Debra Cullen
Nelson
Summary
With 15+ years of experience as a social support worker, including 5 years in emergency housing, I consistently demonstrate a strong work ethic while effectively working remotely from managers. Enthusiastic, self-motivated, reliable, responsible, and hard-working, I bring significant value to any organization. My ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and my effective listening skills enable me to understand the needs of clients/whanau, a key aspect of my skill set. Taking a holistic approach, I excel in supporting clients/whanau to overcome barriers and enhance their skills to secure sustainable and future housing. Additionally, I am skilled at effectively engaging with key stakeholders such as MSD, financial mentors, property managers, and other housing providers.
Overview
32
32
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Emergency Housing and Social Support Worker
Christchurch Methodist Mission
01.2020 - Current
- I work remote from my managers and wider team colleagues within the South Island to fulfill a CMM contract with the MSD. I work directly with the Integrated Service Case Managers and Housing Broker team.
- I have exceptional organisation skills and effective time management.
- Connect face to face working with clients/whanau from diverse backgrounds, empowering and supporting them through addressing barriers, making and reviewing tenancy portals suitable to potential Property Managers and Landlords, individualized goal plans that guide and support them to achieve sustainable housing
- Connecting whanau with key community providers to assist with budgeting, financial mentoring, life skills and social services
- Building community relationships with key stakeholders
- Maintaining accurate, confidential, up to date computer, paperwork and professional case notes.
- Learn from others willingly especially through challenges.
Senior Community Mental Health Support Worker
Gateway
11.2012 - 01.2020
- I was part of a large team of support workers working within the community encouraging self care to people living with mental health disorders within the community by teaching life skills, coping strategies and stress management.
- Supporting Whanau through reducing anxiety through active listening, problem solving and crisis intervention techniques.
- Recognising and responding to signs of potential self harm or suicide risk, utilising appropriate intervention strategies and communicating with clinical and referral healthcare professionals.
- Support Whanau in achieving goals through goal setting with guidance.
Residential Mental Health Support Worker
Mental Health Support Services Ltd
10.2009 - 11.2012
- I worked as part of a large team who worked in smaller teams together over different shifts. Registered nurse on site during the day shift.
- Supported patients in achieving personal goals through goal-setting.
- Promoted a safe environment for Whanau by monitoring behaviours and implementing safety protocols when necessary.
- Enhanced patient well-being by providing empathetic and compassionate support in daily skills, medication collection, checking and administration..
- Collaborated with mental health professionals to coordinate comprehensive care for clients.
- Maintained confidential client records to document daily case notes, assessment, treatment plans and progress.
- Reduced patient anxiety through active listening, problem-solving, and crisis intervention techniques.
- Recognized and responded to signs of potential self-harm or suicide risk, utilizing appropriate intervention strategies and resources to ensure patient safety.
Qualified Self-Employed Massage Therapist
Mobile Massage Therapy
02.2003 - 07.2009
- Self Employed Small Business in Whangarei prior to moving to Nelson
- Provided professional qualified quality massage to corporate businesses and within my own clinic.
- Beings able to communicate clearly and effectively so that clients feel comfortable and provide the treatment they need.
- Being able to interpret information about clients physical condition and tailor treatment to each clients need.
- Organised to keep track of appointments and maintain accurate confidential client treatments records.
- Understanding health and safety hygiene to ensure workplace safety.
- Physical strength, stamina, motivation, enthusiasm, health conscious and ability to work for myself.
Massage Therapist Employee
Deborah Yardley Massage Therapy
01.2000 - 07.2003
- Mentored and trained by a qualified Massage Therapist within their own business in Whangarei whilst achieving my own Massage Qualification.
- Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy and physiology to better understand body and inform massage techniques.
- Booked appointments, answered phones, greeted clients, handled payments, and created client service tickets.
- Created comfortable and professional environment for clients by setting up massage tables and preparing treatment area.
- Provided clear, concise instructions to clients to prepare for massage services.
- Expanded knowledge of various modalities through continuing education courses, enhancing skillset as a therapist.
- Conducted outreach to local businesses, establishing corporate wellness programs that expanded client base.
- Fostered calming and welcoming environment, which contributed to positive client feedback and increased referrals.
Senior Aged Care Caregiver
Merrivale Rest Home Whangarei
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Assisting in all aspects of an aged care giving role within a rest home including personal cares, meals, wound care, mentoring other staff, good communication skills, accurate record keeping.
- Engaging with patients meaningfully, socialising and activity to enjoy.
- Promoting patient independence and quality of life.
- Assisted with dressing guidance, grooming, meal preparation, and medication reminders.
- Performed light housekeeping duties to maintain cleanliness standards while respecting the patient''s personal space.
- Assisted with feeding and monitored intake to help patients achieve nutritional objectives.
- Contributed to a positive atmosphere for patients by using effective communication and active listening skills.
- Coordinated closely with family members regarding updates on patient conditions or concerns that arose during the course of caregiving duties.
- Documented detailed daily reports on each client''s progress, informing adjustments in care plans when necessary.
- Changed dressings, bandages, and binders to maintain proper healing and sanitary measures.
- Assisted in rehabilitation exercises as prescribed by medical professionals, guiding patients towards improved mobility and function.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in caregiving techniques, enhancing the quality of care provided.
Education
Borderline Personality Disorder -
MHERC
12.2024
National Certificate in Massage and sports therapy -
The NZ College of Massage
De-Escalation -
MHERC
12.2024
First Aid Revalidation Course -
Nelson Red Cross
12.2024
Methamphetamine and Synthetic Substances -
MHERC
12.2024
Relapse Prevention and Maintaining Change -
MHERC
12.2024
Safeguarding Children -
Safeguarding Children New Zealand
12.2024
Certificate Fundamentals of Palliative Care -
Nelson Hospice
12.2019
Certificate in Real Skills for people working in Mental Health -
The Career Academy
12.2018
National Certificate in Mental Health and Addiction Support Level 4 -
Career force
12.2015
Skills
- Community Engagement
- Effective Time Management
- Effective Active Listening
- Accurate Record Maintenance
- Emotional Awareness
Accomplishments
* Being trusted by managers to work remotely .
* Housing Whanau with sustainable housing.
* Supporting Whanau out of debt.
* Charged with pre-checking other staff client files ready for discharge for the managers.
* I bring a high level of competency to my work.
Certification
NZ Drivers Licence, 05/09/32, Debra Elizabeth Cullen, 12/95
Languages
English
Timeline
Emergency Housing and Social Support Worker
Christchurch Methodist Mission
01.2020 - Current
Senior Community Mental Health Support Worker
Gateway
11.2012 - 01.2020
Residential Mental Health Support Worker
Mental Health Support Services Ltd
10.2009 - 11.2012
Qualified Self-Employed Massage Therapist
Mobile Massage Therapy
02.2003 - 07.2009
Massage Therapist Employee
Deborah Yardley Massage Therapy
01.2000 - 07.2003
Senior Aged Care Caregiver
Merrivale Rest Home Whangarei
01.1993 - 01.1995
National Certificate in Massage and sports therapy -
The NZ College of Massage
De-Escalation -
MHERC
First Aid Revalidation Course -
Nelson Red Cross
Methamphetamine and Synthetic Substances -
MHERC
Relapse Prevention and Maintaining Change -
MHERC
Safeguarding Children -
Safeguarding Children New Zealand
Certificate Fundamentals of Palliative Care -
Nelson Hospice
Certificate in Real Skills for people working in Mental Health -
The Career Academy
National Certificate in Mental Health and Addiction Support Level 4 -
Career force
Borderline Personality Disorder -
MHERC
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