Nathan Hawkes
I am a Case Manager, Program Facilitator and Mentor for Connected Self. I have had over 10 years experience working intensively with young people in care agencies and within schools. I have worked closely with young people, their families and clients in government, non-government and private settings. I am a dedicated youth practitioner and thoroughly enjoy my roles with Connected Self.
Interests
- Working closely with young people
- Bringing out the best in young people
- Delivering the Rock & Water program
- Teaching young people skills for life
- Supporting families and school communities
Background
I began my working career playing professional basketball in the National Basketball League with the Adelaide 36ers, the Newcastle Falcons and a year with the Perth Wildcats. Basketball was always my first love and after years of dedication, hard work and endless training, I was fortunate to "life my dream" and compete at the highest level in Australia. Basketball gave me numerous opportunities which included travelling all over Australia, and a number of tours to the USA and Europe. These opportunities introduced me to disadvantaged youth from all walks of life, which in hindsight, ignited my passion for working with young people.
During this period of my life I also held the position of head coach and program facilitator at private schools and junior and senior basketball clubs. Post-basketball, I began working with Families SA (SA Government) working closely with Guardian of the Minister children in Community Residential Care as a Youth Worker. During my five years with Families SA I worked closely with children from backgrounds of disadvantage, abuse, trauma and neglect. I learnt the ability to work positively and proactively with young people, no matter their background, and even when young people displayed very challenging behaviours. I worked closely with both male and females aged from 8 to 18 years of age in the capacity as Youth Worker and Senior Youth Worker. I really enjoyed working in this role. While it was very challenging at times, it was also extremely rewarding.
I began my working career playing professional basketball in the National Basketball League with the Adelaide 36ers, the Newcastle Falcons and a year with the Perth Wildcats. Basketball was always my first love and after years of dedication, hard work and endless training, I was fortunate to "life my dream" and compete at the highest level in Australia. Basketball gave me numerous opportunities which included travelling all over Australia, and a number of tours to the USA and Europe. These opportunities introduced me to disadvantaged youth from all walks of life, which in hindsight, ignited my passion for working with young people.
During this period of my life I also held the position of head coach and program facilitator at private schools and junior and senior basketball clubs. Post-basketball, I began working with Families SA (SA Government) working closely with Guardian of the Minister children in Community Residential Care as a Youth Worker. During my five years with Families SA I worked closely with children from backgrounds of disadvantage, abuse, trauma and neglect. I learnt the ability to work positively and proactively with young people, no matter their background, and even when young people displayed very challenging behaviours. I worked closely with both male and females aged from 8 to 18 years of age in the capacity as Youth Worker and Senior Youth Worker. I really enjoyed working in this role. While it was very challenging at times, it was also extremely rewarding.
Case Manager, Program Facilitator and Mentor
Case Manager and Program Facilitator
I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as a Case Manager and Program Facilitator for Connected Self. This position enables me to work closely with and case manage Primary School students who require intensive support. Within any school environment I am genuinely excited about transferring my skills and abilities in engaging and working with young people. I strive for positive outcomes and brighter futures for all young people I come in contact with. I am also a passionate facilitator of the Rock & Water program, having delivered the program and associated workshops to young people within both Primary and High Schools and a number of youth care settings.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as a Case Manager and Program Facilitator for Connected Self. This position enables me to work closely with and case manage Primary School students who require intensive support. Within any school environment I am genuinely excited about transferring my skills and abilities in engaging and working with young people. I strive for positive outcomes and brighter futures for all young people I come in contact with. I am also a passionate facilitator of the Rock & Water program, having delivered the program and associated workshops to young people within both Primary and High Schools and a number of youth care settings.
Bringing out people’s best
My greatest strength is connecting positively with young people and working with them to achieve their dreams, potential and all that is possible. "Bringing out someone's best" is something I love to do, am passionate about and believe is my niche or life calling. I find the experience of helping to shape young people for the better to be an extremely rewarding and positive one; an experience I genuinely enjoy!
My greatest strength is connecting positively with young people and working with them to achieve their dreams, potential and all that is possible. "Bringing out someone's best" is something I love to do, am passionate about and believe is my niche or life calling. I find the experience of helping to shape young people for the better to be an extremely rewarding and positive one; an experience I genuinely enjoy!
On a Personal Note...
I love surfing, all sports and I am a proud owner of two adopted children with four legs (dogs).
I love surfing, all sports and I am a proud owner of two adopted children with four legs (dogs).
