Jessica Forsyth
Christchurch,New Zealand
Summary
Experienced in community service, effective at managing difficult cases and making sound, educated decisions. Empathetic, yet practical, problem solver dedicated to supporting others.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Probation Officer and Transitions Report Writer
Department of Corrections
Milton and Christchurch, NZ
02.2021 - 06.2024
- Managed a caseload of those on community-based sentences
- Ensured compliance with Court Orders through risk-based assessment and case-by-case critical thinking.
- Applied Motivational Interviewing techniques and used brief interventions to conduct targeted, therapeutic conversations about substance use, violence and other offending related factors.
- Maintained high quality oral and written communication with other Government Departments while upholding the integrity of policy such as the Privacy Act
- Prepared comprehensive reports for Court related matters following extensive interviewing of those facing sentencing
- Provided advice to sentencing Judges regarding rehabilitative pathways and potential risk posed to the community
- Managed individual workload while utilising the knowledge and advice of leadership and colleagues
- Attended weekly multi-organisational meetings for the purpose of forming wrap around support in response to Domestic/Family Harm events
- Recorded all completed work in the Integrated Offender Management System database.
Human Resources (Training Development)
Venture Property Management
Christchurch, NZ
06.2020 - 02.2021
- Shadowed all roles within the company to develop a comprehensive understanding of processes
- Developed training manuals for all roles within the company to be utilised during employee training and for quick reference for established employees
- Maintained employment relationship following completion of this contract in a general support capacity due to knowledge of all processes.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
Supervisor
Polli (Pollination Services)
Tauranga
11.2017 - 12.2019
- Lead teams of up to 15 people in artificially pollinating large scale orchards
- Co-ordinated strategy for efficient completion and demonstrated effective leadership skills by supervising
- Increased team productivity by implementing efficient workflows and setting clear expectations for staff members.
- Implemented safety protocols to minimize workplace accidents and maintain compliance with industry standards.
- Assisted in training staff members
- Maintained effective communications with upper management
Education
Bachelor of Commerce - Human Resource Management
University of Otago
06.2020
NCEA level 3 with Merit Endorsement -
Christchurch Girls High School
11.2016
Skills
- Excellent written and oral communication
- Risk and needs assessments
- Report Writing
- Case Management
- Interviewing
- Conflict Resolution
- Attention to detail
- Ability to learn and adapt quickly
References
- Jo Metcalfe, Department of Corrections (Christchurch), Service Manager, 2024, (+64) 027 468 6151, (03) 382 9343, jo.metcalfe@corrections.govt.nz
- Emma Marshall, Department of Corrections (Milton), Service Manager, 2021 -2023, (+64) 027 261 1846, emma.marshall@corrections.govt.nz
- Natalie Friel, Venture Property Management, (+64) 021 119 7753
Volunteering
Labour intensive work in Pokhara, Nepal (2015) - Aiding in the construction of a primary school located in a remote village
Care of intellectually disabled elderly (2015-2016)- Managing the care and facilitating socialisation of intellectually disabled through the YMCA volunteering programme
Timeline
Probation Officer and Transitions Report Writer
Department of Corrections
02.2021 - 06.2024
Human Resources (Training Development)
Venture Property Management
06.2020 - 02.2021
Supervisor
Polli (Pollination Services)
11.2017 - 12.2019
Bachelor of Commerce - Human Resource Management
University of Otago
NCEA level 3 with Merit Endorsement -
Christchurch Girls High School