Empowering. Affirming. Empathic. Respectful. Inclusive.
Services
Clinical Supervision
Training and Consultancy
NDIS Specialist Support Coordination and Social Work
Who I am.
I’m Olivia Watson (she/her), an Adelaide-based social worker and leader with 13 years of social work experience, across education, hospital and community settings.
With significant experience in the disability sector, I have expertise in the NDIS space. I am passionate about supporting people with disabilities to live meaningful lives and be empowered to find their own voice in directing their supports and goals. For several years I led a large team of social workers and support coordinators within a leading disability services provider in South Australia.
As well as directly supporting NDIS participants, I work alongside social workers, support coordinators and allied health professionals in offering quality, confidential clinical supervision. I currently work part-time as a school student counsellor with both high school and primary school students.
I am an AASW Accredited social worker, with AASW Disability Accreditation.
When I’m not working, you might find me walking my dogs (a greyhound and a whippet), playing guitar, shooting hoops, gardening, bingeing a true crime podcast or doco, or playing board games at home with my family.
Image description: Olivia is looking at the camera, smiling. She has long wavy blonde hair, brown tortoise shell glasses, and is wearing a pink and white floral dress. Her right hand is resting across her left arm and she wears a large round white ring.
What I stand for.
Driven by values of social justice, respect, equity, empowerment and inclusion, my passion for full inclusion and diversity in communities and workplaces is a driving force in the work I do.
I work from a trauma-informed, culturally-responsive and neurodiversity affirming lens, and am passionate about challenging structures that oppress and discriminate. A fierce advocate, I work to empower people at the intersections of marginalised identities, and care deeply about enabling the rights of First Peoples, women, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ and elderly folks, refugees and people of colour.
How I can work with you.
-
I am passionate about providing effective and purposeful reflective supervision and supporting clinicians to develop skills as both supervisors and supervisees.
I am available to provide 1:1 clinical supervision to Social Workers and NDIS Support Coordinators seeking to expand their reflective practice skills and professional growth. I support clinicians to develop their skills and confidence by exploring their experiences, reactions and values.
I am based on Kaurna country (Adelaide) and am available for in-person supervision in the metropolitan area, within 20km of the Adelaide CBD.
Sessions via video link can be arranged for people in regional SA or interstate.
-
A skilled and engaging trainer, I have facilitated small and large group training across a range of topics, including clinical supervision, working with complex clients and families, social work in disability, and NDIS.
I provide expert cross-sector consultancy - including in education, disability and community services - focusing on social work leadership, inclusion & diversity, clinical supervision and policy development.
-
I provide therapeutic social work interventions, counselling, assessment and capacity-building support for NDIS participants. I am trained in Narrative Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and draw on a range of therapeutic modalities in my social work and counselling practice. (Social Work services claimed from NDIS ‘CB -Improved Daily Living’ budget @ NDIS rates).
I also provide NDIS Specialist Support Coordination, working alongside you to help you achieve your goals, while addressing complexities and risks in your situation and supporting you to overcome barriers. (Specialist Support Coordination, claimed from NDIS ‘CB - Support Coordination’ budget @ NDIS rates.)
*Inclusive Social Work is not a registered NDIS provider and so services can only be provided to NDIS participants with self-managed or plan-managed budgets.
My approach.
A dynamic, empathic and solutions-focussed person, I have the ability to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds. I work collaboratively alongside people, with a focus on developing connection and rapport in order to create a trusting therapeutic relationship.
My work is strengths-based and rooted in principles of capacity building and empowerment. I believe that all people are experts in their own lives, and have the capacity to bring about the change they desire, when equipped with the right tools. Applying a holistic approach to my work, I conduct therapeutic assessments from a biopsychosocial and person-centred lens.
I have a strong interest in supporting families and carers of people with disabilities. I am passionate about advocating for the needs of carers, recognising the important role that families and informal supports play. Additionally I am committed to promoting the importance of self-care and reducing burnout, both for people with disabilities and their carers, and also for professionals working in this space.
Whether working with NDIS participants, providing clinical supervision to social workers/support coordinators, or delivering training on a range of topics, my style is engaging, relational, and individualised to the person or people I’m working alongside.
What my clients say.
Bonnie, Social Worker and Supervisee.
“I have had the privilege of receiving clinical supervision from Olivia for the past 5 years. Olivia creates a safe space for reflective practice and development of knowledge. I have experienced increased confidence in my skills and ability to navigate complex situations. Olivia is a truly passionate and accomplished social worker and supervisor.”
Kirsten, Therapy Team Leader and Training attendee.
“Attending Olivia’s supervision training has empowered my skills as a leader to manage challenging conversations and support others in achieving their professional goals. She was approachable, provided great practical recommendations that I could implement quickly and she enthusiastically shared her knowledge. Olivia is such an engaging presenter and I really valued her inclusive approach to her work.”
Sylvia, Occupational Therapist and Training attendee.
“Olivia’s supervision workshop was extremely engaging and it was clear that she is passionate about what she does through her energetic approach. She provided strategies in a way that was easy to understand and apply, and I have been able to implement these into my daily practice with confidence.”
Sarah, mother of NDIS participant.
“Olivia has been an amazing person to me and my son to work with over many years. Always supportive, with a vast knowledge and a kind heart and understanding. She has made a huge difference in our lives!”