I am a 39-year-old woman from Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and I moved to Australia 13 years ago for work and travel. I have lived in Perth, WA, and Darwin, NT. I hold an Australian driver’s license and am proficient in English (IELTS academic band score of 7.5) and fluent in Dutch.
My professional background as a social worker encompasses coaching, counseling, team management, and the development of innovative methods and courses.
I have extensive expertise in forensic work, crisis intervention, mental health and disability challenges, including aggression, as well as prevention and rehabilitation within (forensic) psychiatric settings and the community.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and have over 17 years of experience working with various methodologies. My strengths lie in coaching, observation, problem analysis, and devising step-by-step solutions. I excel in organization and planning, and I believe that effective teamwork is rooted in communication, feedback, transparency, coaching, and a sense of humor.
I adapt my communication style to build strong rapport with clients and their families, employing active and reflective listening techniques. I am adept at collaborating with both government and non-government organizations, as well as liaising with lawyers, police, and other professionals to ensure clients receive the appropriate support. My experience includes working with individuals with complex needs and diverse cultural backgrounds, including Indigenous Australians. In my roles as a Senior Mental Health Social Worker and Residential Manager, I have provided tailored support based on individual needs.
* Coordinating, implementing and facilitating the development of policies and procedures, relevant to residents with complex mental health, behavioral and disability support needs
* Providing advice and contribute to a multi-disciplinary team of stakeholders regarding the day to day management of residents including transition planning.
* Maintaining, record and reporting accurate statistical date related to the delivery of services
* Work collaboratively with the Department of Health and Northern Territory Corrective Services in the delivery of a culturally appropriate best practice Secure Residential Facility that accommodates residents with mental health needs and disabilities.
Acute Crisis Team
* Assessment and short term management of acute mental illness and risks within Royal Darwin Hospital Emergency Department and community setting.
Community mental health team
* Providing allied health services and case management to clients, carers and community based partners.
* Pursuant to section 23(2) of the Mental Health and Related Services Act, assigned as a Designated Mental Health Practitioner.
Providing specialist alcohol and other drugs client assessments, interventions and counseling with the aim to reduce the risk of harm arising from the misuse of alcohol and/or other drugs.
The Dutch aged care is now called 'Cura in home care'.
The principal aim of the Dutch Aged Care organization is to assist in maintaining and improving the quality of life of elderly people with dementia in Perth, Wa.
Astare is an employment agency for psychiatric work.
Via Astara I worked for organizations such as Jellinek (addiction clinic) and Inforsa (short intensive treatment and actue care).
Forensic Psychiatric Centre the Oostvaarders Clinic, is a centre for Forensic psychiatry. The clinic is part of the Custodial Institutions of the Ministry of Security and Justice in the Netherlands. They accept admissions of individuals with Axis I and Axis II diagnoses.
Tendens organizes holidays for people with intellectual disabilities/challenges.
I was group organizer and mentor of a group of 9 individuals age 17 - 25 years with various support needs such as; ADHD, Autism, PTSS, Prader Willi Syndrome, and Down Syndrome (2006).
I also organized a group holiday with mental health challenges and disabilities age 35 - 70 years.
Lindenhout provides supports and guidance to children and adolescents who grow up in disadvantaged areas.
* Providing care and support to young people between 12 - 18 years old to become self sufficient
* Organizing structure, creating a safe environment, addressing behavioral issues, providing advice and practical support whilst living in the same apartment as the clients
Humanitas is one of the main social service organizations of the Netherlands. Humanitas is a non-profit organization which aimsa to support people who, for a range of different reasons, cannot manage on their own.
Registered Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Registered Social Worker with the Social Work registration board of New Zealand (SWRB)
Accredited Clinical Supervisor with The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
Currently part time studying Masters of Sexology on Curtin University, Perth WA
Registered Social Worker with the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Registered Social Worker with the Social Work registration board of New Zealand (SWRB)
Accredited Clinical Supervisor with The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)