Sandy Jackson-Donlan
Ashburton
Summary
Proven ability to analyze complex situations and implement effective interventions, fostering positive change and community engagement. Committed to upholding the mana of individuals while ensuring timely and accurate documentation.
Adept at providing support, advocacy, and resources to diverse populations while maintaining high ethical standards. Able to demonstrate a collaborative approach, adaptability to changing needs, and focus on delivering impactful results. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and effective communication.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Statutory Social Worker
Oranga Tamariki
2020 - Current
- Hear tamariki and rangatahi voices and support them or their whānau to make positive changes
- Work with various cultural groups and people from different backgrounds
- Complete full assessments on the tamariki, rangatahi and whānau
- Be able to hold and facilitate a hui, with a focus on supporting whānau to grow their capacity to care for their tamariki and rangatahi
- Be involved in planning and delivering interventions to maintain tamariki and rangatahi within their whānau
- Work alongside partners in our community, non-government organisations and state sector agencies
- Be an advocate on behalf of tamariki and rangatahi to ensure they have the support and resources needed to reach their full potential
Social Worker/Counsellor/Clinical Team Leader
ACADS
2000 - 2020
- Promoted a culture of self-care and professional development among colleagues, fostering a supportive work environment that encouraged ongoing growth and learning.
- Increased client engagement in treatment plans by building trusting relationships through empathetic listening and consistent support.
- Helped clients with recognizing and managing mental health concerns through evidence-based interventions.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to build supportive, communicative client networks.
- Facilitated successful client transitions from residential facilities to independent living situations with appropriate supports in place.
- Enhanced community outreach efforts for better service accessibility and increased program enrollment.
- Coordinated external healthcare professionals to uphold high-quality, person-centred care.
- Supervised interns or junior staff members, providing direction on best practices in social work and contributing to their professional growth as practitioners.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven approaches, identifying areas of improvement and implementing changes accordingly.
- Led workshops on topics relevant to client populations served, empowering individuals with valuable knowledge and tools for selfadvocacy.
- Increased public awareness of social issues and resources available through effective community engagement initiatives.
- Supported clients' emotional and psychological well-being through provision of counseling and support groups.
- Conducted comprehensive assessments for individuals and families to identify needs, leading to personalized intervention plans.
- Streamlined case management processes, enabling more efficient client progress tracking and support.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to create integrated care plans, improving overall client health outcomes.
- Built strong, trust-based relationships with clients, facilitating effective support and advocacy.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive support for clients.
- Assisted clients in identifying community resources and connecting with appropriate services.
- Documented client progress and activities in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Collaborated with other professionals to plan and coordinate care for clients.
- Participated in interdisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care for clients.
- Educated clients and families on mental health, wellness and recovery topics.
- Facilitated psychoeducational classes to help clients develop life skills.
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
- Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
Social Worker Rural Community
Bardnardos
1999 - 2001
- Updated client documentation for accurate, compliant and current records.
- Interviewed clients, families, or groups to assess situations, limitations and issues and implement services to address needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure appropriate care coordination and resource allocation for clients.
- Educated families on available community resources, connecting them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers.
- Supported clients and families with empathy and compassion during difficult times.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating informed decision-making by team members.
- Advocated for clients to assure respected rights and wishes.
- Conducted home visits to assess living environment and facilitate access to necessary resources.
- Monitored clients' progress and adapted treatment plans to meet changing needs.
- Assisted clients with navigating and accessing social services such as housing and medical care.
- Advocated for clients'' rights, navigating complex systems to secure necessary resources and benefits.
- Helped clients develop new coping mechanisms and techniques to drive behavior modification.
- Conducted home visits to assess family dynamics, providing guidance on effective communication strategies and conflict resolution techniques.
- Developed and facilitated support groups, promoting healthy coping skills and fostering peer connections among participants.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions for clients struggling with mental health challenges or behavioral concerns.
- Administered assessments to identify clients' needs and establish treatment plans.
Education
Life Coaching
New Zealand Life Coaching
Christchurch, NZ01-2019
Certificate - Practice Certificate in Clinical Supervision
WELTEC
Wellington, NZ01-2018
Post-Graduate Certificate - Addicition Assessment
University of Otago
Dunedin, NZ01-2019
Diploma - Alcohol And Drug Studies
WELTEC
Wellington, NZ01-2018
Diploma - Sociasl Work Practice
Christchurch Polytechnic
Christchurch, NZ01-2000
Social And Community Work Practice
Massey University
Palmerston North, NZ01-1998
Skills
- Full registration with New Zealand's Social Work Registration Board (SWRB) and Current practicing certificate
- A social worker qualification recognised by the SWRB
- Clinical Supervisor DAAPANZ registered
- Full, clean New Zealand Drivers license
- Relevant experience in the Social Worker sector over many years
- Relevant knowledge of working with substance abuse diagnosis and dual diagnosis clients
- Empathy, patience and ability to see past what someone may be struggling with
- Experience within the child protection sector, preferably within NZ
- The ability to analyse and prepare social work and other plans
- Able to demonstrate sound judgement and organisational skills
Certification
- EMDR Training (Sigmund Burzynski ), 2009
- Four Quadrant Leadership NZIM 2014
- Parents and Caregivers of Sexually abused children Certificate (2019)
Timeline
Statutory Social Worker
Oranga Tamariki
2020 - Current
Social Worker/Counsellor/Clinical Team Leader
ACADS
2000 - 2020
Social Worker Rural Community
Bardnardos
1999 - 2001
Life Coaching
New Zealand Life Coaching
Certificate - Practice Certificate in Clinical Supervision
WELTEC
Post-Graduate Certificate - Addicition Assessment
University of Otago
Diploma - Alcohol And Drug Studies
WELTEC
Diploma - Sociasl Work Practice
Christchurch Polytechnic
Social And Community Work Practice
Massey University
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