Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Affiliations
Accomplishments
Certification
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Lesley Allen

Kaikohe,NTL

Summary

Dynamic Peer Support Worker at Whakaoranga Whanau Recovery Hub with extensive experience in case management and community advocacy. Skilled in crisis intervention and addiction recovery, I leverage my lived experience to build strong client relationships, guiding individuals toward successful rehabilitation and recovery. Certified in drug testing and First Aid, I ensure comprehensive support for clients.

Overview

1
1
year of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Peer Support Worker

Whakaoranga Whanau Recovery Hub
Kaikohe
04.2025 - Current
  • I provide wrap-around support for clients struggling with mental health and addiction issues.
  • I have a sober check certification in drug testing, both urine and swab. I can capably drug test and breathalyze clients. I have my St. John First Aid certificate.
  • I have a range of certificates, which I have included in my CV that are peer support related. I am currently studying Mental Health and Addictions Level 4 part-time with Te Ringa Atawhai.
  • I have 20 years of lived experience with addiction, trauma, prison, and mental health. I can connect with clients and help guide them toward solutions.
  • I induct clients when they arrive from prison, and put together their files for management.
  • Provided case management services including referrals, advocacy, follow-up visits.
  • Met regularly with colleagues to discuss client cases and develop treatment plans.
  • Participated in professional development opportunities such as workshops or seminars.
  • Built trusting rapport with students and facilitated communication with family members when needed.

Community Advocate

Whakaoranga Whanau Recovery Hub
Kaikohe, Kaikohe
12.2024 - Current
  • When a new client is released from prison, I am their first point of contact.
  • I sign an appointment of agent form with them and explain my role.
  • We discuss their past and current situation.
  • I load the agent form with MSD, which gives me the authority to act on their behalf.
  • I apply for hardship grants on behalf of the client, addressing their basic essential needs.
  • We attend their benefit startup appointment. At this time, we apply for the disability allowance and attain an exemption from work obligations.
  • I register the client at the local doctors, provide support letters confirming their rehabilitation, sort out their medication needs, dental needs, and the disability allowance paperwork.
  • I continuously support MSD, creating a relationship with the client's case manager. This relieves the client of stress, and they can focus on their recovery.
  • I advocate between the client, their lawyer, and the court. I arrange VMR links into the courtroom to support a client when they are initially going for bail, to answer any questions the judge might have about the rehab organization.
  • I advocate on behalf of the client to rehab management so that they settle in smoothly.
  • I write support letters for MSD, court, doctors, when needed.

Personal Assistant

Whakaoranga Whanau Recovery Hub
Kaikohe, Kaikohe
01.2024 - 11.2024
  • Assisted the Kaiwhakahaere, Rhonda Zielinski, in daily activities, such as:
  • Rent reconciliations.
  • Meal preparations.
  • Filing paperwork and creating files.
  • Maintained confidential files related to personnel records or other sensitive information.
  • Prepared documents such as reports, presentations, agendas, and correspondence.
  • Proofread documents for accuracy prior to submission to the executive team.
  • Performed calendar management and scheduling of appointments for the executive.
  • Screened telephone calls and inquiries and directed as appropriate.
  • Ran errands to help with daily tasks, enabling employer to focus on more pressing duties.

Education

None -

Avondale College
Auckland, NZ

Skills

  • Case management
  • Mental health support
  • Community advocacy
  • Crisis intervention
  • Addiction recovery
  • Client relationship management

Affiliations

  • Reading, music, and poetry.

Accomplishments

  • I have shared my testimony of lived experience with several media platforms to inspire others struggling with addiction, and I have included some of my newspaper articles
  • I helped write a wonderful program that now sits with Odyssey House: the Hep C program, which tests, treats, and cures whanau infected with various conditions in rural areas

Certification

  • Life Keepers National Suicide Prevention Training.
  • Puawai 4 Kaimahi 101, Manawaroa
  • Puawai 4 Kaimahi 202, Manawaroa
  • Hep C Bioline Testing, Te Whatu Ora.
  • The Dynamics Of Whakawhanaungatanga, DOW.
  • Nga Tikanga Maori me tona ake reo.
  • Health and Disability Modules 1-3
  • Sobercheck certified Drug testing.

Languages

Te Reo
Professional

Timeline

Peer Support Worker

Whakaoranga Whanau Recovery Hub
04.2025 - Current

Community Advocate

Whakaoranga Whanau Recovery Hub
12.2024 - Current

Personal Assistant

Whakaoranga Whanau Recovery Hub
01.2024 - 11.2024

None -

Avondale College

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Lesley Allen