GRACE KEMP
Brighton & Hove,Sussex
Summary
Professional with expertise in trauma-informed and person-centred practices, excelling in communication and rapport-building. Proven experience in women's casework, advocacy, and group facilitation, emphasizing structured interventions. Highly organized and reliable, with strong skills in safeguarding, risk management, and creative problem-solving. Lived experience of substance abuse enhances understanding and effectiveness in the field.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
4
4
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Community Services Worker
The Sussex Beacon
Brighton & Hove
11.2023 - 01.2026
- Led Day Service for over a year, facilitating two weekly closed support groups for adults with complex health and social needs and provided structured 1-2-1 case work.
- Transitioned into the Women's and Family role, taking over the monthly facilitated women's support group in Brighton.
- Planned educational workshops on various topics improving general knowledge within the community.
- Established and now run a second, more informal monthly drop-in women only support group in Eastbourne to reduce isolation and increase accessibility.
- Led group support initiatives to increase service user's social skills and confidence.
- Provide specialist 1-to-1 HIV casework for women across Sussex, including home visits, advocacy and personalised support plans.
- Promoted social inclusion for marginalised groups through targeted outreach.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and external agencies to ensure holistic, person-centred support.
- Provided mental health support to service users, as well as signposting community resources and local charities.
- Escalated concerns for investigation to maintain service user welfare and safety.
- Maintain accurate records, safeguarding documentation and risk assessments.
Chef
The Sussex Beacon
Brighton & Hove
06.2020 - 01.2026
- Prepared nutritious meals from scratch for inpatient service users and staff.
- Maintained strict food hygiene and safety standards, including temperature checks, stock control and compliance documentation.
- Supported the wider team by meeting dietary needs, contributing to a positive, recovery-focused environment.
Tour Leader
Sunway Safaris
Johannesburg
08.2014 - 02.2020
- Led groups of up to 12 international travellers across Southern Africa, managing safety, logistics and daily operations.
- Delivered cultural, environmental and historical information tailored to diverse audiences.
- Resolved challenges calmly and effectively, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.
Assistant Head Guide
Thanda Private Game Reserve
Hluhluwe
05.2009 - 07.2014
- Supervised a team of 10 guides and managed a fleet of vehicles.
- Handled guest queries and concerns with empathy and practical solutions.
- Developed new ways to enhance guest experience and maintain high service standards.
Education
BA (Hons) - Spanish and Latin American Studies & Asian Studies
University of North London
01.1993 - 01.1997
Skills
- Trauma-informed, person-centred practice
- One-to-one casework and advocacy
- Group facilitation and structured interventions
- Substance abuse understanding
- Safeguarding and risk awareness
- Suicide prevention strategies
- Psycho social interventions
- Crisis Intervention
- Experience with homeless populations
- Strong communication and rapport-building
- Creative problem-solving
- Highly organised and reliable
- Works well independently and in teams
- Computer literate
LANGUAGES
English – Native
Native
Spanish – Advanced
Advanced
Affiliations
- Fight Klub exercise class
- Hiking and Spending time in Nature
- Wildlife and bird watching
- Reading
- Africa
- Gardening
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Community Services Worker
The Sussex Beacon
11.2023 - 01.2026
Chef
The Sussex Beacon
06.2020 - 01.2026
Tour Leader
Sunway Safaris
08.2014 - 02.2020
Assistant Head Guide
Thanda Private Game Reserve
05.2009 - 07.2014
BA (Hons) - Spanish and Latin American Studies & Asian Studies
University of North London
01.1993 - 01.1997