Heather Kussatz
Two Harbors,MN
Summary
Skilled Probation Officer bringing 11 years of criminal justice experience. Excellent communication, problem-solving and interpersonal abilities.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Probation Officer
Arrowhead Regional Corrections
12.2012 - Current
- Assist DWI Offenders with the ignition interlock process.
- Supervision of adult offenders to monitor compliance and investigate violation of the ARC Ignition Interlock Program.
- Leader in the State regarding ignition interlock by successfully implementing the Ignition Interlock Program in St Louis, Cook, Lake, and Carlton Counties.
- Assisting other counties and judicial districts with the development and implementation of their ignition interlock programs.
- Works collaboratively with the Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services, Probation Officers, Attorneys, Judges, and specialty courts to assist DWI Offenders in obtaining their driving privileges through the use of the ignition interlock program.
- Conducted presentations pertaining to the ARC Ignition Interlock Program throughout Arrowhead Regional Corrections, as well as the Minnesota State Drug Court Conference and the Minnesota Corrections Association.
Certified Counselor
Northwood Children's Services
11.2008 - 05.2011
- Enhanced client progress by utilizing evidence-based counseling techniques and individualized treatment plans.
- Empowered clients by teaching them skills in decision-making, problem-solving, stress reduction techniques for better life management capabilities.
- Facilitated life skills groups to educate adolescences on coping skills development, and self-care practices to help them live successfully within their households and their community.
Case Manager
The Center For Drug And Alcohol Treatment
11.2007 - 11.2008
- Maintained accurate documentation on all cases, ensuring compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
- Provided case management for clients of CADT in residential treatment, Woodland Hills, and the Northeast Regional Corrections Center.
- Assessed and diagnosed chemical use and provided education groups to clients in treatment.
- Achieved positive client outcomes by developing and implementing comprehensive case management plans.
Juvenile Intake Supervisor
Johnson County Juvenile Intake And Assessment Cent
05.2006 - 11.2007
- Prioritized high-risk cases by assessing client needs accurately during the intake process, allocating appropriate resources accordingly.
- Conducted regular meetings with the intake team to discuss performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and develop action plans accordingly.
- Provided supervision to JIAC staff, dissemination of the JIAC assessment, and determined placement for at-risk youth.
Education
Ph.D. - Criminal Justice
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN08.2026
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH06.2012
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
MidAmerica Nazarene University
Olathe, KS05.2005
Skills
- Ignition Interlock Expert
- Offender supervision on ignition interlock program
- time management
- Report Writing
- Public Speaking
- Training and mentoring
- Verbal and written communication
Accomplishments
- Developed and implemented the ARC Ignition Interlock Judicial Grant Program.
- Reduced recidivism of ARC Ignition Interlock Program participants to less than 1% one year post discharge from program
- Managed the largest Ignition Interlock Grant Program in Minnesota
- Assisted over 1700 offenders with the ignition interlock process
- Assisted in the development and implementation of the "SBIRT" program in St Louis County, Minnesota for first-time DWI Offenders to reduce recidivism rates and enhance public safety.
Additional Information
Member of the DWI Task Force since 2015
Towards Zero Deaths Planning Committee member since 2016
Timeline
Probation Officer
Arrowhead Regional Corrections
12.2012 - Current
Certified Counselor
Northwood Children's Services
11.2008 - 05.2011
Case Manager
The Center For Drug And Alcohol Treatment
11.2007 - 11.2008
Juvenile Intake Supervisor
Johnson County Juvenile Intake And Assessment Cent
05.2006 - 11.2007
Ph.D. - Criminal Justice
Walden University
Master of Science - Criminal Justice
University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice
MidAmerica Nazarene University
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