Wendy Spiteri

Dedicated and adaptable professional with a strong work ethic, excelling independently and as a collaborative team player. Known for innovative thinking and creative problem-solving skills, consistently seeking new approaches to challenges. Committed to upholding high standards of integrity and honesty, with a genuine desire to positively impact the lives of individuals and communities.

• Strong organisation and time management skills, able to juggle competing priorities, while working under pressure and meeting demanding deadlines.
• Excellent all-round communication and listening skills enhanced by well developed interpersonal skills and empathy for people in need.
• Experienced in working with people from a diverse cultural base including those from Aboriginal and a non English speaking background.
• Ability to relate on all levels across social, cultural and professional boundaries and to build rapport and relationships with people from all walks of life.
• Comprehensive knowledge and practical experience in community and welfare environments.

• Small Business Owner, Dirty Girls Gardening, Wollombi, 01/01/16 - 12/31/18
• Team Leader, The Benevolent Society, Maitland, 05/01/16 - 12/31/16
• Case Manager, The Benevolent Society, Raymond Terrace, 04/01/16 - 05/31/16
• Senior Caseworker, Family and Children’s Services (FACS), NSW, 01/01/02 - 12/31/15
• Advanced Practitioner, Northern Territory Family Children’s Services (FACS), 06/01/10 - 12/31/10
• Case Worker, Joint Investigation Response Team (DOCS), 04/01/02 - 05/31/10

• Advanced Practitioner, Northern Territory Family Children’s Services (FACS), 06/01/10 - 12/31/10, Mentor Aboriginal caseworkers, Investigate allegations of Children at risk of harm, Develop holistic case plans in conjunction with Aboriginal Families, Travel to support isolated Aboriginal communities, Determine the level of abuse and refer facts to the Children’s Court, where required., Facilitate and monitor referrals to external service providers, Experience working with interpreters
• Child Protection Investigator, Joint Investigation Response Team, 04/01/05 - 10/31/09, Mentor Aboriginal caseworkers in the front line at Broken Hill Community Service Centre responding to children and young persons who were at risk or harm, Developed and implemented activity programmes for Aboriginal children and young people in the Wilcannia region who were exposed to domestic violence and drug and alcohol misuse by carers/parents., Forensic Interviewing of Children and Young People at risk of sexual and physical abuse., Work in collaboration with the NSW Police and NSW Health Services in all areas of child protection investigation., Manage reports of risk of harm to children and young persons by undertaking comprehensive assessments and planning., Develop case plans by investigating and assessing reports of risk of harm and gaining input from other professionals as required to develop or recommend the course of action., Liaise with Courts, prepare documents and affidavits, gather evidence and testify in cases where the most appropriate course of action may be the removal of the child.
• Counsellor, Family Support Toronto, 01/01/04, Supporting a young mother under the age of 21 years

• Case Management Skills
• Knowledge and understanding of the policies, procedures, delegations, instructions and guidelines of Community Services
• Ability to understand and interpret the associated legislation, particularly the Children and Young Persons (Care and Protection) Act 1998
• Knowledge and understanding of the judicial system at all levels and related Court procedures and practices
• Well developed knowledge of diverse cultures and community needs
• Ability to understand and implement the principles of permanency planning throughout Community Services involvement with children, young persons and their families
• Highly developed interpersonal skills for communication, negotiation, counselling, mediation and the provision of advice and guidance to parties involved in child protection, early intervention and prevention services
• Planning and organising allocated case plans, conflict management, investigative, assessment, problem solving and analytical skills
• Skilled in providing Court testimony, including expert evidence

• MYOB
• Word
• Excel
• KIDS
• CCIS
• (DOCS) Internet / E-mailing

• A fast learner, adaptable, motivated, able to work independently and as a supportive team member.
• A creative and innovative individual, able to think outside the square.
• Committed, honest and intuitive with high standards in integrity and dedication, while seeking to make a difference in the lives of people and communities.

I have been fortunate enough to be flown into Communities where English is the 3rd or 4th dialect spoken