Introduction

Hello, my name is Christine Lee Boyle (ECU Student Id: 2033868) and this is my portfolio.

I have completed a Bachelor of Business degree, majoring in Accounting and International Business and a Bachelor of Arts Psycholgy degree at Edith Cowan University. I am currently completing Honours Psychology also at ECU to meet the Australian Psychological Society requirements so that I can onde day register as a Psychologist if I choose to. I have been studying at university since 2003, whilst also participating in various work opportunities based around my mode of study. My employment history includes various industries such as retail, hospitality, travel and administration, as I chose to undertake new opportunities if they became available to me, to assist me in identifying areas of employment I am competent at and enjoy.

I also participate in volunteer programs from time to time if I feel I am in a position to help others or to further my self-development. Previously, I have undertaken academic workshops to assist me in my studies and elective training for work to gain skills and qualifications that have allowed me to perform additional tasks in my employment, such as a RSA and LLC certificate that made it possible for me to provide alcohol to guests after hours while working in a hotel. I am currently a Peer Mentor in ECU's Resistance and Persistence Transition Support Program (RaPTS) and help first year psychology students with their transition into university.

I am interested in pursueing a career in psychology as I find it intriguing that there remains so much in this field that is unconfirmed about how and why individuals act the way they do. Also, I have observed many members of my family, including my mum and dad in how they have been affected by the negative and harmful relationships they had with their parents. This encouraged me to study psychology so that I can one day help other families and protect children from abuse. It is also a career I believe I will find enjoyable and rewarding each day.

The aim of this portfolio is to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and competencies I have developed over the nine years I studied at ECU and in my work experience. I expect it will convey who I am as a person, what I hope to gain from my studies and self-development and my goals for the future to develop the necessary skills and qualifications to pursue a career in psychology and child welfare. I believe these are important to improve my employability on both a personal and professional level.

● Exert Cover Letter

11 August 2011
Ian Moore
Manager Intensive Family Services
UnitingCare West
Phone: (08) 9355 9052
Email: hr@unitingcarewest.org.au

Dear Mr. Moore,
Re: Senior Case Worker – Intensive Family Service

I am applying for the above position within the Intensive Family Service team, as advertised by Uniting Care West on 1 August 2011.

I currently hold the position of Child Protection Worker within the children in care team of the Department for Child Protection, a position I have held for three years.

I believe my skills and experience in this role, together with my extensive knowledge of HRM and advanced social work practices will enable me to make a positive contribution to the team. I have a magnitude of life experience and a passion to work in a supportive role for children, young people and families, as being a parent myself has shown me how highly valuable family and their support network can be. My skills are listed in my resume, but for your convenience, I also have summarised them and my relevant competencies as follows:

  • Manage a dynamic caseload of up to 15, which includes assessments, investigations, family support and children in care;
  • Work independently to promote the safety of children in care, the success of which is contingent on my increasing ability to prioritise my caseload, make ongoing evaluations, make informed decisions and identify appropriate goals and outcomes for within the family and residential settings;
  • Utilise theories and practices relating to child development, child protection, family intervention and out of home care to best support children and families, including crisis intervention, developmental theory, strengths based practice, behavioural theories, and grief theory;
  • Able to communicate clearly and apply interpersonal skills within a multi-disciplinary team. I possess a high level of interpersonal skills that includes active listening, reflecting back, empathy, establishing rapport and being honest. I regularly demonstrate these during interviews and meetings with clients, patients, other agency staff and colleagues;
  • Well-developed verbal and written communication skills and high level of computer literacy, utilised on a daily basis to prepare reports, maintain client records and to communicate with other agencies and team members;
  • Effectively work with and accept Aboriginal, culturally and linguistically diverse clients. I regularly work with CALD clients and to ensure they have access to services and advice, I will often involve an interpreter, community members, community organisations and other services to help the family feel supported, so they are successfully engaged and understand all communication despite any language barriers that may be present;
  • I have a Bachelor of Arts Psychology degree, completed in 2003 at Edith Cowan University.

In my current role as a Child Protection Worker, I enjoy the challenges I face daily and I am always ready to embrace new experiences. However, I wish to further develop my skills and knowledge by working in a role that allows me to remain in child protection.  I believe the Senior Case Worker role within the Intensive Family Service team at Uniting Care West would be an excellent fit.

I have enclosed my resume for your perusal and look forward to the opportunity of meeting you and expanding on my suitability for this position in an interview.

Thank you for your time.
Yours sincerely,

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