Carissa Anderson
Youth Mentor at Saints Care Ltd.- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Credentials
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National Police Check
NSW Police ForceApr, 2023- Nov, 2024 -
Provisional Behaviour Support Practitioner
NDIS Quality and Safeguards CommissionFeb, 2020- Nov, 2024 -
NSW Worker and Volunteer WWCC (Working with Children Check)
Office of the Children's GuardianJan, 2023- Nov, 2024 -
QLD Disability Worker Screening Card: NDIS Yellow Card
Department of Seniors, Disability Services and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships -
HLTAID002 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support HLTAID003 Provide First Aid
St John Ambulance Australia (NSW)Jan, 2021- Nov, 2024 -
Membership
Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA)Aug, 2023- Nov, 2024 -
QLD Working with Children Card: Blue Card
Department of Justice and Attorney-General QLD -
Student Membership
Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)Dec, 2022- Nov, 2024
Experience
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Saints Care Ltd.
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Australia
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Non-profit Organization Management
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1 - 100 Employee
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Youth Mentor
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Mar 2023 - Present
At Youth Rezolutions (REZ), my dedication revolves around empowering at-risk youth (16-25) to foster independence, alleviate homelessness and develop crucial life skills, resilience, education, and overall well-being. Role Overview: In collaboration with the Program Lead, I am involved in an innovative new volunteer mentoring program targeting young individuals within Blacktown, The Hills, Parramatta, and Cumberland LGA’s who are on the cusp of or already experiencing homelessness. Core Responsibilities: - Empowerment & Support: Delivering mentoring to youth grappling with homelessness. - Skill Enhancement: Cultivating key life and independent living skills - including budgeting, cooking, cleaning, and self-care. - Safe Engagement: Upholding Saints Care Ltd.'s safety protocols, ensuring youth well-being, and advocating a risk-aware culture. - Trauma-Informed Interactions: Establishing rapport, maintaining appropriate boundaries. - Collaboration: Coordinating with Program Leads on emerging issues and participating in team-based commitments. - Diversity & Respect: Demonstrating cultural sensitivity when interacting with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and diverse clients and communities. - Administration: Efficiently managing case notes, incident reports, and contributing to program reviews. I am committed to creating an inclusive community and fostering a safer environment where youth can thrive. Show less
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Self Employed
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United States
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700 & Above Employee
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NDIS Sole Trader
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Jan 2023 - Present
As a dedicated sole trader in the disability support sector, I provide high-quality, person-centred care and community work services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). My commitment is to enable individuals to lead lives rooted in independence, self-determined goals, and respect for their individual rights and dignity. Scope of Services: - Person-Centered Planning and Support: Based on NDIS's emphasis on Individual Values and Beliefs, Independence and Informed Choice, I develop and regularly refine individualised plans tailored to each client's aspirations and needs. - Advocacy: Firmly grounded in the principles of Rights and Responsibilities, I champion the rights of my clients, helping them navigate the NDIS landscape and access the resources they deserve. - Case Management and Coordination: Delivering integrated care by collaborating with other professionals and family members, reflecting NDIS's standards on Support Planning and Responsive Support Provision. - Crisis Intervention: Ensuring client safety by swiftly addressing emergencies, anchored in NDIS guidelines on prevention of Violence, Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, and Discrimination. - Daily Living Assistance: Supporting independence in daily activities, incorporating best practices from Mealtime Management to Management of Medication. - Community Engagement: Assisting clients in building genuine community connections and inclusion. - Documentation and Reporting: Adhering to Information Management standards, I maintain comprehensive and compliant records, ensuring transparency and quality assurance. Building meaningful, trusting relationships is at the heart of my practice. My mission is to empower every individual to lead a life filled with respect, dignity, and self-determined opportunities. Show less
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What Were You Wearing? - Australia
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Australia
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Disability Coordinator
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Jun 2023 - Oct 2023
