Ashleigh Blunden

Experience

• 

  Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

  Dec 2014 - Feb 2015

  Voluntary Summer Intern

  Duties Included: • Supporting the fundraising manager and team in sourcing funding opportunities • Drafting grant applications• Filing information and documents in database and record management systems

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  The Tui Centre

  Dec 2015 - May 2017

  Vocational Specialist

  My former position at The Tui Centre involved:- Assisting people with injury to overcome challenges to workplace participation, and improve employment outcomes. This was achieved by:• Identifying appropriate interventions to assist clients to overcome their barriers to employment• Negotiating with employers to source sustainable employment opportunities for clients• Mentoring and coaching clients to prepare for employment and sustain employment once placed• Liaising with key stakeholders and building strong networks in the community• Creating Cover letters and Resumes• Canvassing, networking, working towards set KPI’s• Development of formal documentation and undertake case reviews of appropriate return to work goals, strategic solutions, interventions and recommendations.• Maintenance of accurate records, case notes, files and establish professional working relationships with all stakeholders• Providing case management• Provision of structured job seeking programs• Sourcing suitable training and work experience opportunities Show less

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  Auckland City Mission

  May 2017 - Apr 2020

  This position was within Te Pou Tuatahi o Tamaki Makaurau - Housing First team. A collaborative programme at the time delivered in partnership by Auckland City Mission and Lifewise. Housing First follows an established model that provides rapid access to housing and wrap around support to people experiencing homelessness in Auckland City Centre.This role involved managing an individual caseload, working alongside other Auckland City Mission services. The values that underpin the Housing First model include - Housing is a basic human right, individual choice, harm reduction and recovery. Show less This position was within the Homeless Outreach & Support Services team. In this role I was supporting homeless clients into greater social inclusion, meeting accommodation needs, and linking with other services such as health. This involved outreach, encouraging clients to become involved with the Mission and Mission activities, liaising with other Mission services and other social service providers, advocating on behalf of clients, arranging accommodation and helping clients sustain tenancies. Show less

  • Housing First Key Worker

    Aug 2018 - Apr 2020

  • Homeless Worker

    May 2017 - Aug 2018
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  Stay at Home Mom

  Mar 2020 - Jun 2021

  Stay-at-Home Parent

  Stayed at home full time during this time raising my son. I was fortunate to spend this time caring for him and watching him grow. During this time I learnt how to multitask, implement some serious self-care strategies and make the most of every moment.

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  Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand

  Dec 2021 - now

  Position sits within Mental Health Service for Older people.This role invovles supporting Tangata Whai ora and whanau experiencing poor mental health or age related cognitive impairment. The aim is to support people to improve their mental health and achieve their goals via a recovery orientated approach. In addition, support is offered to re-engage with community supports, provide psychoeducation, anxiety management, and interventions informed by sensory modulation and CBT approaches. When required the role involves completing PPPR applications and prioritising patient safety. Show less

  • Mental Health Professional - Social Worker

    Sept 2022 - now

  • Registered Social Worker

    Dec 2021 - Sept 2022