourne
- 1996-05-01, Women’s Liberation Halfway House -Documentation of a Service model, Women and Social Citizenship conference, Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne
Personal Information
- Date of Birth: 22 April 1966
- Nationality: Australian
Publications
- Ministerial Task force on Domestic Violence Services, 1994, Report to the Minister for Community Services
- Conference papers NESB women and Domestic Violence conference, 1996
- Domestic Violence and cross cultural service delivery, 1997, in Women Against Violence Second edition June 1997
- A Profile of the Macedonian Community of Victoria, 2000, for the Macedonian Welfare Workers' Network of Victoria
Training
- 1998, Presented Cross cultural training on behalf of the Macedonian Welfare Workers' Network in conjunction with Moreland Hall Training unit
- 1998, Presented in service training to workers from Anglicare Plenty Valley and Preston on crisis intervention counselling