Christopher John Black CV April 2015

Christopher John Black, Curriculum Vitae
Christopher John Black
10A Merrick Way
Duncraig
WA 6023
Mob: +61 (0) 435060987
Email: chris.black.perth@gmail.com
Skype: chrisblack8
Residency: 189 Skilled Independent Migrant, Permanent Resident Visa
Personal
Statement
I am a driven leader & manager who excels in designing and implementing new projects, and strategically directing
and evaluating existing projects. I also excel at building and maintaining partnerships and working collaboratively
with other agencies and individuals. I take a leading role in influencing and developing policy within my own
organisation, with our funded organisations and in coordinating responses to national policy issues.
Key Skills and
Abilities:
• Managing , motivating and supporting staff and
staff teams
• Responsibility for budgets up to €1.5m (AUD
$2m)
• Collaborative Leadership & Developing Strategic
partnerships
• Policy Development
• Community Development
• Proven ability to get new projects off the
ground
• Ability to think creatively and develop solutions
with limited budgets/resources
• Proven ability to manage and oversee a diverse
range of projects
• Ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communications
skills
• Proven ability to fundraise
• Commitment to a “bottom-up” approach
• Proven ability to work with people at all levels
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and deal with
sensitive information
• Ability to demonstrate diplomacy when dealing
with sensitive issues
• Critical Thinker
• Reflective Practitioner
• Recovery Champion
Key
2013- date:
Involved in Central Team, developing and implementing Partners in Recovery Program in Perth North
Establishment of first “Co-Production Group” nationally within Partners in Recovery Program
2006 - 2013:
• Supporting, leading and driving a Regional Drugs Task Force.
o “He (Chris) has demonstrated (a) a clear understanding of the legislative and policy framework within which the
SRDTF operates (b) an organisational competence, and (c) a critical ability to engage collaboratively with
colleagues and third party agencies”. – Peadar King, former Chairperson of SRDTF
• Implementation of National Drugs Strategy in 2 Counties in Ireland, which involved bringing together diverse
organisations to work collaboratively for a common goal.
o “In this position he (Chris) was pivotal in bringing together strands that would traditionally take opposing positions.
Chris ensured he understood the various viewpoints and thus was capable of finding a common approach”. – Willie
Collins, former Line Manager
• Concept of, development, implementation and support for Community Based Drugs Initiatives and other
responses to drugs issues
o “I found Chris to be highly effective in implementing the strategy in his region and in engaging with statutory and
voluntary providers in ensuring that the best possible use was made of resources. Much of the work in his area was
groundbreaking and Chris can take considerable credit for that achievement” – Pat Carey, former Minister for
Drugs
• Writing and implementation of a Regional Heroin Strategy
• Working collaboratively with Gardai (Police) to introduce a pilot programme as an alternative to the justice
system for “low-level” drugs offenders.
• Member of National Drugs Rehabilitation Implementation Committee, and support for the introduction of the
resulting Rehab Framework within Counties Cork & Kerry. This including Key Working, Case Management, Care
Planning, interagency protocols and QuADS (quality framework for alcohol and drugs organisations).
• Development of Service User Involvement Framework, for drugs treatment organisations.
2005:
National Coordinator for Community Partnership Network and supporting them through change within a
Government Programme
2001 - 2004:
Linkedin: http://ie.linkedin.com/in/chrisblackcommunitydevelopment/ Page 1 of 5

• Development and establishment of one of Irelands first Youth Cafes, in Bantry, Co. Cork, Ireland
• Development and implementation of Caring Peninsulas programme, which provides support to older, isolated
and vulnerable people, and securing a €360,000 (AUD $499,200) grant for the programme.
o “He (Chris) excelled in project development and planning. His strategic work in youth and community services
development put us on a path we remain on today, 6 years later.” – Fergal Conlon, former Line Manager.
• Writing of Strategic Plan for the inclusion of young people in Arts Activities in West Cork, Ireland
Education and
Qualifications:
1993 -1996 University College St. Martins, Lancaster
Community & Youth Studies BA (Hons).
Degree including JNC Professional Youth & Community Work Qualification (validated by the National Youth Agency (UK) and the
Community & Youth Workers Union)
_____________________________
2012 – IELTS Academic - Overall Banding 8.5 (9, 7.5, 8.5, 9)
1987 – 1989 Central Manchester College, Cornbrook Annexe, Manchester
BTEC HNC Distribution Studies - Pass
1985 – 1987 Accrington & Rossendale College, Lea Bank Center, Higher Cloughfold
BTEC OND Business Studies - Pass
Employment
History:
November 2013 - date
Panorama Health Network – Partners In Recovery, 145 Main Street, Osborne Park, WA 6017
Job Title: Network Facilitator
Assist the implementation of the Partners in Recovery Program..
- Work within a recovery oriented and consumer focused framework.
- Assist in identifying trends and gaps within PIR region.
- Conduct service mapping and research within PIR region.
- Establish and maintain service directories.
- Keep abreast of developments in recovery focused services.
- Oversee the professional education programs for PIR staff (including non PNML PIR providers as required).
- Support the building of capacity and capability within existing service providers.
- Identify service gaps in the region.
- Coordinate team meetings as required.
- Monitor program outcomes and provide reports to the PIR Manager.
- Liaise with consumer and carers to inform system improvement priorities and initiatives.
- Review and monitor service delivery to ensure continuity of engagement with service providers
_____________________________
July 2006 – Sept 2013
Southern Regional Drugs Task Force, 1st
Floor, Kinvara House, Dublin Hill, Cork
Job Title: Coordinator (CEO)
Responsible to: Drugs Programmes Unit, Primary Care Division, Department of Health
Responsible for: Delivery of National Drugs Strategy within the Southern Region (Counties Cork & Kerry)
Implementation of Strategic Plan including establishment of and responsibility for:

