Vera Johnston
Vera is a qualified and compassionate Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from the University of Queensland and active membership in the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). With a strong foundation in legal studies and frontline experience with government and statutory agencies such as, the Department of Housing, child protection, domestic violence intervention, mental health, and youth work. Vera brings depth, professionalism, and empathy to every aspect of her practice.
Working as a Social Worker at Hand in Hand Mental Health and Disability, Vera designs and delivers person-centred services, specialising in trauma-informed interventions. She collaborates across multidisciplinary teams to develop holistic care plans that uphold individual rights and promote dignity, inclusion, and empowerment.
Vera’s earlier work as a Child Safety Officer for the Department of Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs involved comprehensive case management, risk assessments, and legal compliance under the Child Protection Act 1999. Her skills in crisis intervention, stakeholder collaboration, and court reporting are complemented by deep experience in advocacy, community engagement, and therapeutic group facilitation.
She is highly proficient in building trusting relationships with individuals, families, carers, and professionals, applying a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach. Vera excels in managing complex cases and coordinating support across diverse service systems.
Vera’s unwavering commitment to ethical social work practice, reflective supervision, and continual professional development ensures her practice is evidence-informed, values-driven, and responsive to the unique needs of those she supports.