Ella Bernard
Summary
Experienced social worker who is diligent, warm, respectful, patient, and empowering. I have strong organisational and time management skills and pride myself on having a strong work ethic. I practice with integrity and play to clients’ strengths holistically in their lives. I am an efficient communicator and utilise a trauma-informed perspective in my practice.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Core Assessment Social Worker
Ministry for Children - Oranga Tamariki
New Zealand
02.2024 - 09.2025
- Managed large case loads.
- Conducted holistic safety assessments for children at risk.
- Conducted meetings with family members and professionals to develop individualised care and safety plans for the child and their family.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify needs and strengths of clients.
- Facilitated and lead meetings to enhance family resilience and coping strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure clients are receiving wrap-around support.
- Practiced with a culturally informed and child-centred approach.
Placement Experince as a Student
Welcome Bay Community Centre
New Zealand
06.2022 - 12.2022
- Assisted in writing policies and procedures for community programs. Supported the creation and implementation of youth programs. Facilitated women's trauma courses to promote healing and empowerment.
- Facilitated community engagement initiatives by coordinating events and activities for diverse groups.
Tipu - Girls Mentoring
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Volunteered mentoring girls between ages 9-15. Early intervention programme that is designed to be therapeutic and empowering.
Team Leader lifeguard
Lifeguard
Australia & NZ
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Comprehensive First Aid Training.
- Leading groups of lifeguards.
- Managing active risk of large groups of swimmers.
Student Social Worker
Open Home Foundation
New Zealand
06.2021 - 12.2021
- I completed my third year placement at Open Home Foundation where I conducted assessments of care support plans for children in care. Participated in multidisciplinary meetings to enhance collaborative care strategies. Supported children and foster families through direct engagement and assistance.
- I received extensive child focussed trauma informed training along with experience in managing caseloads, home visits, connecting with new clients, and conducting case consults.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Waikato
New Zealand12-2022
Skills
- Risk and safety assessments
- Implementing safety plans to initiate change and client empowerment
- De-escalation skills where conflict or danger arises
- Strong verbal and written skills
- Value principals of; empowerment, equity, inclusion, problem-solving, and social change
- Inclusive of diversity across age, culture, ethnicity, and gender
- Passionate about client autonomy
Community Involvement
I have previously volunteered running youth programs, youth surf teaching, taught a girls skateboarding group and 1:1 mentoring through Tīpu Skills for Life.
Certification
- Drivers Licence
- Class 1 full licence (manual)
- WTR Endorsement (2023)
- First Aid Certificate
- Comprehensive first aid certificate
Timeline
Core Assessment Social Worker
Ministry for Children - Oranga Tamariki
02.2024 - 09.2025
Placement Experince as a Student
Welcome Bay Community Centre
06.2022 - 12.2022
Student Social Worker
Open Home Foundation
06.2021 - 12.2021
Tipu - Girls Mentoring
01.2019 - 01.2022
Team Leader lifeguard
Lifeguard
01.2019 - 01.2022
Bachelor of Social Work -
University of Waikato