Melanie Peterson
Napier City
Summary
Dynamic Disability Support Worker with a proven track record at Hohepa, skilled in behavior management and emotional support. Adept at fostering social skills and independence in clients, while ensuring compliance with documentation standards. Committed to enhancing client well-being through engaging activities and effective communication.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Housing Navigator-Support Worker
Te Taiwhenua O Heretaunga
Hastings
06.2026 - Current
- Led strategic initiatives aimed at increasing community outreach and awareness of available services.
Disability Support Worker
Hohepa
Poraiti, Napier
08.2023 - 03.2026
- Assisted individuals with daily living activities and personal care routines.
- Assisted clients with activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and grooming.
- Assisted in developing self-care skills such as personal hygiene practices.
- Supported clients in developing social and communication skills through engaging activities.
- Facilitated recreational activities to enhance client well-being and community involvement.
- Delivered emotional support to individuals with physical or mental disabilities, fostering resilience and well-being.
- Applied behavior support strategies to encourage positive interactions and promote client independence.
- Managed challenging behaviors through positive reinforcement techniques.
- Documented client progress and incidents to ensure compliance with policies and enhance care quality.
- Trained new staff on best practices for supporting individuals with disabilities effectively.
Process Worker
Esk Valley Meats
Onekawa, Napier
01.2019 - 08.2023
- Assisted in accurate packaging and labeling of finished products to ensure compliance with quality standards.
- Inspected raw materials for quality to ensure only high-grade materials were processed.
- Inspected product quality prior to packaging and shipment.
- Followed safety protocols to ensure a safe working environment.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in production areas to support efficient workflow.
- Recorded production data and reported issues to supervisors promptly.
- Collaborated with team members to meet daily production goals.
- Communicated with team members regarding tasks assigned during shift.
- Reported any issues to supervisor immediately for resolution.
- Cleaned up work area at end of shift to maintain safe working environment.
- Analyzed work orders to determine materials needed for each production batch.
Deli Assistant
New World
Onekawa, Napier
01.2010 - 08.2019
- Prepared and sliced deli meats and cheeses for customer orders.
- Operated slicers, scales, and other deli equipment safely.
- Followed food safety guidelines to ensure product quality and freshness.
- Wrapped and labeled products according to store standards.
- Ensured cleanliness and organization of deli counters and equipment to maintain high standards.
- Stocked shelves with fresh products and monitored inventory levels.
- Guided customers in product selections and resolved inquiries to enhance shopping experience.
- Delivered friendly customer service by greeting patrons and addressing questions about deli products and services.
- Collaborated with team members to ensure efficient service delivery.
Butchery Assistant
Pak n Save
CBD, Whangarei
02.2007 - 01.2010
- Guided customers in meat selection and offered cooking advice to enhance their culinary experience.
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in the butchery area.
- Worked with team members to streamline operations and improve workflow in the butchery.
- Monitored product levels to support inventory management and maintain stock availability.
- Stocked shelves with fresh products, ensuring proper rotation.
- Rotated stock on shelves to ensure freshness and quality of product.
- Provided customer service by answering questions about products and pricing.
- Followed proper procedure when disposing of expired or spoiled items.
Teacher Aide
Manaia View School
01.2007 - 07.2007
- Worked one-on-one with special needs students to help navigate through school challenges.
- Supported teachers in developing instructional materials and engaging classroom activities to enhance student learning.
- Monitored student participation and provided constructive feedback to increase engagement and foster a supportive learning environment.
- Supervised student behavior during classroom and outdoor activities.
- Facilitated communication with parents regarding student progress and individual needs to strengthen home-school partnership.
- Established positive relationships with students, parents, fellow teachers and school administrators.
- Supervised children and participated with children in activities.
Teacher Aide
Raurimu Ave School
Whangarei
03.2005 - 12.2006
- Facilitated learning tasks and individualized education plans for students to enhance engagement.
- Guided special needs students through school challenges to promote academic and social development.
- Collaborated with teaching staff to develop engaging lesson plans.
- Prepared instructional materials and classroom activities in collaboration with teachers.
- Supervised children and participated with children in activities.
- Communicated effectively with parents about student progress and needs.
Education
Certificate in Health And Wellbeing Lvl 3 - Support Work
Ignites College
Online2024
Certificate in Child Protection - Safeguarding Children
Life Care Consultants
OnlineProfessional Development - Teacher Aide Numeracy Workshop
Early Childhood Institute
RTC Certificate in Support Teacher -
Regent Training Centre
National Certificate - Business Administration and Computing lvl 3
Practical Education Institute
Certificate in Small Business Management -
Open Polytechnic Of New Zealand
OnlineCertificate in Special Needs -
Taranaki Educare Trust
Skills
- Daily living assistance
- Personal care support
- Functional mobility support
- Disability services
- Disability awareness
- Behavior management
- Social skills training
- Activity coordination
- Client management
- Compliance documentation
- Documentation skills
- Educational assistance
- Time management
- Computer skills
- Communication skills
- Emotional support
Gse Workshops
- Teaching students with Downs Syndrome
- Teaching students with Hearing Impairment
- Sexuality Workshop – Special Needs
References
Available on request
Training Education
- Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (level 3) Support Work, Ignites College
- Certificate in Child Protection, Safeguarding Children
- First Responders first Aid, Life Care Consultants
- Autism Professional Development, Turn It around – Behaviour Management Workshop
- Early Childhood Institute, Teacher Aide Numeracy Workshop
- RTC Certificate in Support Teacher, Regent Training Centre
- National Certificate (L3) Business Administration and Computing, Practical Education Institute
- Certificate in Small Business Management, Open Polytechnic Of New Zealand
- Certificate in Special Needs, Taranaki Educare Trust
Personal Qualities
- Punctual
- Hardworking
- Friendly
- Honest
- Team player
- Good time management
- Enjoys learning
- Reliable
- Responsible
- Trustworthy
- Methodical
- High standards
Timeline
Housing Navigator-Support Worker
Te Taiwhenua O Heretaunga
06.2026 - Current
Disability Support Worker
Hohepa
08.2023 - 03.2026
Process Worker
Esk Valley Meats
01.2019 - 08.2023
Deli Assistant
New World
01.2010 - 08.2019
Butchery Assistant
Pak n Save
02.2007 - 01.2010
Teacher Aide
Manaia View School
01.2007 - 07.2007
Teacher Aide
Raurimu Ave School
03.2005 - 12.2006
Professional Development - Teacher Aide Numeracy Workshop
Early Childhood Institute
RTC Certificate in Support Teacher -
Regent Training Centre
National Certificate - Business Administration and Computing lvl 3
Practical Education Institute
Certificate in Special Needs -
Taranaki Educare Trust
Certificate in Health And Wellbeing Lvl 3 - Support Work
Ignites College
Certificate in Child Protection - Safeguarding Children
Life Care Consultants
Certificate in Small Business Management -
Open Polytechnic Of New Zealand