Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Skills
Interests
Art, painting, movies
Timeline
Hi, I’m

Zeljka Ostojic

Psychologist
London,NWM
Zeljka Ostojic

Summary

Experienced and compassionate Bachelor's-level Psychologist with a strong background in trauma-informed care, domestic violence support, and refugee mental health. Over 15 years of expertise in providing psychological assessments, case management, and emotional support to vulnerable populations. Fluent in Serbian, English, and French, with a commitment to multicultural, client-cantered care. Skilled in crisis intervention, mental health support, and empowerment-based therapy. Currently completing training in analytical psychotherapy.

Overview

5
years of professional experience
24
years of post-secondary education
5
Certifications

Work History

Advance Charity, Hammersmith and Fulham

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
12.2023 - Current

Job overview

  • Provide psychological and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence through trauma-informed counseling and advocacy.
  • Conduct risk assessments and safety planning to develop bespoke support plans for individuals at risk.
  • Collaborate with local agencies and provide referrals for additional services (housing, legal, healthcare).
  • Facilitate therapeutic workshops and support groups to empower individuals in their recovery from trauma.
  • Facilitated support groups for survivors, fostering a safe environment for sharing experiences and healing strategies.
  • Evaluated program outcomes, identifying areas for improvement and implementing necessary changes to enhance service delivery.
  • Enhanced client self-sufficiency through comprehensive case management services, including referrals to housing and employment opportunities.
  • Strengthened relationships with local law enforcement agencies, ensuring effective collaboration in responding to domestic violence incidents.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of clients'' needs, identifying barriers to self-sufficiency and strategizing solutions accordingly.
  • Served as a liaison between clients and community partners, facilitating connections that advanced recovery goals while addressing systemic barriers faced by survivors of domestic violence.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address clients'' unique needs, resulting in more tailored interventions and improved outcomes.

Thames Reach Charity

Tenancy Sustainment Support Officer
02.2023 - 08.2023

Job overview

  • Conducted needs assessments and created support plans for individuals facing housing instability, with a focus on mental health and emotional well-being.
  • Provided psychosocial support to clients navigating complex welfare benefits, housing, and tenancy issues.
  • Worked proactively with local statutory services to secure housing and community support for clients.
  • Assisted clients with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
  • Provided remote assistance to customers using screen sharing tools, ensuring efficient issue resolution.
  • Contributed ideas for improving the support process during team meetings, resulting in significant workflow enhancements.

Solace Women’s Aid

Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA)
12.2022 - 02.2023

Job overview

  • Delivered crisis intervention, safety planning, and legal advocacy to women and children experiencing domestic violence.
  • Offered emotional and psychological support to survivors through individual sessions, focusing on empowerment and resilience.
  • Coordinated with local police and health services to ensure survivors received comprehensive care and protection.
  • Managed risk effectively by closely monitoring client portfolios and making timely adjustments.

Caridon Foundation

Housing Support Officer
08.2022 - 11.2022

Job overview

  • Assessed housing needs for vulnerable clients and ensured their accommodation was safe and appropriate.
  • Supported clients in managing tenancy sustainment, including advice on welfare benefits, debt management, and budgeting.
  • Provided mental health support and referrals to psychological services to ensure overall well-being.
  • Met with housing residents and landlords to answer questions, address concerns and clarify policies and procedures.
  • Coordinated with local agencies to provide housing and prevent homelessness, decreasing homelessness [Number]%.

The Brighton Refuge – Stonewater

Domestic Violence Support Worker
12.2021 - 04.2022

Job overview

  • Delivered trauma-informed support to women and children fleeing domestic violence, providing both psychosocial support and crisis management.
  • Facilitated group therapy and support circles to assist survivors in processing trauma and building resilience.
  • Coordinated with external agencies to provide comprehensive care packages (legal, housing, healthcare).
  • Enhanced the quality of care for clients by providing personalized support and assistance with daily living activities.
  • Established trusting relationships with clients and their families through empathetic communication and active listening.
  • Promoted independence among clients through skill-building exercises and goal-setting initiatives.
  • Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, effectively de-escalating challenging situations while maintaining client safety.

The Disabilities Trust

Community Support Worker
01.2020 - 11.2021

Job overview

  • Provided mental health support and personal care to individuals with learning disabilities and brain injuries.
  • Developed personalized care plans in collaboration with healthcare professionals, focusing on emotional well-being and life skills development.

Education

Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade

Master’s Degree from Psychology (Ongoing Training in Analytical Psychotherapy)

University Overview

Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade

Bachelor’s Degree from Psychology

University Overview

High Medical School

Diploma from Pharmacy Technician

University Overview

Gestalt Studio Belgrade

Gestalt Psychotherapy Training from Basic Level

University Overview

Serbian Analytical Society
Belgrade ,Serbia

No Degree
04.2001

University Overview

Belgrade Analytical Circle (BAC) was founded in 1991 as an association of academically educated people from Serbia, interested in analytical psychology of C. G. Jung. It was the first Jungian organization in Serbia with the goal of introducing analytical psychology of C.G. Jung and his successors to professionals and the public. BAC is a member of the Serbian Union of Associations for Psychotherapy (SDPS).

I have been attending education for 7 years .

Skills

Experience in psychological assessments

Certification

Basic Emergency Response Course, SOS Children’s Villages International, 03/01/16

Skills

Skills
Native, Fluent, Basic, Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Experienced in using case management systems and psychological assessment tools.

Interests

Psychotherapy and counselling

Art, painting, movies

Art, painting, movies
  • Artistic Skills: Talented in painting and drawing, with a focus on (e.g., portraits, landscapes, abstract art). Proficient in traditional media.
  • Passionate about a wide range of movie genres, from (e.g., drama, indie films, documentaries) to (action, foreign cinema, etc.). Regularly attend film festivals, watch documentaries, and stay up-to-date with global cinematic trends.

Timeline

Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
Advance Charity, Hammersmith and Fulham
12.2023 - Current
Tenancy Sustainment Support Officer
Thames Reach Charity
02.2023 - 08.2023
Independent Domestic Violence Adviser (IDVA)
Solace Women’s Aid
12.2022 - 02.2023
Housing Support Officer
Caridon Foundation
08.2022 - 11.2022
Domestic Violence Support Worker
The Brighton Refuge – Stonewater
12.2021 - 04.2022
Community Support Worker
The Disabilities Trust
01.2020 - 11.2021
Serbian Analytical Society
No Degree
04.2001
Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade
Bachelor’s Degree from Psychology
High Medical School
Diploma from Pharmacy Technician
Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade
Master’s Degree from Psychology (Ongoing Training in Analytical Psychotherapy)
Current
Gestalt Studio Belgrade
Gestalt Psychotherapy Training from Basic Level
Zeljka OstojicPsychologist