Joanne Plomer
Counsellor
Summary
A highly motivated qualified Counsellor with extensive experience in Social Care roles, strongly committed to working with individuals to enable them to achieve their best outcomes.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Safeguarding and Tier 4 Recovery Worker
Path 2 Recovery- East London NHS Trust
Bedford
10.2019 - Current
- Leading on S.42 Safeguarding Adults Enquiries for the Local Authority
- Dealing with Safeguarding Alerts for P2R Service Users, including safety planning, referrals to partner agencies, liaising with other agencies
- Chairing and minuting multi agency Safeguarding meetings
- Representing P2R at Multi Agency MARAC and VARAC meetings
- Working with Service Users to complete applications for residential rehab, writing funding applications and presenting the case to the Board of Commissioners
- Advising Recovery Workers and supporting them in all safeguarding issues relating to their clients
- Creating Safety Plan documents for the service
- Creating content for and delivering Rehab preparation group for service users applying to rehab
- Liaising with the clinical staff at P2R and in other agencies to ensure that Service Users have the best chance of accessing appropriate care
- Working along clear guidelines set out by Government Legislation
Counsellor
Bedford, Open Door
Bedford,
02.2020 - 01.2022
- Providing person centered counselling for young people between ages 13 and 25 in an agency setting, face to face and remotely
- Providing at least 12 sessions to clients, maintaining records for each client and reporting back to agency supervisor and safeguarding lead.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
Rehousing Officer
Bedford Borough Council
Bedford
11.2018 - 10.2019
- Providing and maintaining Temporary Housing placements for individuals and families
- Liaising with multiple agencies involved in clients’ care
- Maintaining accurate records relating to payments and time limited placements for clients
- Assisting clients to navigate their housing situation in order to obtain safe housing.
- Collaborated with team members to achieve target results.
Homeless Support Worker
SMART CJS/Prebend Day Centre
03.2015 - 11.2018
- Assisting vulnerably housed and homeless service users to apply for housing, benefits, access basic services
- Running groups for service users, providing new skills and services
- Fundraising for goods and services for the centre
- Co-ordinating and supervising volunteers.
- Carried out day-to-day duties accurately and efficiently.
- Used critical thinking to break down problems, evaluate solutions and make decisions.
- Participated in team-building activities to enhance working relationships.
- Offered friendly and efficient service to customers, handled challenging situations with ease.
- Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
childminder
Self Employed
Bedford
01.2003 - 01.2014
- Cache Level 3 childcare qualification
- delivered early years learning foundation programme to under 5's
Family support worker
Children, Mid Bedfordshire Council
01.2001 - 01.2003
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Assessed individuals and families to assess needs and provide informational resources.
Sensory Support worker
ELFT
01.1999 - 01.2001
- Worked within applicable standards, policies and regulatory guidelines to promote safe working environment.
- Supported learning disabled individuals promoting independence and choice
Volunteer Community Worker
European Council
01.1997 - 01.1999
- 1 yr voluntary community work in Greece followed by temporary work.
Education
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Levels 1-4
Bedford College
09.2017 - 08.2021
Honours Degree - Psychology and sociology
Swansea University
01.1993 - 01.1996
4 A-Levels, 8 GCSE's (inc English & Maths)
Biddenham Upper School
Bedford, UK 05.1988 - 06.1993
Career Related Courses
ELFT & Bedford Council
Skills
Empathic and person-centred, maintain clear boundariesSkilled at working with individuals in crisisExcellent interpersonal skills – I enjoy creating strong links with other agencies and professionalsVast experience of keeping accurate notes, and writing detailed reportsExtensive knowledge around support and statutory services available to the Bedfordshire CommunityExperienced and skilled at maintaining and organizing a large case load, able to prioritiseSound knowledge of the Care Act, the Housing Act and other related government legislation relating to social careSound knowledge and experience of substance misuse, homelessness and housing issues, and the issues that those with care and support needs are facing
Timeline
Counsellor
Bedford, Open Door
02.2020 - 01.2022
Safeguarding and Tier 4 Recovery Worker
Path 2 Recovery- East London NHS Trust
10.2019 - Current
Rehousing Officer
Bedford Borough Council
11.2018 - 10.2019
Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling Levels 1-4
Bedford College
09.2017 - 08.2021
Homeless Support Worker
SMART CJS/Prebend Day Centre
03.2015 - 11.2018
childminder
Self Employed
01.2003 - 01.2014
Family support worker
Children, Mid Bedfordshire Council
01.2001 - 01.2003
Sensory Support worker
ELFT
01.1999 - 01.2001
Volunteer Community Worker
European Council
01.1997 - 01.1999
Honours Degree - Psychology and sociology
Swansea University
01.1993 - 01.1996
4 A-Levels, 8 GCSE's (inc English & Maths)
Biddenham Upper School
05.1988 - 06.1993
Career Related Courses
ELFT & Bedford Council