Maura McNeill
Derry,United Kingdom
Summary
I am a highly committed and passionate professional with over 11 years’ experience advocating for and representing individuals from minority communities. I have a strong dedication to ensuring that voices are heard, rights are upheld, and barriers to inclusion are challenged.Drawing on both my professional experience and personal life, I bring a deep understanding, empathy, and authenticity to my work. I am driven to support individuals in any way I can, using a person-centred approach to empower people, promote independence, and improve outcomes.I am motivated, compassionate, and proactive, with a proven ability to build trust, provide effective support, and work collaboratively with individuals and professionals to create meaningful and lasting change.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
14
14
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Empolyment Officer
Disability Action
Derry, Derry
2023.10 - Current
Supported individuals with diverse disabilities in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment.
Assisted in CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation to enhance job-seeking success.
Facilitated development of key employability skills including communication and time management to boost confidence and readiness.
Western Trust Independent Avocacy
Disability Action
Derry, Derry
2014.12 - 2023.10
Supported individuals with physical disabilities, sensory impairments, and autism spectrum conditions in voicing their needs and asserting their rights.
Assisted clients in understanding available options to facilitate informed decision-making and promote self-advocacy.
Provided guidance during meetings, ensuring representation of individual wishes and feelings in care reviews and assessments.
Guest Lecturer
University of Ulster
Derry, Derry
2017.10 - 2017.10
Conducted lectures for social work students at Magee Campus of Ulster University.
Focused on effective practices when working with individuals with disabilities.
Supported students in understanding the importance of advocacy in social work.
Explored barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, including communication challenges.
Encouraged reflection on promoting equality, inclusion, and empowerment in practice.
Shared practical strategies for active listening and building trust with clients.
User Form Faciltator
Cedar Foundation
Derry, Derry
2015.06 - 2016.12
Facilitated inclusive forums for individuals with disabilities.
Encouraged participation by creating an environment that welcomed diverse communication needs.
Supported accessible communication using easy-read materials and visual aids.
Listened to forum members to accurately represent their voices in feedback to organisations.
Organised forum sessions, ensuring accessible venues and resources were available.
Built relationships with participants to foster a trusting and inclusive atmosphere.
Collaborated with professionals and advocacy services to influence service improvements.
Maintained records of meetings and outcomes for accountability.
Guest Lecturer
Queens University
Belfast
2015.10 - 2015.10
Facilitated lectures for social work students at Queen’s University on effective support for individuals with disabilities.
Emphasised importance of person-centred approaches respecting individual rights and preferences.
Increased awareness of barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, including communication challenges and social exclusion.
Education
Dipolma in Independent Advocacy - Social Care
City & Guilds
Belfast 2014.09 - 2015.11
SVQ Level 2 - Introduction to Counselling
North West Regional College
Derry 2008.09 - 2009.06
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of Ulster, Magee
Derry 2009.09 - 2014.06
Bachelor of Science - Computing with E Business
University of Ulster, Magee
Derry 2003.09 - 2007.06
A-Levels - Information Technology
St Marys College
Derry 2002.09 - 2003.06
A-Levels - Business Stdies
St Marys College
Derry 2002.09 - 2003.06
GCSEs - Maths, English Language, English Lit, Science, French, IT, Busines Studies
St Marys College
Derry 2000.09 - 2002.06
Skills
I demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills, enabling me to build trust and rapport with participants from a wide range of backgrounds and with varying needs I adapt my communication style to ensure it is accessible and inclusive, supporting individuals to feel heard, understood, and valuedI have the ability to carry out holistic assessments and person-centred planning, identifying individual strengths, needs, and barriers to participation I am skilled in setting realistic goals and supporting participants to develop and work towards personalised action plansI possess strong problem-solving skills, allowing me to support individuals in overcoming barriers such as low confidence, limited digital skills, accessibility challenges, and social isolation I take a proactive and creative approach to finding solutions that meet each person’s unique circumstancesI have good knowledge of community resources and services, and I am confident in signposting and connecting participants to appropriate supports, including digital inclusion training, community programmes, and active citizenship opportunitiesI demonstrate organisational and time management skills, enabling me to manage a caseload effectively, maintain accurate records, and monitor participant progressI am committed to promoting inclusion and empowerment, supporting individuals to build confidence, increase independence, and actively engage in their communitiesI also have strong digital awareness and confidence, allowing me to support participants in developing their own digital skills and accessing online services safely and effectivelyFinally, I maintain a high level of professionalism and safeguarding awareness, ensuring that all work is carried out ethically, respectfully, and in line with relevant policies and procedures
Timeline
Empolyment Officer
Disability Action
2023.10 - Current
Guest Lecturer
University of Ulster
2017.10 - 2017.10
Guest Lecturer
Queens University
2015.10 - 2015.10
User Form Faciltator
Cedar Foundation
2015.06 - 2016.12
Western Trust Independent Avocacy
Disability Action
2014.12 - 2023.10
Dipolma in Independent Advocacy - Social Care
City & Guilds
2014.09 - 2015.11
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
University of Ulster, Magee
2009.09 - 2014.06
SVQ Level 2 - Introduction to Counselling
North West Regional College
2008.09 - 2009.06
Bachelor of Science - Computing with E Business
University of Ulster, Magee
2003.09 - 2007.06
A-Levels - Information Technology
St Marys College
2002.09 - 2003.06
A-Levels - Business Stdies
St Marys College
2002.09 - 2003.06
GCSEs - Maths, English Language, English Lit, Science, French, IT, Busines Studies
St Marys College
2000.09 - 2002.06