SA's Mia is becoming the positive role model our young people need! 

Apr 09, 2019

Being a case manager is a job like no other, we had a chat with Whitelion SA’s Mia McEntee a case manager with the Assertive Outreach team to give an insight into the her role.

How long have you worked at Whitelion?

Nearly 5 years

What is your role at Whitelion?

I’m based in South Australia as a Case Manager with the Assertive Outreach team.

What does your role involve?

I provide case management to young people disengaged from mainstream education who are on the flexible learning options enrolment strategy. I support young people in an outreach capacity, using a restorative practice framework.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I like being a positive person in the lives of vulnerable young people.

We asked Mia’s manager what’s something great about Mia?

She is an avid photographer and runs the footy tipping comp in the SA office AND barracks for Port Power.

Can you tell a story of a young person that made a big impact on you?

I was a Case Manager for an Aboriginal young person who had never attended mainstream high school. This young person had a massive lack of confidence, as well as experiencing homelessness and family complexity issues at the time. As his Case Manager I supported the young person to identify their barriers, and together we addressed his homelessness by securing independent payments and finding stable accommodation. By doing this I was developing a good rapport through establishing trust, which allowed me then to engage the young person to participate in the Whitelion Learning Centre program. During this time in the program he established a good routine and his confidence grew.

Through identifying goals collaboratively, I was able to support this young person in returning to a mainstream school in order to be considered to be a participant in a SA football program. With absolute pride I can say this young person not only achieved his goals, but surprised even himself achieving the highest year 12 result amongst his peers. He also successfully became a part of the 2018 football program.