Aroon Naidoo

About me

I have over twenty five years experience in a variety of social welfare and health agencies as a Project Worker, Clinician and Manager, both here and in the UK . I have a particular interest in Social Work Education, Supervision & Training with a focus on Cross Cultural and Intersectional work.
I am an active member of the AASW as a member of the Victorian CPD committee and for several years convening the VMHSW (Victorian Mental Health Social Workers Practice Group). Last year I was on the Working group reviewing The AASW Practice Standards & have previously served on the Board of Studies at Monash University Social Work Course. I have until recently been an active member of both The Victorian Mental Health Interprofessional Leadership Network and the Moreland Reconciliation Working Group.

My experience

Until February 2020 I worked for 8 years in a part time position as Chief Social Worker at NWAMHS and coordinated the Entry Level Program for Social Work at NWMH. For the previous 9 years I worked for Mercy Mental Health Program, at their PARC (Prevention & Recovery Centre) and on their CATT team. Before that I was a clinician and then Manager of the Community Treatment Program for three and a half years.
Prior to this I worked for many years in the Homelessness sector (Hanover, now Launch Housing) and in the PDRSS sector , mainly for Prahran Mission and so believe Recovery as a Principal is central to my practice.

My current role/work

I was appointed to the Mental Health Tribunal as a sessional Community Member in March 2016 and continue in this role. This raises a range of ethical, human rights
and clinical issues. I look forward to working under the new Mental health and Well Being Act 2022.
I offer private supervision and also provide supervision to SW students on placement (La Trobe Uni) and undertake the liaison visitor role. I have also taught 'Law Human Rights and Ethics'.

My training

Educated in UK B.A(Hons) Law, and Australia Monash University BSwk, I also completed a Diploma in Frontline Management in 2009.
I have undertaken a range of training in supervision, including the Jane Wexler intermediate and Advanced training as recommended by the AASW.
I seek to continually improve my practice through attending supervision. I am about to attend Workshops with Vikki Reynolds. I attend Peer Reflection Groups at the Mental Health Tribunal and at Weenthunga (Victorian Aboriginal Health Educators Network).

My approach to supervision

I have experience of providing both managerial and clinical supervision. My approach is to assist you to constructively look at your work and professional development. This will be achieved by a combination of both dealing with any pressing/ current issues and working on longer term goals. We will use reflective practice, goal setting and a solution focussed approach. I will also challenge you to identify direction, strengths and address areas of difficulty.
I am familiar with the Victorian Allied Health Clinical Supervision Framework and can structure sessions to incorporate that if requested.
Every six months I can provide you with an overview of the work completed with an opportunity to discuss the future direction of work. I have also provided group supervision to various organisations including Red Cross Asylum Seeker Program.