Samantha Taufa
Te Rapa,WKO
Summary
I am a professional advocate with lengthy experience in supporting families and individuals to navigate and address their needs, dreams and aspirations.
Cultivating a supportive environment that empowers individuals to overcome challenges, attain personal growth, and flourish. Proficient in team development, strategic planning, and community engagement to drive positive social change.
I have a strong focus on team collaboration, adaptability, and achieving impactful results. Skilled in conflict resolution, utilizing Microsoft Office 365, and stakeholder communication.
Overview
6
6
years of professional experience
Work History
Pou Tiaki Aa Iwi
Waikato-Tainui
10.2023 - 01.2025
- Supported whanau to address Care & Protection concerns from Oranga Tamariki
- Conducted thorough whakawhanaungatanga to build rapport and connection with whanau
- Provided clear communications via email, over the phone and kanohi ki te kanohi
- Built and nurtured relationships with relevant Oranga Tamariki Social Workers to enable positive outcomes for whanau
- Advocated for whanau in all professional spaces
- Facilitated whanau hui
- Formulated whanau plans to present at Family Group Conferences, and Family Court when needed
- Supported whanau to seek legal advice, attending appointments with them
- Connected and liaised with community networks to ensure whanau engagement for positive outcomes
Youth Coach
Te Wananga o Aotearoa
05.2022 - 10.2023
- Facilitate the enrolment process and application process of young people eligible for the not engaged in education, employment and training service (NEET), and both MSD Youth Payment and Young Parent Payment benefit
- Complete Needs Assessments and formulate a plan with the young person for realistic educational, training and employment goals
- Assist young person to engage with appropriate services to help them overcome barriers to their participation in education, training, work-based learning or employment
- Provide post placement support for young person entering employment
- Provide ongoing intensive case management and support for young person utilizing group sessions or 1:1 as appropriate
- Inform Youth Service Support Unit (YSSU) about any changes to circumstances to ensure up to date information is recorded
- Meet with young person individually to review and update youth service plans 3 monthly or sooner as required
- Actively support young person to gain their driver license
- Exit young person at the end of the education year / end of training course year
- Facilitate connections between learner, education providers, community services and resources, ensuring holistic support and access to essential services
- Guided learner towards sustainable pathways with a focus on mentoring and development, promoting long-term success
- Implemented feedback mechanisms, ensuring youth voices were heard and valued.
- Designed assessment tools to track youth progress and adapt programs accordingly.
- Facilitated workshops to promote self-esteem and resilience in young individuals.
Whanau Ora Navigator
Te Kohao Health
05.2019 - 05.2022
- Worked with a team of navigators to provide high-quality care for whānau in emergency housing
- Provided intensive case management to transition whānau from emergency housing to sustainable accommodation
- Guided whānau through systems to achieve independence and self-sufficiency
- Established crucial relationships with stakeholders to secure necessary support and resources
- Collaborated with government organizations including Oranga Tamariki, Probations, Women's Refuge, and other social service providers to maintain stakeholder relationships
- Conducted initial assessments and developed tailored plans to support whānau in achieving their dreams and aspirations
- Assisted with employment readiness to reduce financial pressures and enhance stability
- Utilized knowledge of MSD products and services for effective crisis resolution
- Achieved holding 20-30 whānau caseloads, pro-actively working tailored plan to achieve goals and successfully achieve service delivery KPI's
Education
Level 5 Diploma - Te Ronakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Hamilton01.2021
Level 5 Diploma - Whanau Ora Diploma
Wai-Tech Ltd
Hamilton01.2020
Level 4 Certificate - Mental Health & Addiction Support
Career Force
Hamilton01.2016
Level 4 Certificate - Youth Work
Career Force
Hamilton01.2016
Skills
- Building and nurturing relationships
- Strength based approach
- Facilitation
- Advocacy
- Verbal and written communication
- Strategic planning
- Resource navigation
- Client confidentiality
- Microsoft dynamics 365
- Report writing
- Upholding organization values
Pepeha
Ko Tiki Te Aroha, ko Moehau nga maunga
Ko Tikapa te moana
Ko Ohinemuri te awa
Ko Ngahutoitoi te marae
Ko Ngati Tara Tokanui te iwi
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Samantha Taufa ahau
Timeline
Pou Tiaki Aa Iwi
Waikato-Tainui
10.2023 - 01.2025
Youth Coach
Te Wananga o Aotearoa
05.2022 - 10.2023
Whanau Ora Navigator
Te Kohao Health
05.2019 - 05.2022
Level 5 Diploma - Te Ronakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi
Te Wananga O Aotearoa
Level 5 Diploma - Whanau Ora Diploma
Wai-Tech Ltd
Level 4 Certificate - Mental Health & Addiction Support
Career Force
Level 4 Certificate - Youth Work
Career Force
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