Benjamin Kersten
Copperas Cove
Summary
Disciplined and trauma-informed Bachelor of Social Work candidate with 22 years of military leadership, four years of correctional experience, and active volunteer service with CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties. Proven ability to collaborate with interdisciplinary clinical teams, manage high-risk populations, and deliver structured support in transitional environments. Committed to ethical practice, cultural competence, and evidence-based intervention. Seeking to contribute to the mission of Christian Farms Tree House through direct care, case support, and program engagement.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Correctional Officer
Ouachita River Correctional Unit, Arkansas Department of Corrections
- Supervised inmate populations in a secure correctional setting
- Completed Basic Officers Training Course; enforced safety and compliance protocols
- Documented behavioral incidents and supported rehabilitation efforts
- 4 Years
Advocate
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
01.2025 - Current
- Advocate for children in foster care, ensuring trauma-informed representation in court
- Completed CASA College, CFE training, and courtroom observation
- Engaged with families and caseworkers to support permanency planning
- CASA of Bell and Coryell Counties
Operations Sergeant / First Sergeant
U.S. Army
01.2002 - 10.2024
- Directed operations for 4,500 personnel in Korea; supervised 180 soldiers
- Oversaw readiness, discipline, and welfare in high-stress environments
- Implemented resilience training and prevention programs across units
- Maintained ethical standards and trauma-informed leadership practices
Warrior Transition Unit Cadre
U.S. Army
01.2020 - 01.2024
- Served as cadre member supporting over 400 medically retiring soldiers
- Collaborated with Licensed Clinical Social Workers and Nurse Case Managers
- Delivered 24/7 support via government-issued phone for crisis response and accountability
- Facilitated risk mitigation strategies and coordinated interdisciplinary care
Education
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) -
Texas A&M University–Central Texas
08.2026
Skills
- Trauma-Informed Care & Crisis Response
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Case Management & Documentation
- Cultural Competence & Advocacy
- Leadership in Transitional Environments
- Ethical Decision-Making & Accountability
- Substance Abuse Prevention & Resilience Training
- Program Coordination & Client Engagement
- Physical Security & Risk Mitigation
- Public Speaking & Instructional Communication
- Correctional Supervision & Incident Reporting
Certification
- Master Resilience Trainer (MRT)
- Unit Prevention Leader (UPL)
- Equal Opportunity Leader (EOL)
- Physical Security Officer Certification
- Informal Funds Custodian
- CASA Pre-Service Certification
- Collaborative Family Engagement (CFE) Certification
- National Society of Leadership and Success – Foundational Leadership Certification
- Basic Leaders Course (U.S. Army)
- Advanced Leaders Course (U.S. Army)
- Senior Leaders Course (U.S. Army)
- Basic Officers Training Course (ADC)
Timeline
Advocate
Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)
01.2025 - Current
Warrior Transition Unit Cadre
U.S. Army
01.2020 - 01.2024
Operations Sergeant / First Sergeant
U.S. Army
01.2002 - 10.2024
Correctional Officer
Ouachita River Correctional Unit, Arkansas Department of Corrections
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) -
Texas A&M University–Central Texas