Melissa Riddiford - Executive Manager Client Outcomes

Commencing her career in social work over 25 years ago, and having been at Cafs since 2015, Melissa is responsible for all of Cafs’ Client Outcomes programs and services.

Melissa’s professional experience includes more than 18 years at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), where she worked in various roles, including Child Protection, Policy, Training & Development, Quality of Care and Out of Home Care Reform. For two and a half years she held the position of Team Leader, Women & Children’s Services at Ballarat Health Services. In that role Melissa worked predominately with vulnerable mothers and their partners. Melissa has also been a guest lecturer at Federation University in the field of Child Protection practice.

As a member of Cafs’ Executive Team, Melissa has a strong focus on recruitment and retention of staff. She believes in the importance of quality supervision and professional development planning, including student placements.

Melissa is Chair of Cafs’ Child Safety Committee. This Committee ensures that Cafs has the systems and processes in place to ensure the safety of our children, especially those in out-of-home-care.

Melissa’s professional qualifications include a Bachelor of Social Work (University of Melbourne), a Diploma of Government (NMIT) and a Certificate of Family Therapy.

Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn.