Denise Ann Petersen

I am a registered social worker with 16 years’ experience. I worked for 11 years as a school social worker stationed at primary, high and special needs schools. My tasks included: addressing and implementing social work capacity programs for early identification and prevention of social, emotional behavioral barriers to learning for learners, parents and teachers.
My role required me to work within an office based multidisciplinary team consisting of psychologists and learning support advisors. I was often required to liaise between the various stakeholders in order to serve the needs of the learners. Part of my responsibility was to promote, collaborate, initiate and implement training and programs in support of teaching and learning.
I also participated with inter and intra-sectorial networks and collaborators requiring further multi-disciplinary interactions with health services, the department of justice, social services and ngo's.
I have a strong understanding of children and adults at risk because of my previous social work experience. This includes experience in statutory work, foster care, and family re-unification services. I also gained experience by working with the homeless, teaching life skills, providing counselling to the traumatized and those living with HIV and Aids. My work required me to trace their families, and to support them during their re-integration back into their community and family life.
My previous working experience was as a nursing assistant for 16 years, in geriatric care at an old age home and assisted living home environment. I continued to work for 5 years in an in a children's hospital’s medical, surgical and oncology wards. I have gained valuable experience and insight into the field of nursing care, treatments and the effects of illnesses on the patients and their families.

I would be honoured to be afforded the opportunity to contribute and offer my experience and skills to those in need to improve their quality of life to ultimately live their best life. Thanking you kindly for your time and consideration.