Colette Henefer
Cradley Heath,West Midlands
Summary
I am a dedicated professional with extensive expertise in housing advice, education and employment support, and child protection awareness. I am proficient in offering financial budgeting advice, benefits system understanding, and data recording and reporting. I demonstrate strong multidisciplinary teamwork, child development knowledge, report-writing skills, and domestic abuse awareness. I have strong communication skills and my adherence to professional boundaries ensures effective service delivery.
I am a compassionate Leaving Care Personal Adviser with a knack for building trust and fostering skills for the transition to independence for care experienced young people. I have facilitated numerous successful transitions to independent living by connecting young people with essential resources and support. I have vast experience of creating tailored support plans that address young people's unique needs and empower individuals to achieve personal and professional goals.
Organised and dependable personal advisor with 25 years of experience of supporting young people. Successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willing to take on greater responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Leaving Care Personal Advisor
Birmingham Children's Trust
Birmingham, West Midlands
06.2010 - Current
- Assessed individual needs for appropriate resource allocation.
- Facilitated smooth transitions for youths by providing personalised advice and support.
- Devised contingency plans to prepare for potential crises situations amongst clients.
- Ensured timely referrals to relevant specialists when necessary.
- Evaluated progress regularly using standardised assessment tools.
- Developed strong rapport with service users to foster trust and open communication.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Provided comprehensive emotional support to alleviate client distress.
- Established strong relationships with families, providing proactive family support where needed.
- Lead group sessions, promoting peer interaction and social integration amongst clients.
- Liaised with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care plans.
- Conducted regular follow-ups with clients, promoting continuity of care.
- Advocated for clients' rights with social services departments.
- Assisted in personal development planning, aiding in life skills acquisition.
- Promoted independence amongst young adults by teaching key life skills.
- Showcased empathy and understanding during one-on-one counselling sessions, enhancing client comfort level.
- Participated in professional development workshops to enhance expertise in child welfare laws and regulations.
- Implemented effective strategies, ensuring improved well-being of clients.
- Coordinated with external agencies for efficient service delivery.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date records of interactions and progress made by care leavers.
- Delivered life skills training sessions covering topics such as budgeting, cooking, job seeking, and self-care.
- Prepared regular reports for management and stakeholders on the outcomes and challenges faced by care leavers.
- Collaborated with housing authorities and partners to help care leavers find suitable and stable accommodation
- Conducted health and needs assessments to establish appropriate care.
- Confirmed pathway plans meet care leaver needs to support best possible outcomes.
- Developed personalised pathway plans outlining goals, actions, and timelines for achieving independence.
- Facilitated access to education and vocational training opportunities to enhance service user outcomes.
- Contributed to EHCP reviews, providing social care advice for education, health and care plans.
- Provided comprehensive support to service users to improve personal outcomes.
- Attended regular training and supervision workshops for improved service user support.
- Maintained confidential case documentation in line with data protection regulations.
- Promoted independence and positive wellbeing when working with vulnerable adults and children.
- Kept detailed, accurate records for well-maintained care continuity between support staff.
- Provided mental health support to service users, as well as signposting community resources and local charities.
- Monitored service user progress, escalating concerns for swift resolution.
- Consulted with multidisciplinary team of professionals to optimise treatment plans for complex cases.
- Responded proactively to changing circumstances for optimised service user care.
- Used assessment findings to action necessary care plan adaptations.
- Liaised with families and caregivers to develop balanced rehabilitation programmes.
- Partnered with external support networks to deliver holistic client care.
- Created targeted support programmes based on client interviews and assessments.
- Supported integration of service users back into community life to maximise successful transition rate.
- Oversaw multiple social work cases simultaneously, directing assessments, conducting interviews and recommending best courses of action.
- Developed and championed accessible, practical solutions for recurring problems faced by service users.
- Collaborated with officials to prepare required legal documentation for court proceedings.
Residential child support worker
Birmingham Children's services.
Birmingham, West Midlands
04.2002 - 06.2010
- Coordinated community outings, increased social interaction amongst peers.
- Assisted children with homework, resulting in improved academic performance.
- Established strong relationships with children by engaging in interactive activities.
- Monitored children during outdoor activities for their safety and security.
- Maintained safe environment for healthy child development.
- Facilitated group sessions, encouraging teamwork among the children.
- Worked closely with other professionals to ensure comprehensive support was delivered.
- Organised recreational activities, improved children's social skills.
- Interacted with parents to provide updates on child's progress.
- Managed behavioural issues effectively ensuring a peaceful environment.
- Participated in meetings and training sessions improving personal skills and knowledge base.
- Identified signs of emotional distress, provided immediate support to the child involved.
- Promoted positive behaviour with consistent boundaries and routines.
- Aided in developing self-help skills to encourage independence amongst children.
- Developed individual care plans to meet unique needs of each child.
