Open to opportunities

Darlene Ford

@darleneford2

Trauma-informed community development professional and program coordinator delivering outcomes for vulnerable communities.

Australia

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek roles where I can lead trauma-informed, culturally safe community programs, mentor staff, manage service delivery and drive measurable outcomes for vulnerable people.

I am a trauma-informed community development professional and program coordinator with extensive experience working across remote, urban and international settings, particularly with Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) populations and Indigenous communities.

I have led teams, managed program budgets, recruited and trained staff, and delivered culturally appropriate, early-intervention and mental health services for children, families and adults. My roles have included community administration, case management, curriculum development and frontline service delivery in challenging contexts.

I achieve positive outcomes through person-centred, strength-based practice, strong stakeholder engagement and a commitment to staff development, quality assurance and culturally safe approaches to support vulnerable people.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Relief Community Development Advisor

Ngaanyatjarra Municipal Council

Jun 2023 - Jan 2025 (1 year 7 months)

Acted as community administration contact for Kiwirrkurra and Warrakurna, liaising with stakeholders to secure resources, oversee staff recruitment/training, manage funds and support community governance and infrastructure.

Community Development Stakeholder Engagement Recruitment Financial Management Policy Development Remote Community Services Governance

Rural and Remote Team Leader

TeamHEALTH

Nov 2022 - Jun 2023 (7 months)

Managed Adult Support and Child & Family Wellbeing programs in Katherine, delivering trauma-informed, person-centred services and overseeing staff recruitment, training and program budgets across remote contexts.

Program Management Trauma Informed Care Mental Health Services Staff Training Budget Management Case Management

ESL Teacher

Australia Pacific International School

Sep 2020 - Jun 2022 (1 year 9 months)

Prepared and delivered ESL lessons, assessed student progress, managed classrooms and supported English-language learners to improve skills and wellbeing.

ESL Lesson planning Assessments Classroom Management Individualised Support

ESL Teacher

IQ International / British Angkor International School

Mar 2018 - Aug 2019 (1 year 5 months)

Delivered ESL instruction, assessed students, managed classrooms of up to 34 students and supported learners with additional needs including ASD.

ESL Classroom Management Assessments Inclusive Education Communication Lesson planning

Field Officer / Residential Carer

Aboriginal Sobriety Group

Jan 2018 - Jan 2018 (0 months)

Provided case management and daily support to Aboriginal women with homelessness, AOD and mental health needs, including meal preparation, transport and life-skill support.

Case Management AOD Support Mental Health Support Advocacy

Carer

Nannies SA / Hessel Group

Jan 2016 - Jan 2016 (0 months)

Supported young people in emergency, respite and residential out-of-home care with hygiene, living skills, reporting, nutrition and adherence to child protection directives.

Nutrition Observation & Documentation

Cultural Support Co-ordinator

Life Without Barriers

Jan 2012 - Jan 2012 (0 months)

Coordinated case management and supervision for unaccompanied minors and asylum-seeking clients, managing teams of cultural support workers, housing, training and liaison with immigration and service providers.

Case Management Team Supervision Refugee Support Training Development Cultural Competence Advocacy

Education Advisor

Serco Immigration Services

Jan 2011 - Jan 2011 (0 months)

Liaised with immigration, education and medical agencies to coordinate educational and psychosocial services for over 70 children in detention, facilitating enrollments, tutoring and interpreter collaboration.

Casework Tutoring Interpreters Program Delivery Child Welfare

Teacher / Field Placement Supervisor

Cambridge International College

Jan 2009 - Jan 2011 (2 years)

Prepared and delivered nationally accredited Diploma of Community Services and English courses to CALD students, assessed assignments and supervised field placements and curriculum development.

Vocational Training Curriculum Development Assessments CALD Education Tutoring Quality Assurance

Social Worker

Families SA

Jan 2008 - Jan 2009 (1 year)

Managed casework for at-risk clients, prepared reports for Children's Court, coordinated inter-agency referrals and led case conferences with culturally sensitive practices.

Child Protection Case Management Report Writing Risk Assessment Cultural Competence Court Reporting

Team Leader, Intensive Family Support

Intensive Family Support Services

Sep 2019 - Present (6 years)

Led delivery of culturally appropriate early intervention services in Ntaria, managing casework, mentoring seven staff, recruiting personnel, overseeing budgets and building relationships with traditional owners and agencies.