- 10 Community based drugs initiatives: development of model of service delivery, support for management
committees & project workers, interview process, assessment of funding applications and monitoring of projects.
- 5 Aftercare workers within Voluntary Treatment Services: supporting those at most risk of relapse.
- 2 "Link Workers": supporting individuals through the treatment process.
- 2 "Club Workers": based in Health Promotion Dept and working with vendors of alcohol to deliver drugs awareness
training and setting up of “pub watch” programmes. This includes sitting on multi-agency advisory group.
- Small Grants Programme (up to €4,000 (AUD $5,500) for innovative community projects).
- Trained Facilitator for Strengthening Families Programme (evidence based fourteen week family skills programme).
- Responsible for local delivery of national premises fund, including assessing applications, recommending them to
Govt Dept and follow up work.
- Liaising with network of Regional Coordinators.
- Contact with, and attendance at meetings with Minister for Drugs and the Drugs Programmes Unit in Department
Of Health (as appropriate).
- Contact with community/voluntary/statutory agencies with a view to identifying gaps in service provision, new
project development and partnership working.
- Consultation about and writing of Regional Heroin Strategy.
- Development of Service User Involvement Framework.
- Representation of Task Force at various fora.
- Coordinating responses to requests for comment on National Policy.
- Involvement in organisation of National Conferences on Drugs issues, including identifying guest speakers, making
presentations and facilitating workshops at conferences.
- Member of National Drug Rehabilitation Implementation Committee.
- Member of County Kerry Childrens Services Committee.
- Sourcing of Trainers and organising training for project workers – Motivational Interviewing, Brief Interventions,
Relapse Prevention, Strengthening Families Programme.
- Introduction of Logic Modelling and Outcome Reporting as monitoring and evaluation tool.
- Work with Gardai (Police) on developing new framework for health based referrals outside of justice system also
organising training for community gardai in drugs awareness/understanding of addiction.
- Writing of Annual Reports, published online at: http://www.drugsandalcohol.ie/view/people/Black=3AChris=3A=3A.html
_____________________________
October 2002 – Sept 2013
University College Cork, Adult and Continuing Education, UCC, Cork
Job Title: Part-time Lecturer (panel)
Responsible to: Coordinator of Relevant Course
Lecturing on Diploma in Youth & Community Studies, Certificate in Community Development and Certificate in
Disability Studies. Duties include support for students learning, delivering lectures, marking and correction of essays,
promotion of the course, recruitment of students
_____________________________
Jan 2006 – June 2006
West Cork Community Partnership, Enterprise Centre, Bantry, Co. Cork
Job Title: Youth and Community Development Officer
Responsible to: Board of Management
- Support for “Youth Options” Conference in Bantry and writing up of Conference Report
- Research & Report into Voluntary Activity of Older People in West Cork & recommendations on how to improve
their participation
- Support / supervision of Bantry Youth Café Coordinator
- Development of a series of 10 booklets offering information and advice for voluntary management committees
- Research of information to support the organisation during the “cohesion process”
- “Guest speaker” at launch events (Youth Arts event & Youth Options Conference and Youth magazine launch)
_____________________________
Jan 2005 – Jan 2006

