Steve Mitchley
Kuna
Summary
Dynamic and mission-driven program leader with over 15 years of diverse experience in corrections, behavioral health, and organizational leadership. Expertise in developing and implementing transformative rehabilitation and substance abuse programs that align with institutional standards, grant objectives, and public safety outcomes. Currently serving as a Correctional Case Manager with the Idaho Department of Correction, leveraging a strong foundation in social work, clinical supervision, and policy development to enhance institutional effectiveness, boost staff engagement, and improve rehabilitative outcomes. Committed to fostering environments that promote recovery and reintegration for individuals within the justice system.
Overview
41
41
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Correctional Case Manager – MSW, CADC
Idaho Department of Correction
09.2022 - Current
- In this leadership and case management role, I provide direct rehabilitative services and operational oversight within a correctional facility environment. Serving as Acting Program Manager during absences, I lead staff coordination, ensure compliance with IDOC policies, and develop evidence-based programming that addresses behavioral, psychological, and social barriers to reentry.
- Supervise daily program operations and provide leadership during Program Manager absences, ensuring seamless continuation of services and adherence to IDOC policy.
- Design, implement, and evaluate rehabilitative programs targeting substance abuse, trauma, aggression replacement, and cognitive restructuring.
- Develop and lead a veteran-focused recovery and peer support initiative, improving morale and community among incarcerated veterans.
- Conduct clinical assessments and manage individualized treatment and reentry plans using motivational interviewing and trauma-informed approaches.
- Collect, analyze, and report outcome data to inform policy adjustments, performance measures, and compliance audits.
- Serve as mentor and field instructor for interns and new hires, fostering professional growth and adherence to correctional standards.
Domestic Violence Direct Service Provider
Trivium Life Services
01.2019 - Current
- Provide group facilitation and individualized intervention for clients enrolled in Batterer Intervention Programs across Idaho. Work collaboratively with legal systems, treatment teams, and community partners to ensure participant accountability, behavioral change, and compliance with court mandates.
- Facilitate weekly group sessions using CBT and motivational interviewing to address patterns of violence, accountability, and empathy.
- Evaluate participant progress and document treatment plans, ensuring accurate records for judicial and agency review.
- Collaborate with probation officers and courts to support compliance monitoring and participant success.
- Advocate for trauma-informed approaches that emphasize personal accountability and behavioral transformation.
Substance Abuse Therapist
Trivium Life Services
08.2017 - 09.2022
- Served as a lead therapist providing comprehensive outpatient and residential treatment to adults with substance use and co-occurring disorders. Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop and evaluate client-centered care models and group therapy programming. Collaborate with program leadership to monitor and evaluate the Batterer Intervention Program, analyze participant data and recidivism outcomes to identify improvement opportunities and enhance program efficacy. Implemented adjustments that strengthened accountability measures and client engagement, contributing to measurable reductions in repeat offenses.
- Co-developed and implemented an Intensive Outpatient Substance Use Disorder (SUD) program in collaboration with Interfaith Sanctuary.
- Led group and individual therapy sessions using CBT, DBT, and relapse prevention techniques.
- Conducted GAIN-I assessments, prepared GRRS reports, and tracked clinical outcomes to improve service effectiveness.
- Facilitated CBISA programming at the Idaho State Correctional Institution, supporting inmates’ behavioral change and readiness for release.
BSW Intern / Case Manager
Share
08.2016 - 08.2017
- During my time with the Council for the Homeless in Vancouver, I contributed to the implementation of the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), a $500,000 U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Service (VETS) grant. This initiative focused on providing homeless veterans with sustainable housing and employment opportunities through coordinated community partnerships and resource alignment. My work supported program operations, data tracking, and client engagement strategies to ensure compliance and successful delivery of services under federal grant standards.
- Coordinated client intakes, assessments, and service connections for housing, employment, and healthcare access.
- Partnered with social service agencies to enhance wraparound service delivery and reduce systemic barriers.
