Dynamic Correctional Counselor with extensive experience at the Federal Bureau of Prisons, adept at case planning and victim advocacy. Proven track record in reducing recidivism through effective rehabilitation strategies and compassionate support. Skilled in crisis intervention and fostering teamwork, ensuring a safer environment for inmates and staff alike.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Correctional Counselor
Federal Bureau of Prisons, ADX Florence
05.2020 - 03.2023
Counseled inmates either individually or group settings to bring problems to light and implement potential solutions.
Addressed behavior and stability of inmates to root out concerning connections or mental health issues.
Conducted interviews for hiring of inmate job positions to identify optimal candidates.
Evaluated progress of inmates in jails and prisons to determine optimal intervention strategies.
Supported positive change within the correctional environment by actively participating in staff training sessions focused on effective communication techniques and conflict resolution strategies.
Conducted regular case reviews for individual inmates to assess progress towards rehabilitation goals and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
Contributed to a safer institutional atmosphere by promptly reporting any observed security breaches or suspicious activity to appropriate authorities.
Promoted family engagement through facilitating visitation opportunities between inmates and their loved ones while adhering to strict security protocols.
Provided leadership within the counseling department by mentoring new counselors and sharing expertise in specialized areas such as substance abuse treatment or trauma-informed care.
Provided crisis intervention services as needed, deescalating potentially dangerous situations involving inmate conflicts or self-harm incidents.
Aided in successful inmate reentry into society through the development of comprehensive discharge plans that included housing, employment, and community support resources.
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.
Facilitated group therapy sessions for inmates addressing substance abuse, anger management, and life skills development.
Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams comprised of correctional officers, medical personnel, and other counselors to address complex needs of diverse inmate populations effectively.
Served as a resource for correctional staff seeking guidance on how to best interact with inmates experiencing mental health crises or displaying challenging behaviors.
Reduced recidivism rates by providing effective career and educational guidance to inmates preparing for release.
Provided court testimony to support court decisions.
Correctional Officer
FCI Florence
11.1996 - 05.2020
Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
Reduced instances of contraband by thoroughly searching inmates, cells, and common areas.
Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
Improved communication between staff members by participating in daily briefings and sharing critical information about inmate activities.
Implemented effective emergency response plans during crises situations, minimizing harm to staff and inmates.
Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
Enhanced facility security by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential risks.
Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
Completed intake paperwork, fingerprints, and searches.
Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
Interviewed inmates to obtain information and assess needs.
Received and accounted for personal possessions and determined inmate work assignments.
Supported the re-entry process for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources, such as job training programs and community-based services.
Fostered supportive environment for inmate rehabilitation with educational and vocational training programs.
Maintained detailed records of inmate behavior and activity, contributing to facility security.
Cultivated positive relations with inmates, reducing tensions and promoting safer environment.
Improved compliance with state and federal regulations by updating and enforcing facility policies.
Monitored surveillance equipment to detect and prevent unauthorized activities.
Contributed to policy development, ensuring alignment with best practices in corrections management.
Enhanced staff training programs, leading to improved operational standards.
Mitigated potential security breaches with vigilant contraband detection practices.
Facilitated effective emergency response drills, preparing staff for potential crises.
Bolstered team morale and cooperation through effective leadership and communication.
Ensured security of facility perimeter by conducting routine patrols.
Reduced inmate altercations through proactive conflict resolution strategies.
Assisted in crisis negotiations, preventing escalations and ensuring safety of inmates and staff.
Oversaw visitation sessions, maintaining order and ensuring safety of all parties involved.
Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular and thorough cell inspections.
Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
Investigated and responded to incidents of inmate misconduct.
Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
Provided assistance and guidance to inmates regarding daily activities.
Established positive working relationships and maintained boundaries with resident offenders.
Built solid relationships with staff and residents to keep institution safe and secure.
Responded to inquiries from inmates and other members of public.