Community Partnership Network c/o CDCD, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny
Job Title: National Coordinator (Maternity Cover)
Responsible to: Community Partnership Network Board
Supporting 30 Community Partnerships across Ireland – including: organising Conferences, support for Regional and
National fora (organising meetings, dissemination of information), liaising with Government Departments
(Community, Rural and Gaeltach), liaising with Funding body (ADM), developing relationships with other similar
bodies (Planet, CLE), support for ADM Rural Development Advisory Committee sub-group (research into new
indicators of rural disadvantage with Trutz Hasse), development of policy, coordinated responses to national
initiatives (e.g. Cohesion), development of website & use of internet for improving communication and
dissemination of information, representation of CPN at national conferences.
_____________________________
Nov 2001 – Jan 2005
West Cork Community Partnership The Enterprise Centre, Ropewalk, Bantry
Job Title: Youth and Community Development Officer
Responsible to: WCCP Board of Directors
Youth - Responsible for developing and coordinating youth work in the Bantry area. Implementing a programme of
activities aimed at disadvantaged young people and their families. Taking a strategic look at youth provision in West
Cork - improving provision through developing partnerships & interagency work and developing training and support
for local volunteers. Developing use of Internet as a method of consulting with young people/communities.
Development of the West Cork Youth Council. Sourcing and applying for relevant funding. Developing other work
within the community. Establishment of Bantry Youth Forum. Supporting students & assisting in the co-ordination of
the United World Youth Council
Community – Responsible for delivering a number of actions targeted at countering disadvantage in the community
– Consultation with local council housing estates, support for / establishment of tenant & resident associations,
support for voluntary groups, including providing training, assisting with fundraising. General support /
information / advice as required. Research.
Training – Provided a days training to the Southern Health Board, Community Work Dept on the theme of Research
and Consultation methodologies. I also supervised placement students undertaking Youth & Community Work
degrees with University College Cork.
Fundraising – as and when required – example: developed the concept for and applied successfully to Dormant
Accounts for the “Caring Peninsulas” project which offers support to vulnerable and isolated individuals.
_____________________________
June 1996 - Nov 2001
South West Burnley Community Development Trust, Unit 2, The Enterprise Center, Valley Street, Burnley
Job Title: Community Development Team Leader
Responsible to: SWBCDT Board of Trustees
Responsible for all aspects of the community development team - 9 members of staff - budgeting / fund-raising -
developing new initiatives within the community. Challenge Fund (Single Regeneration Budget) Project Manager for
Community Development Initiative. Project manager for 3 ERDF and 5 ESF projects. Developmental projects include
Community Café, Food Co-op, Capacity Building with small local groups, Men’s Work, Health and Social Care
Research, Work with Older People, awarding of grants to local groups , developing interagency partnerships,
supporting local residents in a variety of settings & developing new initiatives alongside residents. Policy
development within the organisation, recruitment and selection, support and supervision of staff - Chair of Home-
Start Burnley, Chair of Mediation in Burnley.
Private Work
Undertaken:
West Cork Arts Centre, Skibbereen (Jan – June 2007)
Job Title: Lead Consultant

Responsible for: Development of Strategic Plan for the inclusion of young people in Arts Activities in West Cork…
(Report published by West Cork Arts Centre 2007 - ISBN: 1-904354-19-X )
Continuing
Professional
Development:
2003 – Children First, Child Protection Training (Health Service Executive - HSE)
2007 - Strengthening Families Programe, Facilitator Training (Lutra Group – Karol Kumpfer and Henry Whiteside)
2008 – Collaboration, Innovation & Change – (Private Trainer)
2012 - Key Working/Care Planning/Case Management (HSE National Addiction Training Programme)
2012 – Putting the Pieces Together facilitator training (In house SRDTF)
2012 – Logic Modelling (In house SRDTF)
2012 – Service User Involvement (2 day in house SRDTF)
2014 - Cultural Awareness Training (PNML / Ingrid Cummins)
2014 - Mental Health First Aid (MHFA.com.au)
2014 - CPR Resuscitation Course (RSL WA)
2014 - Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI)
2014 - Cultural Diversity Training (MMRC)
2014 - Outcome Star (Anicha / Triangle)
2015 - Motivational Interviewing - Basic (24 hrs) (MINT provided)
2015 - Brief Interventions in Alcohol (3 hrs CPD)
2015 - Motivational Interviewing Intermediate - 14 hours (MINT Provided)
2015 - Recovery Champions (Ron Coleman)
Voluntary
Work
Undertaken:
1997 – 2001 Chairperson of Homestart Burnley
1999 – 2000 Chairperson of Mediation in Burnley
2000 – 2001 Chairperson of Community Projects sub-group of Stacksteads Riverside Park Group
2003 – 2006 Member of Caheragh and Dromore Parish Assembly
References
available
from:
Aoife Stack
Program Manager
Partners in Recovery
Panorama Health Network
145 Main Street
Osborne Park
WA 6017
Email:
Aoife.stack@panoramahealth.com.au
Phone: 08 92089510
David Lane
Coordinator of Drug & Alcohol
Services
Health Service Executive Southern
Region
1st Floor
Kinvara House
Dublin Hill
Cork
Ireland
Email: David.lane1@hse.ie
Phone: +353 214930100
Peadar King
Former Chairperson SRDTF
4 Glendalough Park
The Lough
Cork
Ireland
Email: Peadarking1@gmail.com
Phone: +353 874188980

Christopher John Black CV April 2015

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