Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Eilish Paterson

Perth

Summary

Friendly and empathetic individual who has strong interpersonal skills from working in the special needs education and social care industries for three years. Having worked with a wide range of individuals experiencing conditions such as Autism, Bipolar Disorder, and Dementia, this has strengthened my ability to support those with complex needs and adapt to challenging situations effectively. Psychology university graduate with a deep understanding of the various factors that can influence an individuals life.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Special Needs Education Assistant

Department Of Education
04.2025 - Current
  • Work at several schools carrying out relief work across Perth
  • Starting a contract at Atwell College in term 3
  • Assist in implementing individualised education plans for students with diverse learning needs
  • Collaborate with teachers to develop engaging lesson materials and classroom activities
  • Support classroom management by monitoring student behaviour and promoting positive interactions
  • Follow specialised therapy plans including Speech Patholology and Occupational Therapy

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

One Central Health
12.2024 - 04.2025
  • Manage complex caseloads while ensuring the highest level of care for each client
  • Responsible for undertaking functional behavioural assessments
  • Develop Behaviour Support plans and implement these with support networks
  • Develop and deliver training to support networks regarding challenging behaviours and strategies
  • High knowledge of restrictive practices
  • Write NDIS Review Reports

Special Needs Education Assistant

Castlereagh School
02.2024 - 12.2024
  • Worked with students with varying disabilities including Neurodevelopmental disorders (Autism, Intellectual disability and communication disorders) and physical disabilities
  • Communicated with students using Augmentative and Alternative Communication, key word sign, and Pragmatic Organisational Dynamic Display
  • Supported students demonstrating challenging behaviour due to limited communication skills
  • Followed behaviour support plans whilst observing and reporting students behaviours
  • Collaborated with and followed guidance from other professionals such as Psychologists, Speech Therapists, and Occupational Therapists

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

Cambly
05.2023 - 05.2024
  • Teach children and adults English through planned and conversational lessons, developing strong rapport
  • Adapt my teaching strategies based on students abilities and goals, requiring logical thinking

Assistant Manager

First Coast Restaurant
05.2023 - 10.2023
  • Responsible for leading the team and communicating efficiently
  • Administrative tasks and trained new staff

Waitress

Coogee Bay Hotel
11.2022 - 02.2023
  • Handled high-pressure situations appropriately during busy periods and exhibited strong multitasking abilities

Waitress

Little Sister
06.2022 - 09.2022
  • Remained calm when dealing with difficult customers

Teaching English as a Foreign Language Internship

The English House
09.2021 - 12.2021
  • Taught English to Spanish students aged 3-18, drawing upon organisational and creativity skills to create suitable lesson plans depending on age and ability
  • Assessed, marked and gave students feedback on homework and assignments

Support Practitioner

The Richmond Fellowship Scotland
11.2019 - 09.2021
  • Supported clients with a wide range of different needs including those with autism, dementia, physical disabilities, and mental health conditions
  • Assisted clients with day to day living, including taking them to appointments and recreational activities
  • Established trusting relationships with clients and their families through empathetic communication and active listening
  • Created tailored support plans for clients outlining their goals, needs, medical information, behavioural challenges, and therapy information
  • Medication handling and administration

Education

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Edinburgh Napier University
07.2019

Skills

  • Interpersonal
  • Organisational
  • Problem Solving
  • Flexibility
  • Critical Thinking
  • Microsoft Skills including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
  • Behaviour Management
  • Report Writing
  • Patience
  • Empathy

Certification

  • NDIS Core Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner
  • First Aid & CPR (2024)
  • Working with Children Check (2024)
  • ELTAB Level 3 Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (2022)
  • TEFL Academy Level 5 Certificate (2021)

Timeline

Special Needs Education Assistant

Department Of Education
04.2025 - Current

Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner

One Central Health
12.2024 - 04.2025

Special Needs Education Assistant

Castlereagh School
02.2024 - 12.2024

English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

Cambly
05.2023 - 05.2024

Assistant Manager

First Coast Restaurant
05.2023 - 10.2023

Waitress

Coogee Bay Hotel
11.2022 - 02.2023

Waitress

Little Sister
06.2022 - 09.2022

Teaching English as a Foreign Language Internship

The English House
09.2021 - 12.2021

Support Practitioner

The Richmond Fellowship Scotland
11.2019 - 09.2021

Bachelor of Science - Psychology

Edinburgh Napier University