Gary Baird
West Jefferson,OH
Summary
Highly-motivated Correctional Program Specialist with 26 years experience in the criminal justice system, including case management, field supervision and training. Seasoned professional with excellent communication, organization and interpersonal skills.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet department goals. Hardworking and passionate person with strong organizational skills eager to secure entry-level Mental Health administrator position. Ready to grow with the new thinking and direction
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Correctional Program Specialist
State Of Ohio
07.2016 - Current
- Enhanced inmate rehabilitation by designing and implementing evidence-based correctional programs.
- Supported facility security with regular monitoring of inmate behavior and adherence to policies.
- Reduced recidivism rates by providing tailored guidance and support for individual inmates.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive case management plans for each IP
- Promoted a safe environment by conducting thorough risk assessments and developing effective intervention strategies.
- Assisted in the development of staff training programs, increasing team knowledge of best practices in corrections management.
- Streamlined administrative processes, reducing paperwork and increasing efficiency in tracking inmate progress.
- Managed caseloads effectively, ensuring timely completion of required documentation and reporting tasks.
- Facilitated communication between inmates, their families, and legal representatives, fostering positive relationships during incarceration periods.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate participation in educational classes, vocational training, and other rehabilitative programs.
- Developed personalized reentry plans for inmates nearing release dates, setting them up for success upon returning to society.
- Addressed disciplinary issues promptly, enforcing consequences fairly while respecting the rights of all parties involved.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary, deescalating tense situations and preserving overall safety within the facility.
- Served as a liaison between correctional staff and external agencies such as probation departments or social service providers.
- Contributed to policy development initiatives aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of correctional programs and services.
- Assisted inmates in developing essential life skills, such as financial management and conflict resolution, to support their successful reintegration into the community.
- Developed, implemented and conducted unit programming for inmates on designated caseload.
- Coordinated activities with other treatment units, volunteers and community service providers.
- Responded to correspondence from community agencies, families and public inquiries.
- Compiled visitation lists and collected personal and family information.
Assistant Training Officer
State Of Ohio
04.2007 - 07.2016
- Developed a structured onboarding process for new hires, improving retention rates and overall job satisfaction.
- Evaluated the effectiveness of training programs by monitoring employee progress and gathering feedback from managers.
- Updated existing training materials to reflect industry trends, best practices, and evolving business needs.
- Increased employee engagement during trainings with interactive activities and informative presentations.
- Served as a subject matter expert in multiple disciplines, regularly leading workshops for cross-functional teams.
- Revamped outdated training manuals, creating clear, concise documentation that improved comprehension among trainees.
- Implemented timely performance evaluations for trainees, enabling quick intervention when needed.
- Facilitated effective communication between departments through cross-functional training sessions.
- Developed and implemented effective lesson plans to cover necessary material.
- Acted as training subject matter expert and provided extensive technical support to different departments.
- Provided coaching and mentoring to employees.
- Trained and mentored [Number] new personnel hired to fulfill various roles.
- Facilitated virtual, in-person and blended learning sessions.
- Developed job-specific competencies and performance standards.
- Maintained compliance with federal regulations by ensuring all employees completed mandatory trainings within specified timeframes.
- Organized company-wide professional development events including guest speakers and workshops.
- Supported continuous improvement efforts by soliciting feedback from employees about their training experiences and making necessary adjustments based on their input.
- Identified training needs and planned classes accordingly.
- Adjusted instructional strategies according to student needs and understanding of material.
- Established personnel qualifications and coordinated onboarding activities.
- Established and maintained quality control standards.
- Coordinated training schedules across sites with supervisors and managers to optimize training initiatives and work-flow management
- Wrote training manuals for DTSC employees and All positions according to strict company guidelines and requirement protocols.
- Developed lesson plans, instructional materials and written practice tests for Mentees and OJT training courses.
- Wrote training manuals for in-service employees and all institutional positions according to strict Odrc guidelines and policy protocols.
- Used powerpoint, Word, excel to design training for in-service employees and increase institution retention and productivity rates.
Correctional Officer
State Of Ohio
10.1997 - 07.2016
- Enhanced facility security by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential risks.
- 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.
