Open to opportunities

Chanel Burmeister

@chanelburmeister

Message

Compassionate psychosocial support worker skilled in counselling, disability support, and client advocacy.

New Zealand

Message

What I'm looking for

I am seeking a client-focused role in mental health or disability support where I can apply counselling skills, foster independence, and work within a collaborative, empathetic team.

I am a dedicated psychosocial support worker and counsellor with a strong academic foundation in psychology, holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Science (Psychology) with distinction and a Bachelor in Counselling and Psychology.

I have hands-on experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, providing daily personal care, medication support, and community integration while applying counselling techniques to build rapport and promote independence.

Previously, I provided one-on-one and group psychosocial support in clinical settings, conducted crisis interventions, and collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive care and advocacy for clients.

I bring empathy, active listening, cultural sensitivity, and reflective practice to every role, and I am committed to continuous learning and contributing positively to the wellbeing of the people and communities I serve.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Support Worker

Current

IDEA Services

Apr 2024 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Provide daily support and care to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, improving independence and community participation through personalised assistance and psychosocial interventions.

Personal Care Advocacy Communication

Psychosocial Support Worker

Hospivision Steve Biko Hospital

Feb 2023 - Aug 2023 (6 months)

Conducted one-on-one and group counselling, delivered crisis intervention, and developed personalised treatment plans while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to improve client wellbeing.

Group Therapy Crisis Intervention Treatment Planning Advocacy

Data Capturer

Brolink Insurance

Apr 2021 - Jul 2021 (3 months)

Captured, validated, and processed insurance data with attention to accuracy and confidentiality, and maintained organised databases to meet project deadlines and quality standards.

Data Entry Data Validation Attention To Detail Confidentiality MS Excel Time Management Team Collaboration

Special Needs Tutor

Private Employer

Jan 2020 - Dec 2020 (11 months)

Provided individualized academic support to students with special needs, developed IEPs, adapted curricula and used assistive technologies to improve learning outcomes and independence.

Special Education Assistive Technologies Progress Monitoring Communication

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Auckland

Postgraduate Diploma in Science, Psychology

2024 - 2024

Grade: Distinction

Completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Science majoring in Psychology with distinction, including coursework in cognitive neuroscience, fMRI, and educational psychology.

South African College of Applied Psychology

Bachelor of Applied Social Science, Counselling and Psychology

Grade: Distinction

Awarded a Bachelor of Applied Social Science in Psychology and Counselling with distinction, a three-year professional degree focused on counselling and applied psychology.