Geraldine Chandler-Badger
Edgefield,SC
Summary
Accomplished Mental Health Officer and Correctional Lieutenant with a proven track record at the South Carolina Department of Corrections, excelling in crisis intervention and behavioral management. Leveraged active listening and group therapy skills to enhance patient and inmate well-being, achieving significant improvements in therapeutic outcomes. Expert in fostering safe, supportive environments, demonstrating unparalleled commitment to professionalism and security.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Mental Health Officer
South Carolina Department Of Corrections
02.2023 - Current
- Provided crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for patients experiencing emotional distress or exhibiting aggressive behaviors.
- Improved patient well-being by providing compassionate care and support during their mental health journey.
- Promoted a safe, therapeutic environment by enforcing facility policies and maintaining patient confidentiality at all times.
- Implemented group therapy sessions, facilitating open communication and fostering a supportive community among patients.
- Supported patients needing medical care to relieve patient anxiety and promote positive outcomes.
- Engaged with colleagues in treatment team meetings to promote positive patient treatment outcomes.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions to help clients develop coping strategies and social skills.
- Managed crisis situations effectively, ensuring safety of all involved.
- Supported patients in daily activities, promoting independence and skill-building.
- Charted on each patient daily.
- Counseled and mentored clients on substance use and life choices.
Correctional Lieutenant
South Carolina Department Of Corrections
04.2007 - Current
- Reviewed incident reports submitted by subordinates for accuracy before forwarding them up the chain of command for further action if needed.
- Served as a role model for subordinate staff by consistently demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment within the correctional facility.
- Utilized strong conflict resolution skills to defuse tense situations among inmates or staff members, maintaining order within the facility.
- Resolved issues and disputes between inmates professionally and respectfully.
- Monitored and confirmed compliance with safety standards and regulations.
- Verified all prison visitors carried proper identification and had no contraband before entering institution.
- Supervised dining hall, outdoor recreation area, vocational shop, and inmate housing unit.
- Supervised 32 employees and performance of tasks and managed 1000 offenders.
Intern
Edgefield Mental Health (Beckman Center)
07.2024 - 08.2024
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
- Conducted research for various projects, leading to well-informed decisions and successful outcomes.
Mental Health Counselor Intern
South Carolina Department Of Corrections
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Partnered closely with psychiatric providers regarding medication management plans.
- Utilized culturally-sensitive interventions for diverse populations, tailoring treatment plans to each client''s unique background.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities, staying abreast of current research and best practices in mental health counseling.
- Provided crisis intervention services when necessary; assessed suicide risk levels amongst high-risk individuals.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Consulted with other staff members regarding treatment plans as deemed appropriate by team leader.
Intern Student
Child Advocacy Center of Aiken
08.2022 - 12.2022
- Supported staff members in their daily tasks, reducing workload burden and allowing for increased focus on higher-priority assignments.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations.
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Limestone University
Gaffney, SC05.2024
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Limestone University
Gaffney, SC12.2022
Skills
- Crisis Intervention
- Behavioral Management
- Substance abuse awareness
- Active Listening
- Rapport Building
- Encouragement and Motivation
- Group Therapy
- Social Work
Timeline
Intern
Edgefield Mental Health (Beckman Center)
07.2024 - 08.2024
Mental Health Counselor Intern
South Carolina Department Of Corrections
01.2024 - 08.2024
Mental Health Officer
South Carolina Department Of Corrections
02.2023 - Current
Intern Student
Child Advocacy Center of Aiken
08.2022 - 12.2022
Correctional Lieutenant
South Carolina Department Of Corrections
04.2007 - Current
Master of Science - Social Work
Limestone University
Bachelor of Science - Social Work
Limestone University