Kathryn Paruru
Auckland,AUK
Summary
Dynamic community worker/social worker with extensive experience, excelling in client advocacy. Proven ability to develop personalized plans and enhance client support. Skilled in case management and active listening, committed to empowering individuals and families to achieve their goals. I am a skilled Community Connector with a background in building strong, sustainable relationships within diverse communities. Strengths lie in interpersonal communication, strategic planning, negotiation skills, and the ability to inspire trust and cooperation among community members. Previous roles have shown a significant impact through improved community engagement and unity.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Community Connector
Auckland City Mission
07.2024 - Current
- Conducted assessments and provided referrals to appropriate resources for individuals needing assistance.
- Maintained accurate records and documented client data in company databases.
- Maintained regular contact with clients to ensure they received the necessary support services.
- Facilitated weekly meetings with program participants to discuss progress, challenges, and goals.
Education Assistant, Special Needs
Ministry of Education
Pakuranga
06.2023 - 06.2024
- Participated in professional development workshops related to special education topics.
- Created a positive learning environment that encouraged students' participation in class activities.
- Provided direct instruction in small groups or individually as needed.
- Collaborated with teacher to develop personalized and successful learning strategies.
- Provided one-on-one instruction to students with special needs.
- Collaborated with general education teachers, weekly planning of activities for each student.
Case Manager
Prisoner Aid Rehabilitation Service
Auckland
04.2012 - 12.2014
- Participated in professional development activities related to case management best practices.
- Assisted with applications for clients needing accommodation and financial support.
- Provided referrals to appropriate health care providers, or other community resources.
- Supported clients with mental health conditions and self-care techniques.
- Conducted home visits to assess the safety of living environments for clients.
- Assessed clients' needs, developed service plans, and monitored progress toward goals.
- Maintained accurate case records and documentation according to agency guidelines.
- Developed individualized care plans with input from clients and their families.
- I attended court hearings as a representative of the organization when needed.
- Monitored client progress through regular follow-up contacts.
- Compiled reports on cases, and submitted them to supervisors as required.
- Supported family members by providing information on local support groups.
- Adhered to ethical principles and standards to protect clients' confidentiality.
- I communicated with legal service providers and social service agencies regarding cases.
Community Education Outreach Worker
Barnadoes Home based Education
Auckland
01.2011 - 02.2012
- Facilitated workshops designed to increase awareness about available learning resources.
- Maintained accurate records of client information and progress notes.
- Collaborated with community partners to coordinate services for clients.
- Monitored progress of participants over time in order to assess effectiveness of services provided.
- Attended conferences related to outreach work in order to stay current on best practices.
- Created promotional materials, including flyers, brochures, and posters, to increase program visibility.
- Represented the organization at various events throughout the year.
- Assisted clients in navigating various community resources and services.
- Initiated contact with potential clients through phone calls, emails, and home visits.
- Gathered feedback from participants regarding their experiences with the program.
Community Social Worker
Te Whanau Tahi ltd
Auckland
09.2005 - 03.2010
- Advocated on behalf of clients to ensure they were receiving appropriate benefits, or assistance, from governmental organizations or private entities.
- Worked closely with families to develop personalized plans for long-term success.
- Attended conferences related to the field of social work.
- Assisted clients in accessing resources such as healthcare, housing, education, employment, and other basic needs.
- Monitored client progress toward goals outlined in service plans.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions using an electronic database system.
- Conducted home visits to assess the client's physical and emotional well-being.
- Actively listened and provided emotional support while maintaining professional boundaries with clients.
- Provided crisis intervention services in emergency situations.
- Provided case management services to clients, including assessment, goal setting, advocacy, referral, and follow-up.
- Interviewed clients individually and in family groups to determine the services to best address specific needs.
Social Worker
Odyssey House Youth Services
Auckland
08.2001 - 10.2005
- Conducted assessments of client needs, strengths, and resources to develop treatment plans.
- Developed individualized service plans with clients to address their identified goals.
- Collaborated with family members to provide comprehensive support services to clients.
- Participated in professional development activities, such as seminars, workshops, and trainings.
- Maintained accurate records of client progress and interactions according to agency standards.
Social Worker
Merivale Women's Refuge
Auckland
03.1998 - 05.2001
- Conducted assessments of client needs, strengths, and resources to develop short-term goals and/or plans.
- Collaborated with family members to provide comprehensive support services to clients.
- Participated in professional development activities, such as seminars, workshops, and training.
- Provided detailed crisis intervention services for clients experiencing acute distress.
- Assisted clients in accessing community resources, such as housing, food pantries, and transportation options.
- Attended team meetings and provided feedback on case updates.
- Maintained thorough case history records, and wrote detailed reports.
Education
Diploma Health And Wellbeing - Health And Wellness
08-2021
Diploma Level 5 Supervision - Social Sciences
07-2019
Diploma Social Science -
09-1995
High School Diploma -
10-1984
Skills
- Client advocacy
- Social services knowledge
- Community outreach
- Communication skills
- Team collaboration
- Active listening
- Goal setting
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Cultural history
- Case management
- Family dynamics
Timeline
Community Connector - Auckland City Mission
07.2024 - Current
Education Assistant, Special Needs - Ministry of Education
06.2023 - 06.2024
Case Manager - Prisoner Aid Rehabilitation Service
04.2012 - 12.2014
Community Education Outreach Worker - Barnadoes Home based Education
01.2011 - 02.2012
Community Social Worker - Te Whanau Tahi ltd
09.2005 - 03.2010
Social Worker - Odyssey House Youth Services
08.2001 - 10.2005
Social Worker - Merivale Women's Refuge
03.1998 - 05.2001
AGG - Diploma Health And Wellbeing, Health And Wellness
NZQA - Diploma Level 5 Supervision, Social Sciences
Auckland College of Education - Diploma Social Science,
Otahuhu College - High School Diploma,
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