Catherine Kissinger
Gore,OK
Summary
Knowledgeable case manager with solid history of managing complex caseloads and providing comprehensive support to diverse client populations. Proven ability to assess client needs and develop tailored action plans that drive positive outcomes. Demonstrated strong communication and problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
CASE MANAGER
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
11.2017 - Current
- Uses interview techniques and assessment instruments to determine the offender’s security risks and programmatic needs; prepares case history reports and recommends program assignments.
- Reviews work and conduct records of all assigned offenders to determine progress or necessity of changing assignments or security classification; serves as a member of the classification unit for an assigned caseload.
- Advises offenders on personal problems, employment resources, vocational skills, educational and training needs, family problems and institutional adjustment.
- Delivers programs to offenders which are designed to assist in a successful re-entry into the community following release from incarceration.
- Assists with, or prepares reports such as parole summaries or court ordered presentence investigations.
- Receives and takes necessary action on incoming and outgoing mail to or from assigned offenders.
- Develops, monitors, and amends offender transition plans in line with re-entry programs and services.
- Establishes collaborative network with relevant partners to provide support, pre and post release services for offenders which involve family members and community resources and social service agencies.
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Assisted clients in navigating housing, legal services and public benefits to gain access to valuable resources.
Child Welfare Specialist
Department of Human Services
03.2013 - 11.2017
- Advocated for the best interests of children during court proceedings, presenting clear recommendations based on thorough evaluations.
- Improved child welfare outcomes by conducting thorough assessments and developing tailored case plans.
- Assisted in the placement of children into safe, nurturing foster homes by conducting comprehensive home studies.
- Ensured child safety through regular home visits, careful documentation, and ongoing communication with involved parties.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure optimal service delivery for children and families.
- Strengthened client engagement by utilizing trauma-informed practices when engaging with children and families experiencing adversity.
- Contributed to improved inter-agency collaboration by participating in joint meetings, trainings, and initiatives focused on enhancing child welfare practice.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions, service referrals, case plan progressions in adherence to agency standards for quality assurance purposes.
- Coordinated closely with schools, medical providers, therapists, and other relevant professionals to ensure comprehensive support for children in care.
- Increased access to resources for struggling families by connecting them with relevant community organizations and programs.
- Managed complex caseloads effectively while adhering to strict timelines as mandated by federal regulations or state policies.
- Reduced risk factors for child abuse and neglect by providing timely interventions and supportive services to at-risk families.
- Developed strong relationships with clients, fostering trust and rapport to better support their needs throughout the case process.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed for clients experiencing urgent challenges related to child protection concerns or family dynamics issues.
- Continuously updated professional knowledge and skills by attending trainings, conferences, and workshops related to child welfare best practices.
- Built solid and trusting rapport with children and families, fostering trust and communication to meet case needs.
- Documented data and completed accurate updates to case records.
- Maintained detailed case histories, metrics and reports to meet strict standards.
PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICER
Department of Corrections
07.2007 - 03.2013
- Managed high-risk cases with exceptional care and vigilance, minimizing potential threats to public safety.
- Testified in court proceedings as an expert witness on behalf of assigned caseloads, providing valuable information for judicial decisions.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to apprehend violators, leading to a significant decrease in recidivism rates.
- Enhanced public safety by effectively supervising and monitoring parolees'' activities and compliance with court-ordered conditions.
- Manages a caseload of adult probationers by employing motivational interviewing skills to complete a scientific assessment of criminogenic risk/need and to determine the offender’s stage of change for each identified need area; criminogenic needs of each offender; referring offenders to appropriate treatment and/or programs to target the offender’s primary criminogenic needs; monitoring activities of offenders to ensure adherence to action steps negotiated through transition planning and to conditions ordered by the releasing authority; referring and/or assisting offenders in obtaining and maintaining employment; engaging ongoing support for the offender in the community by assisting the offender in identifying a network of family and friends with a pro-social orientation; and identifying pro-social interests and activities that are geared toward improving bonds and ties to pro-social community members.
- Conducts various investigations including, but not limited to, home visits, pre-sentence, interstate, pre-pardon, and pre-parole.
- Prepares all reports concerning activities of offenders, special reports, violations and court reports, and provides recommendations for the use of the releasing authority.
- Maintains documentation, in physical and or electronic format, relating to management of offender caseload.
- Monitors payment of financial obligations ordered by the releasing authority.
- Assists in security operations in the event of a prison riot or disturbance; arrests and transports offenders; assist with out-of-state transfers, and other agencies when required.
- Conducts periodic screenings for drug and alcohol use by offenders.
- Assists probationers with compliance with the Mary Rippy Violent Crime Registration Act and Sex Offender Registration, if applicable.
- Conducted regular field visits to verify compliance with curfew restrictions and other court-ordered conditions.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques when engaging with clients, eliciting genuine commitment towards personal growth and change.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and progress updates, supporting data-driven decision-making processes.
- Improved overall agency effectiveness by participating in regular training programs focused on evidence-based practices.
- Leveraged strong communication skills to maintain rapport between parole officers, clients, and community partners throughout the supervision period.
- Connected clients with appropriate social service providers based on individual needs assessments.
- Performed routine home inspections and drug tests for offenders on parole.
- Reported violations of parole conditions to appropriate authorities and maintained record of case activity.
- Coordinated and worked closely with law enforcement, social service agencies and mental health providers.
- Conducted pre-sentence investigations by doing in-depth research and compiling police reports.
- Served as court liaison by attending court hearings and presenting reports and recommendations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, OK12-2006
Associate of Arts - Psychology
CONNOR'S STATE COLLEGE
Warner, OK05-2000
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Case management
- Time management
- Case documentation
- Active listening
- Organization and multitasking
- Documentation and reporting
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Conflict resolution
- Positive attitude
- Email and telephone etiquette
- Critical thinking
- Documentation proficiency
- Emotional awareness
- Discharge planning
- Resource identification
- Clear communication
- Team collaboration
- Verbal and written communication
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking
- Organizational skills
Timeline
CASE MANAGER
DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
11.2017 - Current
Child Welfare Specialist
Department of Human Services
03.2013 - 11.2017
PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICER
Department of Corrections
07.2007 - 03.2013
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Northeastern State University
Associate of Arts - Psychology
CONNOR'S STATE COLLEGE