Carolina Penate
Houston,TX
Summary
Focused Juvenile Probation Officer dedicated to promoting rehabilitation and ensuring public safety through individualized case management and collaborative interventions. With over 11 years of experience in Specialized Intensive Supervision, a commitment is solely to support youth in overcoming challenges and reducing recidivism. Seeking opportunity to fill the Specialty Court Juvenile Probation Officer position to expand my expertise and contribute meaningfully to diverse areas within the agency, leveraging strong problem-solving, communication, and family engagement skills to foster positive outcomes for youth and communities.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Juvenile Probation Officer YESS Unit
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
04.2018 - Current
- Complete YESS Assessments (Gang Assessments) in a detailed manner
- Participate in decisions about whether cases should go before the courts
- Supervise probationers in community-based supervision, such as electronically monitored home detention and field supervision of probationers by conducting curfew checks and visits to home, work and school
- Arrange for post-release services, such as employment, living arrangements, counseling, education and social activities.
- Assessed suitability of placement and provided recommendations during Pre Court Staffings for probationers.
- Develop and prepare court packets containing information about social service agencies, assistance organizations and programs that was useful for probationers
Juvenile Probation Officer Girls Program
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
12.2013 - 04.2018
- Administered random drug screens of probationers to verify compliance with substance abuse in order to seek treatment programs if needed
- Developed liaisons and networks with other probation officers, community agencies, private institutions, psychiatric facilities and aftercare agencies to plan for helping probationers with life adjustments
- Prepared and maintained case folder for each assigned probationer
- Interviewed probationers regularly to evaluate progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining terms specified in probation contracts and rehabilitation plans
- Connected female probationers with access to the baby care program, WIC services, and parenting classes
- Facilitated re-entry services with families, therapists, and community based programs for the probationer to benefit in the aftercare program
911 Telecommunicator
Houston Emergency Center
06.2007 - 05.2009
- Operated workstation comprised of multiple computer systems, telephone systems and geographical mapping tools.
- Reacted immediately and appropriately to emergency and crisis situations.
- Questioned callers to ascertain nature and location of emergency using established methods and techniques.
- Processed high call volumes for law enforcement and fire and emergency medical services.
- Entered essential caller information in computer-aided dispatch system.
- Relayed calls to fire, EMS dispatch, or law enforcement, obtaining relevant information.
- Answered routine inquiries and referred calls not requiring dispatches to appropriate departments and agencies.
- Prioritized calls based on situation, recognizing and addressing duplicate calls.
Education
Bachelor Of Science (B.S.) - Criminal Justice
University of Houston-Downtown
Houston, TX05.2013
Skills
- Detail-oriented and consistently thorough in case management and documentation
- Strong active listening skills to understand youth needs and build rapport
- Effectively assess and navigate complicated family dynamics, legal constraints, and treatment needs
- Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIP)/Intervention Strategies
- Knowledgeable with Community Service Programs and Counseling Services
- Individualized service planning
- Prompt preparation of legal documents
- Courtroom testimony
- Electronic monitoring supervision
- Educational advocacy assistance
- Adaptable to change
- Consistent dedication
- Prioritization and scheduling
- Positive mindset
- FLUENT IN Spanish
Awards
Summa Cum Laude May 2013
2022 JPO Of The Year Nominee
2025 JPO Of The Year Nominee
Timeline
Juvenile Probation Officer YESS Unit
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
04.2018 - Current
Juvenile Probation Officer Girls Program
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department
12.2013 - 04.2018
911 Telecommunicator
Houston Emergency Center
06.2007 - 05.2009
Bachelor Of Science (B.S.) - Criminal Justice
University of Houston-Downtown
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