- Facilitated rehabilitation programs for inmates, promoting positive behavioral changes and reducing recidivism rates.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
- Implemented effective emergency response plans during crises situations, minimizing harm to staff and inmates.
- Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
- Assisted medical staff in distributing medications to inmates efficiently while securely handling sensitive materials.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
- Participated in ongoing professional development courses focused on understanding gang dynamics within prison settings to better identify and manage potential threats.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
- Provided guidance and support to inmates to help reintegrate in society and establish new beginnings.
- Inspected work sites and crew trucks for contraband, cleanliness, and safety.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and assess needs.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Searched building and grounds, living quarters, and work areas for contraband.
- Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
- Built solid relationships with staff and residents to keep institution safe and secure.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
- Provided assistance and guidance to inmates regarding daily activities.
- Received and inspected mail, property and funds from visitors on behalf of designated inmates.
- Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
- Responded to inquiries from inmates and other members of public.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and evidence.
- Administered drug tests to inmates.
Correctional Sergeant TWL
State Of Ohio
11.2004 - 03.2005
- Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular security checks and monitoring inmate activities.
- Reduced instances of violence within the institution through effective conflict resolution strategies and communication skills.
- Maintained order and security in the correctional facility by enforcing rules, regulations, and procedures.
- Managed inmate housing assignments to maintain optimal safety levels within the institution.
- Streamlined record-keeping processes, maintaining accurate documentation of incidents and daily activities within the facility.
- Conducted thorough investigations into allegations of misconduct or rule violations, resulting in fair disciplinary actions when necessary.
- Ensured compliance with federal, state, and local regulations by staying up-to-date on changes in laws and guidelines related to corrections work.
- Served as a role model for subordinates, demonstrating professionalism in all aspects of job responsibilities.
- Established strong working relationships with external agencies such as police departments, courts, probation officers which facilitated seamless communication during inmate transfers and other processes.
- Resolved issues and disputes between inmates professionally and respectfully.
- Supervised dining hall, outdoor recreation area, vocational shop, and inmate housing unit.
- Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
- Handled inmate counts and searches for missing inmates.
- Cultivated and maintained climate of mutual respect with freedom from harassment and intimidation, to provide safe environment for staff and offenders.
- Monitored and confirmed compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Responded to emergency situations and provided first aid following facility guidelines.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Ohio Christian University
Circleville, OH05.2014
Associate of Arts - Health And Human Services
Hocking College
Nelsonville, OH03.2005
No Degree - World History
Washington State University
Ulm, Germany01.1988
Skills
- Individual Counseling
- Inmate Supervision
- Correctional Policy Knowledge
- Case Management
- Victim Advocacy
- Conflict Resolution
- Crisis Intervention
- Security Procedures
- Mental Health Support
- Program Development
- Family Reunification
- File Reviews
Accomplishments
30 years of Marriage
Raised (2) well-adjusted young men
2019 State of Ohio High School district Baseball title
(2) Full tournament Baseball titles
Karate Black Belt
National Championship (Chinese Fighting Arts) 1995
Education level
Traveled to different 5 Continents
Certification
A+ certification- Workforce Development
C+ certification_Workforce Development
Thinking for change-NIC
Microsoft Word-ODRC
Kettlebell Level 1 - Nasm
Pupil Activity Permit (Coaching)-Department of Education
Anger control Training-CBT
Decision points-ODRC
Ohio Risk Assessment-ODRC
Timeline
Correctional Program Specialist
State Of Ohio
07.2016 - Current
Assistant Training Officer
State Of Ohio
04.2007 - 07.2016
Correctional Sergeant TWL
State Of Ohio
11.2004 - 03.2005
Correctional Officer
State Of Ohio
10.1997 - 07.2016
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Ohio Christian University
Associate of Arts - Health And Human Services
Hocking College
No Degree - World History
Washington State University
A+ certification- Workforce Development
C+ certification_Workforce Development
Thinking for change-NIC
Microsoft Word-ODRC
Kettlebell Level 1 - Nasm
Pupil Activity Permit (Coaching)-Department of Education
Anger control Training-CBT
Decision points-ODRC
Ohio Risk Assessment-ODRC
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