Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
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Amber VanSumeren

Buckeye

Summary

Dynamic Correctional Counselor with extensive experience at the Arizona Department of Corrections, adept in case planning and mental health support. Successfully developed comprehensive reentry plans, enhancing offender outcomes. Recognized for effective communication and critical thinking, fostering collaboration among multidisciplinary teams to address complex offender needs and promote rehabilitation for a successful reentry into our society.

Overview

11
11
years of professional experience

Work History

Correctional Counselor

Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry, Perryville Complex
08.2014 - Current
  • Counseled offenders either individually or group settings to bring problems to light and implement potential solutions.
  • Aided in successful offender reentry into society through the development of comprehensive discharge plans that included housing, employment, and community support resources.
  • Served as a resource for correctional staff seeking guidance on how to best interact with inmates experiencing mental health crises or displaying challenging behaviors.
  • Conducted interviews for hiring of offender job positions to identify optimal candidates.
  • Improved offender behavior by implementing counseling and education programs tailored to specific needs.
  • Supported positive change within the correctional environment by actively participating in staff training sessions focused on effective communication techniques and conflict resolution strategies.
  • Evaluated progress of offenders in prisons to determine optimal intervention strategies.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams comprised of correctional officers, medical personnel, and other counselors to address complex needs of diverse inmate populations effectively.
  • Coordinated with educational providers both within the facility and externally to create academic pathways for inmates that supported their rehabilitation goals and prepared them for post-release success.
  • Provided crisis intervention services as needed, deescalating potentially dangerous situations involving offender conflicts or self-harm incidents.

Administrative Assistant

Integrated Pharmacy Network
2010 - 2014
  • Answered multi-line phone system, routing calls, delivering messages to staff and greeting visitors.
  • Maintained confidentiality of sensitive information by adhering to strict privacy policies and implementing secure filing systems.
  • Delivered excellent customer service through prompt responses to client inquiries, addressing concerns effectively, and building strong relationships.
  • Promoted a positive work environment through effective communication skills and fostering professional relationships among colleagues.
  • Improved document organization with thorough file maintenance, archiving outdated records as necessary for efficient retrieval when needed.

Substitute Teacher

Bay County School District
2007 - 2010
  • Followed classroom plans left by class teacher to continue student education and reinforce core concepts.
  • Upheld classroom routines to support student environments and maintain consistent schedules.
  • Developed strong rapport with students through consistent encouragement and support, fostering a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic growth.
  • Kept students on-task with proactive behavior modification and positive reinforcement strategies.
  • Supervised lunchroom and recess activities.

Education

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education

Saginaw Valley State University
Saginaw, MI
12-2007

Skills

  • Professional boundaries
  • Case planning
  • Mental health support
  • Suicide prevention
  • Individual counseling
  • Substance abuse treatment
  • Reentry planning
  • Critical thinking
  • Organizational skills
  • Team collaboration
  • Active listening
  • Effective communication

Timeline

Correctional Counselor

Arizona Department of Corrections Rehabilitation and Reentry, Perryville Complex
08.2014 - Current

Administrative Assistant

Integrated Pharmacy Network
2010 - 2014

Substitute Teacher

Bay County School District
2007 - 2010

Bachelor of Arts - Elementary Education

Saginaw Valley State University

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Amber VanSumeren