Samantha Coombs has experience working in youth services, criminal justice, and education. She holds a BA in Criminology and Youth Studies and has worked as a Leaving Care Advisor, Family Support Worker, and bar manager. Coombs has strong communication, organizational, and empathetic skills and experience managing caseloads and working with a variety of people. She is looking to further her career in a role supporting young people.

1. Samantha Coombs BA (Hons)
37 The Street, Melton, Woodbridge, Suffolk 07935 748555 sammiecee@hotmail.co.uk● ●
Personal Profile:
Qualified to degree standard in Criminology and Youth Studies, I am a highly organised, enthusiastic
and focused individual who is an excellent team player but also works competently on own
initiative. I have outstanding organisational and communication skills which enable me to work with
people from all walks of life and I consider one of my strengths to be empathetic; this proved
effective, and essential when working with young adults in both a prison environment and within
Children's Services.
Managing both Child in Need and Leaving Care caseloads within a local authority has enabled me to
learn about the legislation guiding my practice and I ensured I worked to this, keeping the young
people, children and families central at all times making sure that their voices are heard and that
they are consulted throughout statutory intervention.
Career history and included responsibilities:
Reading Borough Council, Leaving Care Team (Dec 2015-present) – Leaving Care Advisor
 I currently hold a caseload of 27 young people aged between 16 and 24 who have at some point in their lives
been through the care proceedings.
 To support young people to develop the life skills and confidence to live independent adult lives.
 To make links with and work with other key partner agencies and service providers to support young people
into education, training and employment. To track their progress and intervene as required.
 To develop work experience, training and employment opportunities across the council within the local
business community.
The Old Mariner and The Anchor (June 2015 – Nov 2015) – Bar manager
 I am responsible for ensuring that the pub operates safely including that of all staff and customers.
 I show excellent customer service, sometimes under great pressure.
 I ensured timely stocktaking and ordering for the bar and kitchen.
 I carried out regular stock control including the balancing of accounts.
 I have proven leadership skills and also have the ability to work on my own as well as gaining my
Personal Licence.
Page 1 of 5 Samantha Coombs: Curriculum Vitae

2. Gusford Primary School (Mar 2015 to May 2015) – Family Engagement Worker
• I was part of a small team that liaised with families, school and social services.
• I facilitated a lunchtime group of children who were unable to join the general population of the school.
• We worked closely with the teaching staff to ensure all staff and pupils were kept safe at all times and that
any child experiencing difficulties had their needs met.
Cardiff Children's Services project (Aug 2014 – Mar 2015) – Family Support Worker
• I solely held a Child in Need case load of 27 – at its highest point – working with children from 0 to 17yrs.
• I was responsible for carrying out continual assessment and risk management with my cases. My work
involved supporting young people to ensure that they remain with their families and so prevent them
entering foster care.
• I used NFA to undertake my assessments and also other tools to engage children. I am capable and
comfortable using the assessment triangle to identify any unmet needs for the children and families.
• I attended, contributed and chaired Child in Need meetings, core groups and planning meetings.
• I worked hard with other agencies building and maintaining excellent working relationships.
Feb 2014 – July 2015: Reception/Admin at Stratstone Landrover in Newport.
2013 – Dec 2013 University Campus Suffolk (see ‘Education’)
MA Childhood and Youth Studies: Critical perspectives in Childhood and Youth & Law, Society and Childhood:
Did not complete due to relocation.
The Old Mariner and The Anchor (Aug 2012 – Feb 2014) – Bar manager
• I am responsible for ensuring that the pub operates safely including that of all staff and customers.
• I show excellent customer service, sometimes under great pressure.
• I ensure timely stocktaking and ordering for the bar and kitchen.
• I carry out regular stock control including the balancing of accounts.
• I have proven leadership skills and also have the ability to work on my own.
2008 – 2012 Suffolk College and University Campus Suffolk (see ‘Education’)
Suffolk County Council, Woodman’s Place (Children’s Home) (2007 – 2008) – Team Support
• I provided a liaison point for all resident children, teachers, social workers, schools, parents and police.
• Provided all aspects of administration for the Children’s Home and FAST team.
Page 2 of 5 Samantha Coombs: Curriculum Vitae

