Kylie Ann Tai-Rakena
Christchurch,CAN
Summary
'Manaaki whenua, manāki tangata, haere whakemua'
'If we take care of the earth & take care of people, we will take care of the future'
I am a Registered Social Worker with a BSW degree and have a current practicing certificate. I come with my own lived experience which enhances my practice delivery, this lived experience allows me to connect on a deeper level with clients and their whānau in advocacy, equality, and social justice. I am passionate about mental health and well-being, professional development, and breaking the toxic cycles of generational trauma in families.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Social Worker
VisionWest Community Trust
Christchurch, CAN
07.2022 - Current
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
- Monitored clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
Registered Social Worker
Presbyterian Support Southland
Invercargill, STL
11.2020 - 07.2022
- A non-government organization focused on a strength-based approach.
- The mahi involved case management, Oranga Tamariki Service Unit Contracts/reports, Intensive social work support, Oranga Tamariki Parenting Assessments, family therapy, and supervised access.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Daily Te Ao Māori practices such as karakia, waiata, and Māori roopu.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- De-escalated stressful situations through individual and family crisis interventions.
Community Outpatients Specialists
CDHB
Christchurch, CAN
05.2020 - 11.2020
- Developed strong client relationships through consistent communication and attentive service.
- Interpreted clients' needs and introduced services to fit specific requirements.
- Formulated treatment plan strategies with multidisciplinary teams to provide a comprehensive and continuous care plan.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behaviour modification.
- Explained medical care options to help families make informed healthcare decisions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams of school psychologists, teachers, and administrators to create and implement Individualized Education Plans
- Advocated for client rights and sought solutions by tracking and monitoring legislation and arranging and attending meetings with congressional lawmakers and staff.
Social Worker
Te Puawaitanga Ki Ōtautahi Trust
Christchurch, CAN
01.2019 - 06.2019
- Maintained regular contact with clients by calling and visiting clients' homes.
- Interviewed clients and family members to obtain key information for case planning and management.
- Assessed cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs of clients to determine appropriate interventions.
- Obtained and supplied information to coordinating agencies to provide the best possible guidance to clients.
- Te Ao Māori worldview was practiced and always implemented with whānau and kaimahi.
Social Worker
Addington.net
Christchurch, CAN
03.2017 - 10.2018
- Assessed cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs of clients to determine appropriate interventions.
- Supported clients of all ages to use and understand technology through a one-to-one, step-by-step process.
- Went into Princess Margaret Hospital Secured Mental Health Unit Weekly and supported their clients.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Improved client well-being by conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored intervention plans.
Education
Practising Certificate - Registration Number: 1530168
SWRB
06.2024
Level 3 - New Zealand Certificate in Nga Toi
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Christchurch12.2023
8 Hours - Work Safe First Aid Course
First Aid Company
Workplace06.2023
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Christchurch, NZ01.2021
Prevent Child Abuse - 5 Day Course
Oranga Tamariki
Invercargill, NZ01.2021
Level 3 - Te Papa Tikanga
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Christchurch, NZ01.2021
Skills
- Te Ao Māori lens
- Mana enhancing practice
- Compassionate
- Case Management
- Client Advocacy
- Excellent work ethic
- Conflict Resolution
- Flexible and Adaptable
- Self-motivated
- Time management
- Responsible
- Complexity
Certification
Tenancy Rights Apr 2024 - Pride Training Nov 2023 - Growth Through Disaster Nov 2023 - Sex & Consequences Nov 2023 - Advance De-escalation Training Nov 2023 - Hoarding Unpacked Nov 2023 - Trauma Informed Care 2 Oct 2023 -Menopause Workshop Jun 2023 - Trauma Informed Care Apr 2023 - Mana Informed Workshop Feb 2023 - Te Pūtaketanga: Introduction to Te Reo Maori Jan/Feb 2023 - Strategies of Mental Health and Challenging Behaviour Nov 2022 - MHERC - Mental Health First Aid Aug/July 2023 - Toituu Hauora, Ace Event, May/June 2022 - Mauri Ora with Sir Mason Durie, Compass Seminars, 15/02/2022 - Trauma-Informed Care for the Children's Workforce, June 2021 - Trauma-Informed Care for Caregivers, June 2021 - Childhood Trauma: Impact on Development & Behaviour, June 2021 - Māori Strategy & Action Plans - Regarding the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence, 24/06/2021 - Tenei Au - Enabling Good Lives (EGL) Principles and Approach, 3-days 2021 - Savvy Digi Parenting - John Parson, 24/05/2021 - Porn & Young People in Aotearoa, 03/05/2021 - Welcome to ANZASW, 13/04/2021 - Continuing Professional Development Audit Seminar presented by Andrew Thompson, 03/02/2021 - Te Rau Ora - Te Au Māori Suicide Prevention Community Programme, Tiaki Whānau, Tiaki Ora, 1000 Whānau Homes, 2020/19
Timeline
Social Worker
VisionWest Community Trust
07.2022 - Current
Registered Social Worker
Presbyterian Support Southland
11.2020 - 07.2022
Community Outpatients Specialists
CDHB
05.2020 - 11.2020
Social Worker
Te Puawaitanga Ki Ōtautahi Trust
01.2019 - 06.2019
Social Worker
Addington.net
03.2017 - 10.2018
Practising Certificate - Registration Number: 1530168
SWRB
Level 3 - New Zealand Certificate in Nga Toi
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
8 Hours - Work Safe First Aid Course
First Aid Company
Bachelor of Social Work - Social Work
Ara Institute of Canterbury
Prevent Child Abuse - 5 Day Course
Oranga Tamariki
Level 3 - Te Papa Tikanga
Te Wananga O Aotearoa