Developed strong skills in child welfare and family support within social work environment, looking to transition into new field. Demonstrated ability to manage cases and communicate effectively across multiple stakeholders. Aiming to leverage these transferrable skills to create positive impacts in new professional setting.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages
Work History
Intercountry Adoption Social Worker
Johannesburg Child Welfare
11.2023 - Current
Provide psychosocial support to children who have been declared adoptable for inter-country adoptions.
Carry out administration duties related inter-country adoptions.
Provide psychosocial support to inter-country prospective adoptive parents.
Advocate for adoption as a process in child protection.
Strengthened working relationships with other social workers, attorneys, therapists, medical professionals, and educators involved in the adoption process.
Contributed to the agency''s growth and reputation by successfully placing children with loving, stable families.
Contributed to team goals by participating in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities focused on best practices in adoption services.
Facilitated positive adoption experiences by providing ongoing support, education, and resources to birth parents and adoptive families.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and policies affecting adoptions in assigned jurisdictions.
Supported colleagues by sharing expertise on best practices for pre-adoptive training sessions or workshops offered to prospective adoptive families.
Enhanced family matching success by conducting thorough assessments and evaluations of prospective adoptive families.
Ensured child welfare by performing comprehensive home studies and post-placement supervision visits.
Expedited the adoption process by guiding families through necessary paperwork and legal requirements.
Promoted positive outcomes by regularly monitoring progress towards permanency goals for children in care.
Built strong relationships with community partners to expand referral networks for adoption services.
Assisted diverse clients with cultural sensitivity while addressing their unique needs throughout the adoption journey.
Improved agency efficiency by maintaining accurate case files, documentation, and database records.
Advocated on behalf of children''s best interests during court hearings and legal proceedings related to their cases.
Increased awareness of adoption programs by organizing informational sessions and community outreach events.
Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
Contributed to court proceedings, advocating for family's best interests and recommending balanced solutions.
Screening Adoption Social Worker
Johannesburg Child Welfare
08.2022 - 10.2023
Ensured child welfare by performing comprehensive home studies and post-placement supervision visits.
Facilitated positive adoption experiences by providing ongoing support, education, and resources to birth parents and adoptive families.
Maintained up-to-date knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and policies affecting adoptions in assigned jurisdictions.
Expedited the adoption process by guiding families through necessary paperwork and legal requirements.
Contributed to team goals by participating in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities focused on best practices in adoption services.
Improved agency efficiency by maintaining accurate case files, documentation, and database records.
Increased awareness of adoption programs by organizing informational sessions and community outreach events.
Assisted diverse clients with cultural sensitivity while addressing their unique needs throughout the adoption journey.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop individualized case plans for children in need of permanent homes.
Advocated on behalf of children''s best interests during court hearings and legal proceedings related to their cases.
Supported colleagues by sharing expertise on best practices for pre-adoptive training sessions or workshops offered to prospective adoptive families.
Contributed to the agency''s growth and reputation by successfully placing children with loving, stable families.
Built strong relationships with community partners to expand referral networks for adoption services.
Social worker
Gauteng Children’s Rights Committee
05.2018 - 07.2022
Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
Advocated for clients'' rights, navigating complex systems to secure necessary resources and benefits.
Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics, providing guidance on effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques.
Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
Collaborated with schools to address students'' social-emotional needs, working closely with teachers and administrators to create supportive learning environments.
Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions for clients struggling with challenges or behavioral concerns.
Developed and facilitated support groups, promoting healthy coping skills and fostering peer connections among participants.
Provided crisis intervention services for clients experiencing acute mental health or substance abuse issues.
Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
Promoted a culture of self-care and professional development among colleagues, fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged ongoing growth and learning.
Enhanced community outreach efforts for better service accessibility and increased program enrollment.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
Supervised interns or junior staff members, providing direction on best practices in social work and contributing to their professional growth as practitioners.
Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
Facilitated group therapy sessions to build supportive, communicative client networks.
Led workshops on topics relevant to client populations served, empowering individuals with valuable knowledge and tools for selfadvocacy.
Built strong, trust-based relationships with clients, facilitating effective support and advocacy.
Supported clients' emotional and psychological well-being through provision of counseling and support groups.
Student social Worker
Headway Gauteng
01.2017 - 11.2017
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal client outcomes and facilitated smooth transitions between services.
Promoted a strengths-based approach when working with clients to build resilience and empower them towards selfsufficiency.
Enhanced client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and provide recommendations for necessary supports or interventions based on observed dynamics.
Enhanced overall agency effectiveness through participation in regular staff meetings, sharing best practices, and contributing to policy development.
Maintained detailed records in compliance with agency standards, confidentiality laws, and ethical guidelines for social work practice.
Facilitated client self-determination by providing education about available resources and empowering them to make informed decisions.
Provided emotional support to clients through active listening and empathetic communication, fostering strong therapeutic relationships.
Established partnerships with local organizations to create a referral network for comprehensive service delivery to clients in need.
Assisted clients in navigating complex systems such as housing programs, healthcare services, or child welfare agencies for improved quality of life.
Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
Facilitated group therapy sessions to build supportive, communicative client networks.
Facilitated peer support groups to help clients connect with others.
Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
Implemented community outreach programs to promote rights of people with disabilities.
Student social Worker
Christ Church Christian Care Centre
07.2016 - 11.2016
Promoted a strengths-based approach when working with clients to build resilience and empower them towards selfsufficiency.
Enhanced client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
Supported youth development by facilitating group sessions focused on building healthy relationships, self-esteem, and coping skills.
Maintained detailed records in compliance with agency standards, confidentiality laws, and ethical guidelines for social work practice.
Provided emotional support to clients through active listening and empathetic communication, fostering strong therapeutic relationships.
Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
Evaluated clients' social, emotional and psychological needs to create treatment plans.
Student social Worker
Sizanani Community Centre
01.2016 - 06.2016
Promoted a strengths-based approach when working with clients to build resilience and empower them towards selfsufficiency.
Administered assessments to identify clients' needs and establish treatment plans.
Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans for clients.
Participated in professional development and training opportunities to enhance clinical skills.
Evaluated clients' social, emotional and psychological needs to create treatment plans.
Student social Worker
The Love of Christ Children’s Home
01.2015 - 11.2015
Conducted home visits to assess living conditions and provide recommendations for necessary supports or interventions based on observed dynamics.
Maintained detailed records in compliance with agency standards, confidentiality laws, and ethical guidelines for social work practice.
Reduced barriers to service access by conducting outreach efforts within the community and actively engaging underserved populations.
Provided emotional support to clients through active listening and empathetic communication, fostering strong therapeutic relationships.
Developed and maintained strong relationships with community resources for successful referrals.
Student social Worker
Harvey Cohen Centre
01.2014 - 11.2014
Administered assessments to identify clients' needs and establish treatment plans.
Implemented community outreach programs to promote mental health awareness.
Devised and implemented community-based programs to promote mental health awareness.
Monitored clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
Student social Worker
Piet Van Vuuren Primary school
06.2013 - 11.2013
Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for optimal client outcomes and facilitated smooth transitions between services.
Promoted a strengths-based approach when working with clients to build resilience and empower them towards selfsufficiency.
Enhanced client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing individualized care plans.
Supported youth development by facilitating group sessions focused on building healthy relationships, self-esteem, and coping skills.
Maintained detailed records in compliance with agency standards, confidentiality laws, and ethical guidelines for social work practice.
Developed crisis intervention strategies customized for specific situations faced by at-risk individuals or families requiring immediate assistance.
Facilitated peer support groups to help clients connect with others.
Provided crisis counseling and intervention services to clients in emergency situations.