3. • I used Word and Excel to ensure records were contemporaneous and confidential, and produced reports as required, along
with PowerPoint for presentations for meetings.
• I provided a pivotal support role for Social Workers.
• Ensured that the ‘FAST’ bed and provision always available (emergency residential care).
HMP/YOI Warren Hill (2006 – 2007) Trainee Guidance Worker
• I shadowed the Guidance Worker enabling myself to provide a higher level of support.
• I undertook one-to-one induction interviews with new trainees to ensure the measurement of their needs and
requirements.
• I provided close liaison with all agencies connected to the education department and relevant wing staff.
• Provided assistance to trainees to complete their college or job applications.
• I ensured that all trainees’ records were clear and up to date; on both office files and the National Prison database.
• Provided administration whilst working within the Guidance team.
Prison Service, HMP/YOI Warren Hill (2004 -2007) Governor’s Support
• Compiled confidential records to police, probation teams, youth offending teams as well as advising all staff of their CRB
status and trainee/staff risk assessments.
• Managed the monthly meeting schedule and ensured all internal and external agencies who were involved were informed
and provided with agendas in advance.
• I managed the minutes, protocols and procedure of sensitive, confidential meetings and ensured the timely distribution of
them to the security and youth offending teams, to Governors, the police and other areas such as diversity monitoring
sections.
• I guaranteed close liaison with the Governors and Senior Officers regarding the trainees’ welfare and education.
• I maintained the day-to-day running of the prison intranet.
1994 – 2004 Career break - family
• Post Office Store - shop duties including dealing with customers and stock taking (Melton, Woodbridge).
• Optician Receptionist – providing first impression of local opticians dealing with all enquiries and ordering, along with
upkeep of detailed records (Woodbridge).
• Nanny – Sole care of 2yr boy (Stockwell, London).
• Hotel Receptionist – dealing with clients both over the phone and face-to-face along with ensuring the rooms, bar and the
banqueting hall was always prepared/ready for use.(Staines, Middlesex)
• Barperson – General bar duties. (Ashford, Middlesex)
Education:
Sept 2009-May 2012 University Campus Suffolk, Ipswich
BA (Hons) Criminology and Youth Studies (2.2) awarded by the University of East Anglia
and the University of Essex
Modules included:
Psychology
Sociology
Crime & Punishment
Data Analysis
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4. Research Methods
Dissertation title: The Hoodie: A Fashion Item or a ‘Beware of’ Sign?
2008-2009 Suffolk New College, Ipswich
Access Course in Social Sciences (pass)
Modules included:
Crime and Deviance
Family Law
Psychology
Maths
English
Computers (obtained EDCL – Computer Driving Licence)
1985-1986 Farlingaye High School, Woodbridge, Suffolk
O levels including Mathematics and English
1982-1984 Caerleon Comprehensive School, South Wales
Personal Development and training:
2012 – Domestic Abuse Awareness: Leeway (Domestic Abuse)
2007 – Diversity and Equality Awareness: HMP/YOI Warren Hill Prison Service
Health & Safety in the workplace including R/A & SSOW: HMP/YOI Warren Hill Prison Service
JASP training (Juvenile Staff Awareness Programme): HMP/YOI Warren Hill Prison Service
Hostage training information collation: HMP/YOI Warren Hill Prison Service
2005/6 – Invigilator for exams and courses: HMP/YOI Warren Hill Prison Service
2005 – ‘Panel’ training: Youth Offending Services
2013 – Training for Appropriate Adult - ACT (Anglian Care Trust) Ipswich
Interests:
Spending good quality time with my family is very important to me and I also enjoy socialising with my friends,
particularly where there is live music. I am an avid, diverse reader enjoying historical dramas by Phillipa Gregory and
crime/thriller books – both factual and fiction. I spend relaxing evenings at home with my family enjoying films and
doing cross stitch.
I am very keen to further my education and training.
Other:
• Car owner with full, clean licence
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5. • Excellent references available on request:
Mr I Allam – 07814 988511 -
Mr J Cummings (M.D.) – 07890 554326 – john.cummings@bluecrowprojects.com
Dr E Bond (University Lecturer) – 01473 338564 – e.bond@UCS.AC.UK
Page 5 of 5 Samantha Coombs: Curriculum Vitae

6. • Excellent references available on request:
Mr I Allam – 07814 988511 -
Mr J Cummings (M.D.) – 07890 554326 – john.cummings@bluecrowprojects.com
Dr E Bond (University Lecturer) – 01473 338564 – e.bond@UCS.AC.UK
Page 5 of 5 Samantha Coombs: Curriculum Vitae