WANITA GIBBS
Dubbo,Australia
Summary
A highly motivated and dedicated individual with exceptional work ethic. Proven strengths in building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and clients.
Persistent and resourceful problem-solver with excellent research and data analysis skills
Strong multitasker skilled at managing high-volume caseloads while consistently meeting deadlines.
Comprehensive experience in drafting legal documents, managing case files, and performing research.
Demonstrated capability in maintaining confidentiality, providing support on complex legal cases, and contributing positively to team efforts. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Project Officer
Aboriginal Housing Office
Dubbo
10.2023 - Current
- Developed communications materials such as reports, briefs and summaries of data.
- Review monthly reports of Aboriginal Community Housing Providers to ensure compliance with AHO contractual requirements.
- Provide administrative and technical skills to support project success.
- Generated reports and obtained data to assist team priorities.
- Provide guidance to stakeholders on AHO policies promptly and efficiently.
- Handled administrative procedures to meet objectives set by AHO executive team.
- Consulted with staff on resolution of complex issues.
- Participated in the handover of properties in the Western Region, from AHO to Aboriginal Community Housing Providers
- Investigated customer complaints to identify issues and allocate to relevant teams in AHO.
Family Worker
Mission Australia
Dubbo, Nsw
11.2022 - 10.2023
- Provided support, advocacy and guidance to families in crisis situations.
- Assessed the strengths, needs and resources of families in order to develop individualized service plans.
- Collaborated with other agencies to coordinate services for families in need of assistance.
- Maintained accurate records of all client interactions and progress towards goals.
- Educated clients on available community resources such as housing, food banks, counseling.
- Identified potential risk factors that may lead to child abuse or neglect within a family setting.
- Developed case plans that identified goals and objectives for each family member involved.
Aboriginal Focus Worker
Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service Housing Plus
01.2020 - 11.2022
- Assisted clients in accessing community resources such as legal aid, housing, job training and medical care.
- Provided crisis intervention, safety planning and advocacy services to victims of domestic violence.
- Provided education on topics related to domestic violence including power dynamics, healthy relationships and self-care.
- Maintained client records using an electronic database system, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy of data entered.
- Collaborated with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of victims in emergency situations.
- Advised survivors on issues related to protection orders, child custody arrangements and immigration status.
- Attended court proceedings with clients when needed to provide emotional support or testify on their behalf.
- Provided referrals for mental health services such as counseling or therapy when appropriate.
- Used active listening skills and supportive diction to cultivate client rapport and open communication.
- Maintained and developed community relationships to support various client referrals.
- Assisted and advocated for clients obtaining financial resources and government entitlements.
Domestic Violence Caseworker
Western Women's Legal Support
01.2018 - 01.2020
Acting Safety Action Meeting Coordinator
Western Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
Bourke
03.2017 - 06.2017
Aboriginal Specialist Worker
Western Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
01.2014 - 01.2017
Administration Assistant/Field Officer
Aboriginal Legal Service Western Region - Dubbo Office
01.2009 - 01.2014
Co-ordinator
Centacare Diocese of Wilcannia/Forbes Strong Young Mums Program
01.2006 - 01.2008
Community Development Officer
Bourke/Brewarrina Family Violence Prevention Legal Service
01.2006 - 01.2008
Youth Worker
Bourke Shire Council Youth Centre
01.2006 - 01.2006
Business Administration Traineeship
University of Ballarat SMB TAFE Campus
01.2004 - 01.2005
Education
Certificate of Attainment Shark Cage Foundational Training -
Ursula Benstead Consulting
01.2023
Certificate of Attainment Aboriginal Accidental Counsellor Course -
Lifeline Training
12.2022
Statement of Attainment Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence -
Lifeline
12.2020
Managing Vicarious Trauma in the Legal and Justice Sector Trauma-Informed Care and Practice in Domestic and Family violence services (Level 1) -
Blue Knot Foundation
12.2019
Domestic Violence Aboriginal Core Training -
Education Centre Against Violence | NSW
12.2016
Certificate in Mental Health First Aid -
Mental Health First Aid Australia
12.2015
Diploma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Advocacy -
Tranby Aboriginal College
12.2014
Recognise and Respond to Disclosures Of Rape and Sexual Assault -
Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service
12.2007
Business Administration Traineeship (Certificate III in Business) -
University of Ballarat | SMB TAFE Campus
12.2005
Skills
- Proficient in professional writing, editing and proofreading
- Critical Thinking
- Communication skills
- Problem solver
- Risk assessment and management
- Advocacy
- Knowledge of NSW legislation and law reform
- Punctual with excellent time management
- Reliable
- Trustworthy with excellent confidentiality skills
- Caring and honest with trauma informed practice
- Records Maintenance
- Data Collection
- Works well in team environment and autonomously
- Networking and relationship building
Accomplishments
- 2004, 3rd National Australian Indigenous Education Conference, Conference Secretary
- 2004, Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group, Organising Committee Indigenous Youth Transition Program
- 2007, Partnerships, Prevention and Rural Action III Sexual Assault Conference, Organising Committee
- 2014, Scholarship Recipient - Indigenous Peoples Education Conference - Hawaii
- 2020, Dubbo Koori Interagency Network, Secretary
- 2020, Housing Plus, Organiser Cultural Garden
- 2020, Housing Plus, CEO Award
- 2022, Domestic Violence NSW, Member Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee
- 2020, Dubbo NAIDOC Committee, Member
Timeline
Assistant Project Officer
Aboriginal Housing Office
10.2023 - Current
Family Worker
Mission Australia
11.2022 - 10.2023
Aboriginal Focus Worker
Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service Housing Plus
01.2020 - 11.2022
Domestic Violence Caseworker
Western Women's Legal Support
01.2018 - 01.2020
Acting Safety Action Meeting Coordinator
Western Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
03.2017 - 06.2017
Aboriginal Specialist Worker
Western Women's Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
01.2014 - 01.2017
Administration Assistant/Field Officer
Aboriginal Legal Service Western Region - Dubbo Office
01.2009 - 01.2014
Co-ordinator
Centacare Diocese of Wilcannia/Forbes Strong Young Mums Program
01.2006 - 01.2008
Community Development Officer
Bourke/Brewarrina Family Violence Prevention Legal Service
01.2006 - 01.2008
Youth Worker
Bourke Shire Council Youth Centre
01.2006 - 01.2006
Business Administration Traineeship
University of Ballarat SMB TAFE Campus
01.2004 - 01.2005
Certificate of Attainment Shark Cage Foundational Training -
Ursula Benstead Consulting
Certificate of Attainment Aboriginal Accidental Counsellor Course -
Lifeline Training
Statement of Attainment Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence -
Lifeline
Managing Vicarious Trauma in the Legal and Justice Sector Trauma-Informed Care and Practice in Domestic and Family violence services (Level 1) -
Blue Knot Foundation
Domestic Violence Aboriginal Core Training -
Education Centre Against Violence | NSW
Certificate in Mental Health First Aid -
Mental Health First Aid Australia
Diploma in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Advocacy -
Tranby Aboriginal College
Recognise and Respond to Disclosures Of Rape and Sexual Assault -
Yarrow Place Rape and Sexual Assault Service
Business Administration Traineeship (Certificate III in Business) -
University of Ballarat | SMB TAFE Campus
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