Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Accomplishments
References
Timeline
Generic

Jo Smith

Portobello,Dunedin

Summary

I am an experienced and passionate counsellor who deeply values the importance of relationships. I believe that relationships are key to achieving and sustaining preferred outcomes. I possess proven organizational skills and take a proactive, solution-focused approach in my engagement with others. My oral and written communication skills are well-developed, and I pride myself on maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

I thrive both in team environments and when working autonomously. My ability to think on the spot and work outside the box indulges my creative side, which is reflected in the variety of person-centered tools and models I use in my practice. I enjoy working one-on-one with clients as well as in small groups. I am proud of my strong work ethic and my desire to be part of the process that encourages and supports others in achieving their goals.

Overview

8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Guidance Counsellor

Dunedin Normal Intermediate
North East Valley, Dunedin
03.2024 - Current

School Counsellor

Bradford Primary School
Bradford, Dunedin
10.2023 - Current

School Counsellor

Abbotsford Primary / Intermediate School
Abbotsford , Dunedin
01.2023 - Current

School Counsellor

Opoho Primary School
Opoho, Dunedin
10.2022 - Current

School Counsellor

Mornington Primary School
Mornington , Dunedin
07.2022 - Current
  • Provided individual and group counseling sessions to students in order to discuss academic, social and emotional issues.
  • Assisted families in understanding resources available within the community to address their needs.
  • Coordinated crisis interventions for students facing difficult life situations.
  • Created referral networks with outside mental health professionals for additional support services when needed.
  • Implemented behavior modification techniques aimed at increasing positive behaviors among students.
  • Monitored attendance records and identified patterns of absenteeism that may indicate underlying issues requiring attention.
  • Participated in school-wide initiatives focused on promoting a safe and welcoming environment for all learners.
  • Served as a liaison between schools, families, agencies and other stakeholders involved in providing appropriate supports for students.

Learning Support Assistant

Portobello Primary / Intermediate School
Portobello, Dunedin
10.2019 - 06.2022
  • Assisted students with special needs in the classroom setting.
  • Provided additional support to students struggling with academic tasks.
  • Developed strategies to help motivate students to reach their goals.
  • Collaborated with other staff members to ensure appropriate instruction was being delivered.
  • Facilitated small group instruction sessions as needed by teacher or lead educator.
  • Participated in meetings, conferences, workshops, and professional development opportunities related to job duties.
  • Modeled positive behavior for students and assisted them in developing social skills.
  • Encouraged positive interactions between peers through cooperative activities.
  • Supported teachers in implementing differentiated instruction methods based on student abilities.
  • Established supportive and nurturing relationships with pupils of diverse backgrounds.
  • Promoted and reinforced self-esteem through group work and recreational activities.

Field Worker

Muscular Dystrophy Association NZ
South Dunedin, D
09.2016 - 04.2020
  • Developed individualized plans for clients and monitored progress towards goals.
  • Provided support to individuals with disabilities in activities of daily living.
  • Conducted home visits to assess client needs and provide guidance and resources.
  • Supported clients during medical appointments, advocating on their behalf when needed.
  • Coordinated with other agencies to ensure comprehensive services were provided to clients.
  • Maintained accurate records of client progress, services provided, and any issues encountered.
  • Served as an advocate for clients in securing resources such as housing, employment.
  • Counseled clients on mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse.
  • Educated families about available resources within the community.

Education

Graduate Diploma Social Services Disability Lvl 7 - Social Services

Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin
03-2019

Bachelor of Social Services - Counselling

Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin, NZ
02-2012

Skills

  • Conflict Mediation
  • Confidential services
  • Crisis intervention strategies
  • Professional referral network
  • Therapy and counseling
  • Individual and family support
  • Classroom guidance
  • Coping strategies
  • Listening actively
  • Group therapy facilitator
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Attention-deficit disorder experience
  • Group Counseling
  • Maintaining confidentiality
  • Social and emotional health
  • Compassionate
  • Rational problem solving
  • Solutions-focused
  • Individual Counseling

Certification

  • Provisional member of NZAC currently working toward full membership

Accomplishments

  • · Revisiting Trauma Informed Practice: with a focus on suicide, sleep, and Sensory issues. With Michael Hempseed
  • · Play Therapy certificate – Icloud learning
  • · Attended a Neurodiversity workshop with Susan Huldane – March 2021
  • · Neuromuscular Study Day – Wilson centre Auckland
  • · Seasons for growth – Grief, change and loss trained facilitator
  • Minimise Fatigue, Maximise Life program - Trained Facilitator
  • Attended Otago Community Hospice Course, “The Inside Story” understanding the grief and loss process for people working with patients at the end of life - May 2012
  • Attended Psychodrama 1 Day Course - experiential learning in the foundations of psychotherapy - June 2012
  • Completed Catholic Social Services“Seasons for Growth” (supporting people in their grief process) companion/facilitator training - July 2012

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Guidance Counsellor

Dunedin Normal Intermediate
03.2024 - Current

School Counsellor

Bradford Primary School
10.2023 - Current

School Counsellor

Abbotsford Primary / Intermediate School
01.2023 - Current

School Counsellor

Opoho Primary School
10.2022 - Current

School Counsellor

Mornington Primary School
07.2022 - Current

Learning Support Assistant

Portobello Primary / Intermediate School
10.2019 - 06.2022

Field Worker

Muscular Dystrophy Association NZ
09.2016 - 04.2020

Graduate Diploma Social Services Disability Lvl 7 - Social Services

Otago Polytechnic

Bachelor of Social Services - Counselling

Otago Polytechnic
Jo Smith