At What Were You Wearing? (WWYW), a respected Australian non-profit, I volunteered as part of a dynamic team dedicated to addressing sexual assault and supporting survivors. My role specifically emphasised disability advocacy and awareness, addressing the profound intersectionality of disability and sexual violence. Key Responsibilities & Contributions: - Collaboration & Advocacy: Collaborated with a cohesive team of over 50 professionals, united in their mission to support survivors, foster a culture of consent, and empower the marginalised. - Content Development: Produced social media content on the complex relationship between disability and sexual violence while ensuring accessible content creation. - Internal Education: Developed a language guide for staff, underscoring the importance of sensitive and appropriate communication. - Policy Refinement: Contributed to the enhancement of organisational policies, emphasising disability inclusivity. Updated event compliance forms with accessibility standards. During my time at WWYW, the organisation launched the "Say No to Drink Spiking" campaign. This effort was instrumental in successfully lobbying for mandatory drink spiking and sexual violence awareness training for nightlife professionals in NSW. This significant achievement involved collaboration with lawmakers and culminated in its passage in the NSW parliament, showcasing its impact in promoting safety and awareness. In my role, my dedication to content development, policy enhancement, and creating an environment of understanding and support was always at the forefront. With a focus on disability advocacy and elevating awareness through social media, I consistently sought to make a difference in the lives of survivors and to enhance the inclusivity of our initiatives. Show less
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MS Queensland
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Australia
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Non-profit Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Support Worker
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Feb 2021 - Dec 2022
Focused on enhancing the quality of life for individuals with diverse disabilities, I provided evidence-based, person-centred care in line with NDIS Practice Standards. By understanding and implementing these standards, I prioritised respect, dignity, and comprehensive support for every client. Core Responsibilities: - Managed varied situations across financial, social, and environmental domains. - Offered expertise in high-needs care, manual handling, and personalised assistance. - Addressed and managed crises, upholding client rights and safety. NDIS Practice Adherence: - Upheld Rights and Responsibilities, emphasising privacy, dignity, and fostering informed choices. - Practiced person-centred supports, recognising and respecting individual values and beliefs. - Actively preventing violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination. - Followed Governance and Operational Management standards, encompassing risk, quality, and information management, as well as feedback and complaints handling. - Emphasised Responsive Support Provision, ensuring smooth transitions and continuity of supports. - Prioritised a Safe Environment and managed Participant Money and Property with care. - Followed Mealtime and Medication Management Plans. Skills & Proficiencies: - Diabetes Care, Pressure Area Care, Manual Handling, Infection Control, and Positive Behaviour Support. - Specialised in high-intensity daily Personal Activities, including Complex Bowel Care and Ventilator Management. This role reinforced my dedication to advocacy and broadened my skill set, which I'm keen to apply in future social work and community service opportunities. Show less
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Mercy Connect
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Australia
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Individual and Family Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Behaviour Support Practitioner
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Mar 2020 - Jan 2021
As a Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner, I utilised the Positive Behaviour Support Capability Framework to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.Key Achievements & Responsibilities:- Developed both Interim (IBSP) and Comprehensive Behaviour Support Plans (CBSP).- Reduced both authorised and unauthorised restrictive practices.- Employed behavioural tools such as STAR charts, SMART goals, social stories, and QABF.- Performed functional behavioural assessments aligned with clinical and NDIS standards.- Maintained compliance with NDIS Quality and Safeguarding Framework, Behaviour Support Rules 2018, and OH&S legislation.- Trained staff in positive behaviour strategies and necessary restrictive practices.- Addressed and reported behavioural support discrepancies, offering feedback for improvements.- Formulated risk mitigation strategies and kept a record of billable hours.Core Competencies:- Expertise in functional behavioural assessments.- Comprehensive understanding of NDIS Commission Behaviour Support Rules and related legislations.- Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to train and lead teams.- Proficient in digital tools, especially electronic records, and data management systems.Eager to contribute further to social work and community services, focusing on holistic, person-centred, and evidence-based care.PBS Capability Framework:- Proficient in analysing and evaluating information and behaviour support plans.- Advocates for Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) within organisational settings.- Engages actively in supervision to refine behaviour support competencies.- Adaptable in interdisciplinary team settings.- Effective engagement with a diverse range of stakeholders.- Aligned with the key domains of the PBS Capability Framework, emphasising human rights, evidence-based decision-making, and ongoing professional development. Show less
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Support Worker
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Apr 2018 - Jan 2021
