Paul Stephens
Rolleston,CAN
Summary
- Proven leader and community focused individual that has specialised in Youth Development.
- Community focused with strong connection locally.
- Contributed to and changed the life outcomes of many youth by fostering positive development and mentoring.
- Expert in programme planning and leveraging community through sport to enhance community connections.
- Excelled in team leadership at Impac, enhancing productivity and quality through effective supervision and feedback.
- Skilled in relationship management and team collaboration.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
RNZAF Sergeant, Youth Development Specialist
NZDF
08.2023 - Current
Role Scope: To train and shape youth from troubled backgrounds with extensive risk factors and barriers prohibiting them from a successful life. My role was to train and develop them in pro-social behaviours including fitness, interpersonal relationships, self-confidence, job seeking skills, and resilience. These tools provide many of them with the life skills that enable them to be contributing members of society.
- Strong relationship management and interpersonal skills with the youth and professional development of joining staff.
- Maintained documentation and records of training activities and group events.
- Established partnerships with local schools and organizations to increase awareness of available programs for at-risk youth populations.
- Facilitated conflict resolution through effective communication strategies that fostered mutual understanding and respect.
- During my time, i have graduated over 1,000 people from the Limited Service Volunteer programme, Bluelight Course, and Service Academies.
Team Leader
Impac
01.2023 - 08.2023
Role Scope: Manage, support, and develop a small national team that delivered forklift training to unemployed New Zealanders to improve their competitive edge in the employment market. I ensured the team were well resourced to be competent in their training delivery. I implemented an updated reporting system, improving on the existing system. The fast paced nature of the environment required regular communication and reporting to the Board of Directors.
- Supervised team members to confirm compliance with set procedures and quality requirements.
- Monitored team performance and provided constructive feedback to increase productivity and maintain quality standards.
- Co-ordinated the logistics of safety courses delivered nationally, with a focus on giving attendees employable skills.
- During my time at Impac, we were successful in helping 60-70% of our clients off the benefit and be gainfully employed.
- Short-term employment with Impac as a result of a company restructure and my position being relocated from Christchurch to Auckland.
Military Personnel
NZDF
01.2015 - 01.2023
Role Scope: Deliver the Limited Services Volunteer programme, manage the fitness and physical conditioning of several New Zealand Army Units, train the RNZAFs newest Recruits, and instruct at the NZDF Physical Training School developing the competence of the NZDFs Physical Training Instructors.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Dedicated to the service and betterment of others.
Military Personnel
Royal Navy
03.1996 - 11.2014
Role Scope: 18 years serving in the Royal Navy; eight years as a chef, and 10 as a Physical Training Instructor.
- Leadership of personnel with laser focus on them being the best they can be.
- Plan and implement programmes to support the mental and physical welfare of personnel.
- Strengthened communication skills through regular interactions with others.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Youth And Community Leadership
University of Canterbury
Christchurch, NZ09.2024
Skills
Interpersonal Skills and Relationships
I have a strong ability to communicate with people from a variety of social and cultural backgrounds developed from the skills learnt in military service as well as work in the civilian sector I have also been informed that I have excellent relationship building skills I have led and facilitated team meetings ensuring clear communication and collaboration across all departments Coordinated with different service providers to meet clients' individual needs
*
Mentoring and Leadership
I have over 18 year’s experience in leading high-performing teams I have mentored junior NZDF personnel, enhancing their performance and skills which has lead to promotions I was a mentor with the RNZAF mentoring scheme, where I worked with others in helping them achieve their goals I conducted a leadership training weekend with the New Zealand U21 Rowing Team to build their team cohesion and strengthen their inter-leadership skills
*
Connection and Community Through Work and Sport
I have worked alongside several departments (NZPol, FENZ,MSD, Schools) over my time on programmes such as CACTUS (Combined Adolescent Challenging Training Unit and Support), LSV (Limited Service Volunteers), Bluelight Programme and Service Academies These courses have allowed me to utilise the skills I have learnt through the military to support course attendees on their journey A lot of my roles have allowed me to connect youth with community resources, facilitating access to education, employment, and social services opportunities I have also been a volunteer football coach for the past 11 years, working with teams of all ages developing their fitness and football skills, as well as developing their social skills and team work Currently, I deliver the Force Fit programme which is a physical training class provided to support future NZDF recruits in meeting their fitness goals
Previously I also ran physical fitness class for mums and babies post-partum in Blenheim due to the lack of facilities available I gave my time freely in order to support mothers by removing the financial stress of transport to the gym ,babysitting costs and gym membership costs
*
Innovative and Creativity Skills
I have displayed the ability to generate new ideas and concepts into workplaces as well as having the capability to think about long-term goals and how to achieve them innovatively
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Program Planning
I have over 10 year's experience in programme planning and implementation I have communicated with companies to arrange employment and internship opportunities One of my roles was supporting the change in how military training was delivered within the RNZAF, this included leadership training for both ratings and officers Most recently I have developed a six week residential course programme for the Youth Development Unit with a focus on continuous improvement
Enhanced program effectiveness by regularly assessing and adapting strategies based on participant feedback and needs
Collaborated with fellow staff members to design comprehensive programs addressing the diverse needs of the participants
*
Strength of Mind, Driven, and Proactive
I am highly motivated, and proactive with a resilient and strong mindset I have a proven track record of taking initiative and driving projects to successful completion under challenging circumstances I have a strong metal resilience and adaptability
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Conflict management
I have resolved conflict within the teams resulting in a more cohesive and productive work environment This has been recognised in my additional role as an Anti-Harassment Advisor for the NZDF as well as being a Sexual Ethics and Respectful Relationships (SERR) champion for the NZDF Due to the nature of my current role, I have had to deescalate volatile situations and have become quicker to recognise these which can allow intervention prior to it escalating
Community Work
- Worked in collaboration with the Marlborough Youth Trust to deliver the CACTUS Programme in Blenheim. CACTUS helps young people develop their fitness, self-confidence, and team-work abilities.
- Volunteer football coach for the past 11 years, working with teams of all ages.
- Deliver the Force Fit programme for the past five years, supporting future NZDF recruits meet their fitness goals.
- Physical fitness class for mums and bubs.
Network
I have an extensive network throughout Selwyn, and as an active member in the community I do hear about emerging issues from the public. I know many personnel and groups at Burnham Military Camp, teachers and parents at West Rolleston Primary School and Kids First West Rolleston Kindergarten, Selwyn United Football Club, Rolleston RSA, members of Take Control Karate, Rolleston Rugby, Selwyn Sports Centre, and Lincoln Catholic Church.
Timeline
RNZAF Sergeant, Youth Development Specialist
NZDF
08.2023 - Current
Team Leader
Impac
01.2023 - 08.2023
Military Personnel
NZDF
01.2015 - 01.2023
Military Personnel
Royal Navy
03.1996 - 11.2014
Graduate Certificate - Youth And Community Leadership
University of Canterbury
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