- Provided comfort and assurance during times of stress or discomfort.
- Responded calmly to manage crises and emergency situations.
- Maintained accurate, up-to-date and confidential files in line with reporting standards.
- Reported on case progress, updates and interventions in alignment with regulatory standards.
- Safeguarded client information with strict adherence to privacy and data security policies.
- Collaborated with other professionals in health and social care to coordinate holistic support.
- Advocated on behalf of service users to protect their best interests.
- Adhered to safeguarding principles to protect service users from risk.
- Worked with community organisations to create access to resources and assistance to meet client varying needs.
- Promoted client well-being through effective case management, counselling and advocacy.
- Exercised professional judgement to implement interventions and make tough decisions.
- Managed assigned caseload documentation in alignment with regulatory requirements and standards.
- Offered trauma-informed resources and care options for clients undergoing crises.
- Implemented individualised treatment plans for client issues related to substance abuse and mental health needs.
- Advocated for client needs and rights with court officials, law enforcement personnel and regulatory agencies.
- Built positive, productive client relationships for enhanced social support.
- Provided mental health support to service users, as well as signposting community resources and local charities.
- Attended regular training and supervision workshops for improved service user support.
- Promoted independence and positive wellbeing when working with vulnerable adults and children.
- Kept detailed, accurate records for well-maintained care continuity between support staff.
Sports Academy Duty Manager
Sandwell Leisure Services
Tipton, West Midlands
04.1984 - 04.2002
- Oversaw stock checks and reordering, ensuring product availability at all times.
- Coordinated staff schedules to maximise productivity.
- Conducted training sessions for new employees, enhancing team competence.
- Streamlined workflow processes, enhancing overall efficiency of the establishment.
- Promoted a safe working environment by enforcing health and safety regulations strictly.
- Maintained cleanliness standards, resulting in positive customer feedback.
- Delivered excellent customer service through effective communication skills.
- Handled complaints professionally, leading to improved customer retention rates.
- Drafted detailed reports on daily operations, aiding senior management in decision-making process.
- Managed front-of-house operations to maintain a high level of service.
- Identified areas of improvement through regular performance assessments of staff members.
- Ensured customer satisfaction with prompt problem resolution.
- Handled cash transactions accurately for financial integrity.
- Led by example, embodying positive work ethic and motivating staff for peak performance.
- Stored cash floats and delivered secure banking procedures.
- Oversaw emergency procedures and administered first aid.
- Inspected facility to identify and promptly address maintenance needs.
- Wrote end of shift reports to facilitate service continuity.
- Facilitated team meetings, promoting open communication and collaboration.
Education
Certificate in supervisory studies - Leisure management
Sandwell College
Sandwell 09.1986 - 07.1987
Certificate in Management studies - Leisure management
Sandwell College
Sandwell 09.1989 - 07.1990
Institute of recreation management - Leisure management
Institute of recreation management
Sandwell 09.1998 - 07.1999
NVQ level 3-supporting children and young people. - Children and Young People
NVQ
Birmingham 06.2004 - 06.2005
Personal advisor qualification - Supporting young people
Birmingham City Council
Birmingham 05.2012 - 05.2013
Pathway Planning - Pathway Planning
Birmingham Children's Trust
BirminghamTrauma Informed practice - Mental Health
Birmingham Children's Trust
BirminghamBenefits Training - Benefits Training
Birmingham Children's Trust
BirminghamSkills
- Housing advice providing
- Education and employment support
- Child protection awareness
- Financial budgeting advice
- Benefits system understanding
- Data recording and reporting
- Multidisciplinary teamwork
- Child development knowledge
- Report-writing
- Domestic violence awareness
- Communication skills
- Professional boundaries
Affiliations
- I enjoy keeping fit and attend weekly spinning sessions. I am also a keen martial artist and have been studying the art of Wing Chun Kung Fu for the past 3yrs.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Personal advisor qualification - Supporting young people
Birmingham City Council
05.2012 - 05.2013
Leaving Care Personal Advisor
Birmingham Children's Trust
06.2010 - Current
NVQ level 3-supporting children and young people. - Children and Young People
NVQ
06.2004 - 06.2005
Residential child support worker
Birmingham Children's services.
04.2002 - 06.2010
Institute of recreation management - Leisure management
Institute of recreation management
09.1998 - 07.1999
Certificate in Management studies - Leisure management
Sandwell College
09.1989 - 07.1990
Certificate in supervisory studies - Leisure management
Sandwell College
09.1986 - 07.1987
Sports Academy Duty Manager
Sandwell Leisure Services
04.1984 - 04.2002
Pathway Planning - Pathway Planning
Birmingham Children's Trust
Trauma Informed practice - Mental Health
Birmingham Children's Trust
Benefits Training - Benefits Training
Birmingham Children's Trust
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