Alice Purdon
Summary
Dedicated professional with extensive experience working with children and families. This has assisted me developing a passion for supporting children and their families who are victims of family violence. Individuals receive evidence-based counselling services. Skilled in creating safety plans, performing assessments, and documenting progress. Skilled at facilitating and developing group therapy programmes. Committed to advocating for the mental health and well-being of clients who are experiencing family violence.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Lead Children's Counsellor
Respect
Auckland, New Zealand
01.2023 - 08.2023
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Social work and Advocacy skills.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with family violence.
- Implemented and developed core counselling programs to meet each individual's specific and varying needs.
- Developed individualized safety plans for families and children.
- Developed trusting therapeutic relationships with clients.
- Acted as client advocate to coordinate required services or resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Conducted risk assessments to determine concerns.
- Arranged and facilitated therapy sessions for children and families.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Collaborated with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Student Counsellor
Birkenhead College
Auckland, New Zealand
03.2022 - 12.2022
- Counselling adolescents 13-18 years old
- Providing comprehensive assessments of each client’s needs including suitability for counselling and selecting appropriate interventions for the client
- Building therapeutic relationships to ensure trust and safety
- Engaging in diversity and integrating aspects of Te Tiriti
- Waitangi
- Working collaboratively with the head counsellor and the head of pastoral care
- Working with students’ families
- Writing clients notes
- Organizing clientele and sessions
- Completing 150 hours of counselling placement
- Hours cultural and internal supervision
- Currently in process of NZAC registration
Nanny
Private
Auckland, New Zealand
08.2019 - 12.2022
- Worked with 3 children ages nine, seven and five.
- Started my role full-time working with the youngest child. Transitioned to part-time during my studies.
- Organized extracurricular schedules for sports and classes and provided safe transportation to different events.
- Engaged with children on individual basis to build positive relationships.
- Assisted with light housekeeping duties as well as running errands.
- Built positive and nurturing environments to support child social and emotional growth.
- Prepared meals and snacks for children based on dietary guidelines.
- Creating a harmonious relationships with children and parents.
- Balanced playtime and limited screen time to support development of fine motor, gross motor, and cognitive skills.
- Established lasting, professional connections with families and children by encouraging open communication and delivering positive feedback.
- Assisted children with homework assignments and special projects across different subjects.
- Administered basic first-aid and medication in emergency situations.
Student Counsellor
Ponsonby Intermediate
Auckland, New Zealand
03.2021 - 11.2021
- Counselling children 11-12 years old
- Providing comprehensive assessments of each client’s needs including suitability for counselling and selecting appropriate interventions for the client
- Organizing clientele, sessions and notes.
- Building therapeutic relationships to ensure trust and safety.
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
- Developed individualized counselling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Arranged and facilitated therapy sessions with students.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
Support Worker
Health Vision
Auckland, New Zealand
11.2018 - 03.2019
- Working within a team of health professionals for a four-year-old with Cerebral Palsy
- High intensity work
- Understanding complex needs, challenging behaviours and mental health needs for disabled children.
- Assisting in all client’s educational or physical therapies
- Provided emotional support for family.
- Assisted client with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Helped client manage and reach individual goals, supporting independent progression and social skills.
- Provided assistance in daily living activities by dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting patients.
- Kept detailed daily logs with care actions, patient behaviors, and incidents.
- Maintained safety with tidy, clean, and hazard-free home environments.
- Adhered to company requirements for patient interactions and care standards.
- Provided high level of physical support by lifting, adjusting, and moving clients.
- Transported patients via wheelchair to and from rehabilitation and daily activities.
Lead Group Facilitator - Power the Empowerful
Self-employed
Auckland, New Zealand
01.2018 - 01.2019
- One of the creators and leaders of Empower the Powerful, a group for women who had experienced sexual trauma.
- Creating a confidential, ethical and safe space for women who have experienced sexual assault, harassment or abuse
- Maintained positive, comforting environment that felt safe and inviting to clients.
- Developed open rapport with the group, encouraging sharing of questions and concerns.
- Prepared and led support groups.
- Developed programs and activities to help women improve attitudes towards seeking help.
- Listened to clients' concerns and provided encouragement and support.
- Supported individuals dealing with mental health and emotional issues.
- Assisted clients in exploring feelings and understanding behaviors.
Lead Group Facilitator - Sister Circle NZ
Self Employed
Auckland, New Zealand
01.2017 - 01.2019
- A responsibility to create a safe and empowering space for women to feel uplifted by one another
- Organize themes of each group and provide structure and education.
- A space where women felt safe enough to share their life experiences, mental health issues or current problems
- Creative therapies such as, dance, art and journaling were integrated
- Identified areas in need of improvement and implemented solutions.
Teacher Aid
Central Auckland Specialist School
Auckland, New Zealand
01.2017 - 10.2018
- Teacher aide for children with Cerebral Palsy.
- High and complex needs and care.
- Supported student physical, mental, and social development using classroom games and activities.
- Understanding of non-verbal communication
- Meeting non-verbal mental health needs.
- Assisted teachers with supervision and care of group of special needs children.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Provided assistance in daily living activities by dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting patients.
- Kept detailed daily logs with care actions, patient behaviours, and incidents.
- Provided high level of physical support by lifting, adjusting, and moving clients.
- Transported patients via wheelchair to and from rehabilitation and daily activities.
- Checked medication schedules and patient needs to enforce medication administration standards team-wide.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with children and their families.
Afterschool Caregiver
CCS Disability Action
Auckland, New Zealand
09.2017 - 02.2018
- Caregiving for a 13-year-old girl with Cerebral Palsy after school and school holidays.
- High and Complex needs.
- Engaged client in meaningful conversation, socialization, and activity while providing personal care assistance.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
- Built strong relationships with client and their family to deliver emotional support and companionship.
- Organizing and attending social outings
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help my client achieve nutritional objectives.
- Provided safe mobility support to help my client move around personal and public spaces.
- Transported individuals to events and activities, medical appointments, and shopping trips.
- Supported daily hygiene needs of client by assisting with bathing, dressing, dental care and personal grooming.
Education
Bachelor of Health Sciences - Counselling
Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, NZ10.2022
Skills
- Leadership
- Individual and Group Therapy
- Client Confidentiality
- Family Sessions
- Emotional Support
- Crisis Evaluation and Intervention
- Caregiver Relations
- Positive therapeutic connections and relationships
- Connect with children
- Psychoeducational Support
- Safety Planning
Timeline
Lead Children's Counsellor
Respect
01.2023 - 08.2023
Student Counsellor
Birkenhead College
03.2022 - 12.2022
Student Counsellor
Ponsonby Intermediate
03.2021 - 11.2021
Nanny
Private
08.2019 - 12.2022
Support Worker
Health Vision
11.2018 - 03.2019
Lead Group Facilitator - Power the Empowerful
Self-employed
01.2018 - 01.2019
Afterschool Caregiver
CCS Disability Action
09.2017 - 02.2018
Lead Group Facilitator - Sister Circle NZ
Self Employed
01.2017 - 01.2019
Teacher Aid
Central Auckland Specialist School
01.2017 - 10.2018
Bachelor of Health Sciences - Counselling
Auckland University of Technology