- Assisted in launching Clark County’s Homeless Outreach Program, expanding access to support for underserved populations.
Department Manager
Sears
12.2011 - 12.2013
- Oversaw daily operations for the Lawn, Garden, and Outdoor department, managing team performance, inventory, and customer satisfaction initiatives. Focused on staff training, operational workflow, and data-driven decision-making to enhance profitability and service quality.
- Supervised 10+ employees, ensuring compliance with corporate policies and performance standards.
- Implemented process improvements resulting in a 12% increase in departmental efficiency and sales growth.
- Developed and delivered employee training programs focused on safety and customer engagement.
Sales Manager
Lowe’s Home Improvement
10.2005 - 11.2011
- Led a large sales division in a high-volume retail environment, overseeing staff performance, strategic sales planning, and operational execution. Emphasized team leadership, training, and continuous improvement in customer service delivery.
- Managed a team of 15+ employees with full accountability for scheduling, performance reviews, and customer satisfaction outcomes.
- Implemented new sales protocols that increased departmental revenue and enhanced service delivery metrics.
- Facilitated professional development programs that improved retention and employee engagement.
Corporal of Marines
United States Marine Corps
01.1985 - 07.1991
- Served as a team leader responsible for personnel management, logistics, and equipment readiness for Amphibious Assault Vehicle operations. Developed leadership, discipline, and training methodologies that continue to inform a management approach based on accountability and service.
- Directed and trained a unit of 13 Marines, ensuring operational readiness, safety, and mission compliance.
- Oversaw maintenance coordination for military assets, achieving consistent readiness benchmarks.
- Recognized for leadership excellence and contributions to team cohesion and performance improvement.
Education
Master of Social Work -
Boise State University
Boise, ID01.2018
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Warner Pacific University
Portland, OR01.2017
General Studies - undefined
Clark College
Vancouver, WA01.2015
Skills
- Program Planning, Development, and Evaluation
- Organizational Leadership & Strategic Alignment
- Behavioral Health & Substance Abuse Programming
- Staff Leadership, Training, and Supervision
- Grant Performance Monitoring & Fiscal Oversight
- Outcome Evaluation & Recidivism Reduction
- Policy Implementation & Program Compliance
- Data Reporting, Metrics & Continuous Improvement
- Crisis Response, De-escalation & Conflict Resolution
- Case Management & Rehabilitative Services
- Community & Interagency Collaboration
Accomplishments
Effective correctional leadership is rooted in empathy, accountability, and consistency. By fostering teamwork, evidence-based practices, and continuous professional development, I aim to create programs that not only meet operational goals but also transform lives and strengthen community safety.
Certification
- Courageous Leadership – Emerging Leader (2025)
- Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC)
- Motivational Interviewing Instructor
- GAIN Certified Practitioner
- AP, ART, CBISO, CBISUA, TFAC Facilitator
- Direct Service Provider – Domestic Violence Batterer Intervention
- Positive Discipline Parent Educator
- USMC Corporal’s Leadership Course Graduate (1988)
- Microsoft Leadership Summit for Student Veterans Participant 2014
Timeline
Correctional Case Manager – MSW, CADC
Idaho Department of Correction
09.2022 - Current
Domestic Violence Direct Service Provider
Trivium Life Services
01.2019 - Current
Substance Abuse Therapist
Trivium Life Services
08.2017 - 09.2022
BSW Intern / Case Manager
Share
08.2016 - 08.2017
Department Manager
Sears
12.2011 - 12.2013
Sales Manager
Lowe’s Home Improvement
10.2005 - 11.2011
Corporal of Marines
United States Marine Corps
01.1985 - 07.1991
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Warner Pacific University
General Studies - undefined
Clark College
Master of Social Work -
Boise State University
Leadership Philosophy
I believe effective correctional leadership is rooted in empathy, accountability, and consistency. By fostering teamwork, evidence-based practices, and continuous professional development, I aim to create programs that not only meet operational goals but also transform lives and strengthen community safety.