Ciara McConnell
Omagh,United Kingdom
Summary
Experienced Engagement Officer and Counsellor with a proven track record in effective communication, organisational skills, and public speaking. Successfully managed dual roles at the Stroke Association, ensuring optimal time management and workload efficiency. Demonstrated expertise in financial budgeting by overseeing multiple projects within budget constraints and setting up companies on financial systems. Adept at creating tailored presentations for public events to promote services. Committed to leveraging skills to achieve impactful outcomes in future roles.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Engagement officer
Stroke Association
Northern Ireland
2023.04 - Current
- Counselling Stroke survivors and family members, updating client records, navigating CORE and adhering to BACP guideline, alongside Stroke Association guideline.
- Increased community involvement by organising and facilitating regular public engagement events.
- Developed strategic communication plans for heightened public awareness.
- Negotiated partnerships with external organisations for mutual benefit.
- Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders through consistent and open dialogue.
- Managed various projects from inception to completion, maintaining strict adherence to deadlines.
- Managed various acute units, support groups and volunteers across Northern Ireland
- Liaised between different departments to ensure cohesive messaging across all platforms.
- Conducted market research to better understand public opinion and needs.
- Updated client records with current, accurate information to enable care continuity.
- Supervised and mentored volunteers to deliver high-quality outreach activity.
- Created promotional material and literature to market services and activities to target audiences.
- Built partnerships with community peers and organisations to increase reach.
- Actively participated in community/professional events as a representative of the organisation. Creating and presenting various presentations at these events, highlighting our services to increase referrals to SA.
- Drove change within the organisation by implementing feedback obtained from stakeholder consultations.
- Led training sessions for new volunteers, promoting best practices when representing the Stroke Association.
Inclusion Works Officer
Cedar
Enniskillen, Fermanagh and Omagh
2021.07 - 2028.03
- Worked diligently under pressure whilst preserving high-quality output.
- Wrote detailed reports, aiding in case documentation.
- Conducted risk assessments..
- Liaised closely with external agencies such as social services and housing departments, providing comprehensive support for individuals in need.
- Handled sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
- Collaborated with colleagues for effective teamwork.
- Support services with Brain injury, long term health condition & ASD into education, voluntary role or paid employment.
- Provided training to service users, tailored to their needs
Family support worker
Community Family Support Programme
Strabane, Derry City and Strabane
2019.10 - 2021.07
- Offered advice on budget management, reducing financial stress in households.
- Developed personalised care plans with client input.
- Maintained detailed case notes, aiding in decision making processes.
- Dealt with crisis situations calmly, ensuring safety of all involved parties.
- Provided Counselling across various sites.
- Established trust with clients to enhance communication.
- Delivered training, developing OCN's in various subjects. Teaching them, marking and crossing marking course work submitted.
- Streamlined referral process to speed up access to necessary services.
- Worked in multidisciplinary teams to prevent issues escalating and reducing need for statutory intervention.
- Managed complex caseload of vulnerable families through strategic prioritisation.
- Remained calm and poised in difficult, stressful or escalating situations, helping to comfort individuals.
- Provided written and electronic reports of conducted work adhering to policies and procedures.
Education
Foundation Degree in Science - Integrative Counselling
Ulster University
Coleraine 2017.09 - 2021.06
Skills
- Communication skills: Through my work as Engagement Officer and Counsellor I have learnt effective ways of communicating to get the best possible outcome for service users, volunteers I managed and other team members
- Organistional skills: I have successfully managed two roles within the Stroke Association ensuring I gave 100% to both roles, managing my time and work load effectively
- Public speaking: I have represented the Stroke Association at several public events to help promote our services, creating my own PowerPoint presentations tailored to the audience at each event
- Financial budgeting: I have overseen several projects with a budget, ensuring I stayed within these figures I have also set up companies on our Finance system and made one of payments Giving me a good knowledge of our system
- Project management: Demonstrated strong project management skills by planning, coordinating and delivering effectively and on schedule
- Stake holder engagement: Built and maintained strong stakeholder relationships to gather input, manage expectations, drive successful outcomes in line with Stroke Association goals
Affiliations
- I really enjoy travelling and getting to experience our Cultures. Spending time with family is also very important to me.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Engagement officer
Stroke Association
2023.04 - Current
Inclusion Works Officer
Cedar
2021.07 - 2028.03
Family support worker
Community Family Support Programme
2019.10 - 2021.07
Foundation Degree in Science - Integrative Counselling
Ulster University
2017.09 - 2021.06