Passionate, motivated and experienced Occupational Therapist with extensive clinical knowledge and leadership skills. Skilled in application of research and clinical skills to practice to develop quality mental health services which meet the needs of consumers.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Associate
Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University Of Wellington
08.2022 - Current
Awarded Health Research Council Career Development Award to complete a 2 year self-directed project titled, "To what extent is trauma-informed care systemically implemented in Oranga Tamariki policies, models of care and practice to meet the needs of rangatahi in care and protection residences?".
Established a Research Governance Group representative of key stakeholders to guide the project. This group includes clinicians, youth workers, Voyce Whakarongo Mai, and youth with lived experience.
Conducted an indepth literature review and policy analysis to establish the current research gap in this area.
Interviewing care experienced young people and staff to gather their views and experiences.
Interpreting data analysis results to draw conclusions and develop solutions.
Developing collaborative relationships with academics within the University, nationally and internationally to develop a community of research in this area.
Presenting my research at national conferences to highlight current issues for youth in residences and potential solutions to improve health equity and health outcomes for this group.
TEAM LEAD MENTAL HEALTH OUTREACH & COORDINATION
Mauri Ora Student Counselling, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
08.2021 - Current
Leading a team of mental health clinicians to support the mental health and well-being needs of young people living in University Accommodation.
Supporting team members individual strengths to enable them to perform to the best of their abilities and be a part of a strong and cohesive team.
Building strong, respectful and collaborative relationships with a diverse range of services within the University and the community to promote the well-being and safety of the student community.
Contributing to the strategic direction of the University’s Health and Counselling service by developing innovative processes to improve service delivery and providing clinical leadership and oversight.
Providing therapeutic input for students with complex trauma.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
ICAFS, Mental Health, Addictions and Intellectual Disability Services, MHAIDS, Capital And Coast DHB
11.2017 - 08.2021
Provision of individualised assessment and intervention for young people aged 0-18 presenting with moderate to severe mental health conditions and their whānau.
Duties & Achievements:
Clinical expertise in complex trauma, youth and trauma informed systems
Trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Single Session Family Consultation, Sensory Modulation, educational and employment interventions, and complex risk formulation and management
Provided clinical and operational leadership through engagement in MHAIDS OT Leadership group, MHAIDS Clinical Governance Group, MHAIDS Vicarious Trauma Health and Safety Pilot Programme and ICAFS recruitment panel
Experience and training in working collaboratively with Māori and Pasifika populations and services
Advocate for providing a culturally responsive service at all levels of care
Strong interest in consumer and whānau involvement in service design and delivery. Member of Consumer Involvement Group.
Experience working with Rainbow and former refugee populations
Clinical supervisor to OT professionals, new graduates and students
Organiser and leader of professional development days for MHAIDS OT Sector
Educator on trauma informed care for clinical and non-clinical staff
Established a Trauma Interest Group to ensure provision of best quality care for consumers, whānau and clinicians
Subject matter consultant for ‘Let’s Get Real’ Te Pou trauma informed care initiative
Developed Well-being Programme for Youth and presented on this topic to local schools, police and primary health organisations
Established and led an Occupational Therapy service in ICAFS
Strong relationships with MHAIDS services, paediatrics, primary health, Oranga Tamariki, education, Te Pou and Universities
SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Dublin, HSE
03.2017 - 09.2017
Member of Referrals Committee responsible for screening referrals and signposting clients to appropriate services
Provided clinical assessment, individual and group intervention for young people and their families
Liaised with community services and local schools
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Changi Hospital, Singapore
10.2013 - 10.2016
Adult Inpatient Mental Health: provided mental health assessment and led individual and group treatment sessions; developed Clinical Practice Guidelines for intervention in self-harm
Neurological Rehabilitation: provided Neurodevelopmental Therapy and Bobath handling techniques, cognitive retraining, seating and equipment prescription and vocational retraining; developed Clinical Practice Guidelines on management of the upper limb post-stroke
Orthopaedics: Specialist Polytrauma OT, led a quality improvement project for clients on hip precautions, developed Clinical Practice Guidelines for best practice in amputee care, trained in ergonomics and management of lower limb amputees
Hand Therapy: skilled in standardised hand and upper limb assessment, competence in splint fabrication, wound care, upper limb strengthening, sensory re-education and work hardening techniques
Education
Master of Health Research -
Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington
08.2024
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy (Honors)
Trinity College
Dublin
01.2013
Skills
Clinical Leadership skills
Trauma Informed Care Educator
Expertise in trauma and youth
Excellent communication skills
Culturally responsive
Collaborative approach
Strong interpersonal skills
Highly motivated
Professional Registration
Full Practicing Licence with Occupational Therapy Board of New Zealand
Member of the Occupational Therapy New Zealand Association
Member of the EMDR Association of New Zealand
Accomplishments
Received Health Research Council Career Development Award in 2022.
Achieved First Class Honors in my Undergraduate degree and graduated first in my year.
Certification
Health & Safety Training for Managers.
Workplace Te Reo Level 1 & 2.
Eligibility To Work
Permanent Resident
References
Laureline Darques, Clinical Lead Counselling, Mauri Ora- Student Health and Counselling, laureline.darques@vuw.ac.nz, 0220239296
Mauri Ora Student Counselling, Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
08.2021 - Current
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
ICAFS, Mental Health, Addictions and Intellectual Disability Services, MHAIDS, Capital And Coast DHB
11.2017 - 08.2021
SENIOR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services, Dublin, HSE
03.2017 - 09.2017
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Changi Hospital, Singapore
10.2013 - 10.2016
Master of Health Research -
Te Herenga Waka-Victoria University of Wellington
Bachelor of Science - Occupational Therapy (Honors)
Trinity College
Health & Safety Training for Managers.
Workplace Te Reo Level 1 & 2.
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