Vanessa Bennett

Client-focused community services candidate with experience in client care, service coordination, advocacy, and leadership. Currently completing the Certificate IV in Community Services (CHC42021), complemented by focused learning in the Support at Home aged care framework. Brings practical experience in peer support and family care coordination, together with a substantial background in client service and team leadership.

Developing strong knowledge of person-centred aged care, wellness and reablement, dignity of risk and supported decision-making. Seeking a part-time role in care coordination, client services, intake or aged care navigation.

Peer Support Volunteer - MS Plus / MS Australia

(2020-01)

• Provide structured telephone-based peer support to people living with Multiple Sclerosis.
• Use active listening and lived-experience insight while maintaining confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Encourage self-advocacy and support individuals to identify their own needs and priorities.

Family Care Coordination & Advocacy

(2020-01 - 2024-12)

• Coordinated and advocated for elderly parents as their health and support needs progressed.
• Liaised with GPs, specialists, hospitals, allied-health professionals, community services and support providers.
• Supported assessments, service applications, documentation and follow-up, including navigation of aged care, health and end-of-life support systems.

Retail Consultant - Tinkers Corner, Melbourne - Melbourne

(2013-01 - 2019-12)

Delivered individualised customer service to a diverse adult client base, building trusted relationships through active listening, patience and thoughtful communication.

Freelance Remedial Massage Therapist - Melbourne - Melbourne

(2016-01 - 2018-12)

Provided client-centred services to private and corporate clients, including people managing chronic health concerns, while maintaining confidentiality, professional boundaries and safe practice standards.

Contract Trainer - Esse Probiotic Skincare

(2016-01 - 2018-12)

Delivered professional training to individuals and groups, adapting communication to different learning needs.

Spa Coordinator / Therapist - Hibiscus Spa, Port Douglas - Port Douglas

(2008-01 - 2012-12)

Spa Manager - Spa Dreamtime, St Kilda Sea Baths - St Kilda Sea Baths

(2008-01 - 2008-12)

Contributed to improvements culminating in the 2008 Australian Spa Association Best Urban Day Spa award.

Spa Manager - Peninsula Hot Springs, Fingal VIC - Fingal, VIC

(2005-01 - 2007-12)

Coordinated a multidisciplinary team of 60+ staff and helped implement a dedicated call-centre function during significant business growth. Progressed through spa management, coordination and operational leadership roles with responsibility for client service, recruitment, onboarding, training, rostering, team development and service standards. Leadership experience also included team supervision, development of service procedures and operational improvements.

Spa Leadership Roles - Various Spa & Wellness Facilities - Victoria & Queensland

(1999-01 - 2003-12)

Progressed through spa management, coordination and operational leadership roles with responsibility for client service, recruitment, onboarding, training, rostering, team development and service standards.

Certificate IV - Community Services (CHC42021) - GenU Training

Diploma - Remedial Massage - Victorian Fitness Academy (2016-01 - 2016-12)

Certification - Oncology Massage - Oncology Massage Australia (2016-01 - 2016-12)

Certificate IV - Massage Therapy Practice - Victorian Fitness Academy (2015-01 - 2015-12)

Certificate - Meditation Instruction - Chopra Centre University (2010-01 - 2010-12)

Certificate III - Small Business / Frontline Management - Goulburn Ovans TAFE (2006-01 - 2006-12)

Certificate IV - Workplace Training & Assessment - Academy Accor (2005-01 - 2005-12)