In this role, I worked in a complex behavioural group home setting utilising the principles in practice set by the NDIS Practice Standards. My approach prioritised person-centred supports, respecting individual values, promoting independence, and ensuring privacy and dignity for each participant.Key Contributions:- Crisis Management: Applied trauma-informed care and comprehensive risk assessments to address and manage critical incidents.- Justice System Liaison: Attended court hearings and other judicial meetings, assisting and advocating for participant rights and needs.- Support Planning: Developed, monitored, and revised individual care plans, aligning with responsive support provision standards.- Team Collaboration: Worked closely with a multidisciplinary team to enhance service delivery for those with complex support needs.- Safety & Compliance: Ensured the safe administration of medication, managed mealtimes effectively and adhered to guidelines regarding participant money and property.- Holistic Development: Designed and assessed programs promoting skill growth and meaningful engagement, while also providing personal care and emotional first aid.- Documentation & Record Keeping: Maintained timely and accurate records, ensuring adherence to legislation and incident management protocols.- Cultural & Ethical Sensitivity: Upheld standards to prevent violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and discrimination, ensuring a strong commitment to the rights and responsibilities defined by the NDIS Practice Standards.This role enhanced my skills in crisis management, person-centred care, and inter-agency collaboration. I will continue using these skills in future roles in social work and community services by always prioritising the well-being and empowerment of every participant. Show less
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Quality Risk & Safeguards Assistant
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Aug 2019 - Sep 2020
Supported the organisation in adhering to NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission standards, ensuring the rights and well-being of people with disabilities.Key Responsibilities:Reportable Incidents: - Managed NDIS Commission reporting requirements, ensuring incidents were promptly reported. - Conducted investigations, adhering to tight 24-hour reporting timeframes for incidents like death, serious injury, or abuse. - Initiated further investigations as per the NDIS Act. - Liaised with appropriate authorities when necessary.Interviews: - Employed expert techniques to gather evidence from staff for comprehensive reports.Stakeholder Relations: - Fostered relationships with staff, management, and the Board, driving positive change.Audit & Assurance: - Instituted audit programs in line with NDIS standards. - Employed risk management frameworks, ensuring service quality.Data Management: - Utilised Microsoft Office Suite and PRODA for data handling and generated detailed reports for management. Ethics: - Upheld strong integrity and confidentiality, adhering to the NDIS Code of Conduct.Operational Efficiency: - Displayed organisational skills, working with minimal supervision and adapting to changing business priorities.Skills & Competencies: - Comprehensive understanding of the NDIS Commission's scope and Code of Conduct- Proficient in complaint management and resolution. Show less
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Project Assistant: NDIS Royal Commission Investigations
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Oct 2019 - Mar 2020
Participated actively in critical internal investigations for the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation of People with Disabilities. I have an in-depth understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities and have leveraged this knowledge to drive positive change.Key Responsibilities & Achievements:- Conducted in-depth investigations into reports of violence, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, prioritising prevention and enhanced protection.- Prepared meticulous reports and communications for legal stakeholders and executive leadership, maintaining strict confidentiality.- Advocated for a more inclusive society, emphasising the importance of freedom and independence for individuals with disabilities.Specialised Knowledge:- Violence and Abuse: Recognised diverse harmful behaviours including restrictive practices, forced interventions, and financial abuse.- Neglect: Identified physical/emotional neglect and systemic issues depriving people with disabilities of essential needs.- Exploitation: Adept at detecting improper utilisation of assets, labour, or resources of individuals with disabilities.Core Competencies: Investigation, report writing, critical thinking, empathetic communication, disability rights advocacy, and protection strategies. Show less
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Assistant Team Leader NDIS (SIL)
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Aug 2018 - Oct 2019
Leadership & Management:- Supervised daily SIL property operations, staffing rosters, and ensured continuous shift coverage.- Guided and mentored new and existing Support Workers, ensuring thorough induction and supervision.- Conducted regular team meetings, addressing client or family feedback.- Worked as an acting Team Leader during their extended absence.Program Development & Implementation:- Designed and executed programs to boost participants' daily living skills and community engagement, in line with NDIS goals.- Managed crisis situations, offering intervention and post-incident debriefing. Advocacy & Legal Support:- Advocated for participants in legal settings, including court and juvenile justice discussions.- Upheld participant safety, rights, and well-being, occasionally performing personal care and domestic responsibilities in their homes.Community Engagement & Partnership:- Fostered local community partnerships, enhancing participants’ independence and choice.Administration & Documentation:- Analysed data and reports to gauge evolving support requirements for participants.- Oversaw budget and ensured accurate participant file documentation.With a comprehensive skill set spanning leadership, program development, advocacy, community engagement, and administrative duties, I am well-equipped and passionate about driving meaningful change in social work, always prioritising the needs and rights of participants. Show less
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Education
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2022 - 2024
Western Sydney University
Bachelor's degree, Social Work -
2019 - 2020
Wodonga Institute of TAFE
Diploma, Community Services - CHC52015 -
Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School
Higher School Certificate, 12
Community