Received and inspected mail, property, and funds from visitors on behalf of designated inmates.
Interviewed inmates to obtain information and evidence.
Administered drug tests to inmates.
Coordinated with other law enforcement personnel to exchange information.
Aviation Ordnance Technician
United States Navy
03.1992 - 09.1996
Collaborated with a team to assemble, test, and load various types of aviation munitions accurately and efficiently.
Streamlined the inventory management process for efficient tracking and storage of aviation ordnance materials.
Actively participated in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing overall efficiency within the aviation ordnance field.
Increased overall productivity by creating work schedules that maximized available resources while still meeting all mission requirements efficiently.
Conducted routine inspections on stored ordnance material to ensure compliance with established guidelines for safe storage conditions.
Evaluated and recommended new technology solutions that improved operational capabilities and streamlined existing processes within the aviation ordnance department.
Participated in emergency response teams for incidents involving aviation ordnance materials, providing expertise in mitigating potential hazards effectively.
Supported squadron objectives through meticulous attention to detail when performing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on aircraft weapon systems.
Improved aircraft readiness by conducting thorough inspections and maintenance of aviation ordnance systems.
Contributed to increased operational efficiency by training junior technicians in proper handling techniques and safety protocols.
Maintained accurate records of all explosive materials, ensuring proper accounting and compliance with regulations.
Reduced equipment downtime with timely troubleshooting and repair of faulty components in weapon systems.
Enhanced safety measures by implementing strict adherence to standard operating procedures during ammunition handling tasks.
Demonstrated strong leadership skills as a team leader overseeing daily operations within the aviation ordnance department.
Provided technical expertise during aircraft load planning exercises, ensuring optimal utilization of available payload capacity for mission success.
Implemented quality control measures to ensure adherence to established standards and maintenance procedures throughout the ordnance department.
Achieved high levels of mission success by coordinating closely with aircrew during pre-flight and post-flight operations.
Received, inspected, packaged, stored, handled and processed weapon shipments.
Worked closely with crew members in intense, quickly changing and dangerous environments.
Maintained operations for aviation ordnance shops, armories and storage facilities.
Serviced aircraft guns and rockets and assembled and tested air-launched guided missiles.
Handled and serviced weapons and ammunition carried on fighter and attack aircraft.
Delivered mentorship to personnel, aligning performance, and encouraging career development.
Inspected, reviewed, maintained and repaired multiple aircraft weapon systems.
Inspected, assembled and tested aviation ammunition.
Managed over $380 million in assets, which included vehicles, weapons, materials and aircraft equipment.
Installed and loaded aerial mines to rockets with precision and exceptional care.
Performed regular inspections on weapons systems to verify regulation compliance.
Educated personnel on safe handling and use of explosives, avoiding injuries.
Monitored employee safety and coached workers on safety standards and procedures to prevent injuries.
Supervised explosives loading operations, adhering to safety protocols and procedures.
Conducted safety audits to regularly assess and evaluate safety practices and procedures used in blasting operations.
Education
High School Diploma -
Kern Valley High
Lake Isabella, CA
01-1992
Skills
Victim advocacy
Compassionate
Professional boundaries
Case planning
Sound judgment
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Time management
Multitasking
Reliability
Organizational skills
2019 Correctional Officer of the Year
In 2019 I was awarded Correctional Officer of the year for saving the life of an Inmate that was choking during the evening meal.
The same year I subdued an inmate that while intoxicated stole an electric cart, nearly striking both staff and inmates. My quick and decisive
actions prevented loss of life as well as loss of equipment.
Management Analyst at Federal Bureau of Prisons, Central Office, Washington, D.C.Management Analyst at Federal Bureau of Prisons, Central Office, Washington, D.C.
Financial Program Specialist at U.S. Department Of Justice, Federal Bureau Of PrisonsFinancial Program Specialist at U.S. Department Of Justice, Federal Bureau Of Prisons