Melissa Sherwood
Christchurch
Summary
Compassionate and dedicated Mental Health & Disability Support Worker with extensive experience at Brackenridge. Skilled in developing individualized support plans and fostering strong relationships, I enhance client independence and well-being. Proficient in medication management and emotional support, I advocate for client rights and ensure a safe, inclusive environment for all.
I was once a very troubled teen,Early adult and wanted to make changes after enduring a severe loss that had a terrible effect on my mental healthwhen my daughter was 5 months old.
I decided then Iwanted to help people and began my study towards this career.
I then went on to look after my mum who I lost to cancer and was her sole carer in the end throughout her palliative care, It made me want to change from not only working in mental health but to work with both mental health and disability.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Mental Health & Disability Support Worker
Brackenridge, BRACKENRIDGE
09.2023 - Current
- Assisted individuals with daily living activities to promote independence and enhance quality of life.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with clients, fostering trust and encouraging engagement.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create tailored support plans for individuals with diverse needs.
- Implemented behavioral strategies to manage challenging behaviors and improve social interactions among clients.
- Developed and maintained excellent rapport with team leaders, other support workers, and the families of the persons I support.
- Learning new skills by attending the courses held onsite, and implementing these newly learned skills every day.
- Advocated for client rights, ensuring access to necessary resources and services within the community.
- Trained new staff on best practices in disability support, enhancing team performance and service delivery.
- Monitored client progress and reported observations to ensure effective adjustments in care plans.
- Conducted regular assessments of client environments, recommending modifications for safety and accessibility improvements.
- Provided assistance in daily living activities by dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting patients.
- Drove clients safely to social activities and appointments.
- Developed strong interpersonal relationships with clients, earning their trust and respect through consistent empathy and understanding.
- Supported clients in maintaining a clean living space by assisting with household tasks such as laundry, meal preparation, and general tidying.
- Enhanced quality of life for clients with physical and intellectual disabilities through compassionate care and assistance.
- Kept detailed daily logs with care actions, patient behaviors, and incidents.
- Provided high level of physical support by lifting, adjusting, and moving clients.
- Provided emotional support to clients during challenging times, fostering resilience and coping skills.
- Transported patients via wheelchair to and from rehabilitation and daily activities.
- Promoted a safe and inclusive environment for all clients by enforcing policies and procedures consistently.
- Implemented behavior management techniques when required for the safety of both clients and staff members involved.
- Coordinated transportation arrangements for clients to attend medical appointments or partake in social activities safely.
- Managed medications effectively for clients under strict supervision from healthcare professionals, ensuring adherence to prescribed treatment plans.
- Facilitated community integration for clients by organizing outings, social events, and other opportunities for engagement.
- Improved client independence by developing personalized support plans tailored to individual needs and goals.
- Kept accurate records for client files and handled related paperwork.
Disability Support Worker
Private Care
08.2022 - 08.2023
- Provided personalized assistance to clients with disabilities, enhancing daily living skills and promoting independence.
- Developed and implemented tailored care plans to address individual needs and preferences effectively.
- Facilitated communication between clients, families, and healthcare professionals to ensure holistic support.
- Assisted in mobility and personal care tasks, ensuring safety and comfort for all clients.
- Maintained safety with tidy, clean, and hazard-free home environments.
- Delivered exceptional personal care services, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and feeding assistance.
- Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
- Communicated regularly with family members about client progress, addressing any concerns or questions promptly.
- Facilitated family meetings to discuss patient care plans.
Personal Carer
Private Care
02.2020 - 11.2020
- Provided personalized support to clients with daily living activities, enhancing quality of life.
- Assisted with medication management, ensuring adherence to care plans and safety protocols.
- Monitored and documented changes in clients' health conditions, reporting updates to healthcare professionals.
- Developed and maintained trusting relationships with clients, fostering emotional well-being and comfort.
- Implemented individualized care strategies based on client needs assessments, promoting independence and dignity.
- Conducted regular safety checks in client environments, reducing risks and ensuring safe living conditions.
- Provided emotional support during difficult times, offering companionship and empathy to enhance mental wellbeing.
- Facilitated activities of daily living such as grooming, dressing, and personal hygiene for increased self-esteem and confidence among patients.
- Maintained a clean, safe, and organized living environment for patients, promoting overall well-being and satisfaction.
- I cared for and looked after my mum while she kept her dignity and as much independence as she could during her last moments and months of life.
Education
Certificat in Health & Wellbeing Support Work Lv3 - Disability Studies
CareerForce
Christchurch, NZ02-2025
Level 3 Maori Language And History - Languages
Te Wananga O Raukawa
Christchurch, NZ08-2022
NZ Cert in Health And Wellbeing Lv4 - Social And Community Services
Southern Institute of Technology
Invercargill, NZ11-2018
Skills
- Daily living assistance
- Problem-solving
- Housekeeping and meal preparation
- Personal care
- Independent living support
- Mobility support
- Documentation skills
- Documentation and reporting
- Disability awareness
- Relationship building
- Incident reports
- Disability services
- Health and safety
- Daily living requirements
- Individual support plans
- Household chores
- Dressing assistance
- Creative thinking
- Risk assessments
- Family communication
- Emotional support
- Transportation assistance
- Social skills development
- Safety management
- Personal growth support
- Client transportation
- Elderly care
- Medication organization
- Feeding assistance
- Grooming support
- Client needs assessment
- Behavior support plans
- Recreational activities
- Progress documentation
- Lifestyle support
- Positive reinforcement
- Care documentation
- Life skills training
- Individualized support plans
- Palliative care
Certification
Level 4 New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Social and Community Services) -Mental Health and addiction Support
Southern Institute of Technology May 2025
New Zealand Certificate in Health and Wellbeing Support Work Lv3
Careerforce May 2025
Essential First Aid NZQA Unit Standards 6402,6401
Certificates of attendance at MHERC 2018-2020
Alcoholism, Depression and the Elderly
An Overview of Older Person's Mental health
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Kiwi Kids and Teens (The Skateboard Model)
Working with Difficult Behaviours and Bullying
Understanding Change: Managing and Coping Strategies
Safer Home Visiting in the Community Work
Clinical Note Writing for Community Support Workers
Languages
English
Full Professional
Timeline
Mental Health & Disability Support Worker
Brackenridge, BRACKENRIDGE
09.2023 - Current
Disability Support Worker
Private Care
08.2022 - 08.2023
Personal Carer
Private Care
02.2020 - 11.2020
Certificat in Health & Wellbeing Support Work Lv3 - Disability Studies
CareerForce
Level 3 Maori Language And History - Languages
Te Wananga O Raukawa
NZ Cert in Health And Wellbeing Lv4 - Social And Community Services
Southern Institute of Technology