Ismar Zaimovic
Bradenton,FL
Summary
With extensive experience in military, law enforcement, and international operations, I bring strong leadership, crisis management, and operational expertise. Currently, as a Juvenile Detention Officer at the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, I focus on crisis intervention, regulatory compliance, and youth safety. My passion for working with children drives my commitment to their development and rehabilitation.
I also contribute to the State Department, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), supporting global law enforcement initiatives. With a background in child development and law enforcement, I excel in team leadership, crisis management, and program improvement.
I served actively in the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Balkan conflicts (1992-1995), where I was wounded in action, with extensive experience working with NATO and U.S. bases across Europe and the U.S. Embassy in Bosnia.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
JUVENILE JUSTICE DETENTION OFFICER II
Florida Department of Juvenile Justace
Bradenton, FL
02.2025 - Current
- Ensures the safe and secure custody of all assigned youth, while ensuring that all youth are provided their constitutional rights, with special concerns for legal, medical, and mental health issues.
- Uses security and emergency equipment to ensure the safety and security of detained youth and the facility.
- Process admissions, which include supervising and searching detained youth.
- Prepares detained youth for court appearances, transports, and escorts detained youth to medical, criminal justice, social services, and judicial facilities, as needed, according to departmental and facility policies and procedures.
- Inspects the facility, detained youth, visitors, and packages delivered to the facility, as well as conducts searches related to safety and security, including but not limited to vehicles, facilities, property, and persons for contraband, health hazards, and safety and security violations.
- Writes reports and prepares required records regarding incidents, detained youth movement, and noteworthy information, and ensures the documentation of all violations of facility operating procedures, rules and regulations, and state and federal statutes.
- Ensure the inspection and maintenance of sanitary conditions of the facility. Instructs detained youth in housekeeping, sanitation responsibilities, and personal hygiene.
- Ensure that detained youths' services and programming are in compliance with DJJ and court orders, regulations, departmental policies and procedures, and Quality Improvement (QI) Standards.
- Follows policies and procedures for the safety and security of detained youth, staff, and the public.
- Supervises youth in all activities and maintains control of detained youth by giving directives, counseling, and/or utilizing an appropriate level of verbal or physical use of Protective Action Response (PAR) as needed to properly control detained youth in accordance with departmental and facility policy and procedure.
- Initiates and maintains detained youth counts as directed by departmental and facility operating procedures and policy.
- Completes 10-minute checks, 5-minute checks, or Constant Sight and Uninterrupted Sound Supervision for every detained youth confined to room confinement, or designated as suicidal.
- Accesses and analyzes information available through the Juvenile Justice Information System. Successfully completes all required training and attends required meetings. Performs other related duties.
- Maintained records of incident reports and daily logs to document inmate activity.
- Participated in training sessions designed to improve job performance or learn new techniques.
- Investigated disturbances within the facility and reported findings to supervisors.
- Escorted inmates from one area of the detention center to another safely and securely.
- Enforced disciplinary action when appropriate according to established guidelines.
- Attended court hearings related to inmates under supervision when requested by supervisors.
- Responded quickly and effectively to any medical emergencies that arose within the facility.
- Provided support and assistance to fellow officers during emergency situations.
Administrative Support Specialist
Department of State U.S. Embassy @BiH
Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
10.2021 - 07.2024
- Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), U.S. Embassy, Department of State, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
- Supports the INL section, including the INL Director and seven INL Program Assistants, and handles all major administrative duties, including assisting with meetings, procuring office supplies, arranging transportation, and providing translation and interpretation support. In charge of all travel and logistical arrangements for INL staff, as well as vouchers, and other necessary financial work related to events and meetings.
- Assists with EUM (end-use monitoring activities). EUM requires monthly coordination with law enforcement and other agencies receiving INL assistance, as well as one comprehensive yearly report to Washington, which requires detailing on-site inspections throughout the year and planned actions where INL items cannot be monitored or verified to be in the possession of a government counterpart.
- Coordinates the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) trainings by liaising with ILEA staff in Budapest and the International Criminal Investigation Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) trainings at the Academy in Zagreb, Croatia.
- Communicates course details to INL law enforcement partners, collaborates with the INL Director on participant selection, and assists potential participants in Leahy vetting, in coordination with the Political Section. These trainings are held every 2-3 months, with up to 10 participants from local forensic and police agencies.
- Assists in scheduling all visiting officials, including meetings, transportation, lodging, and guest lists for official functions, tracking responses, and overall organizational responsibilities.
- Responsible for the logistics of all visits to the INL office, as well as TDY visits from Washington. Additionally, responsible for managing timecards for 10 colleagues.
- Responsible for cataloging media reports regarding INL program activities and news about key INL partners.
- Responsible for coordinating with INL and other sections on INL's reporting requirements, including the INL monthly report.
- The INL monthly report includes both program updates on INL activities in the country, as well as news stories with analysis, in coordination with the larger INL team for Washington.
- Assisted with special projects assigned by management team.
- Performed general office duties such as photocopying documents, faxing information, sorting mail.
- Prepared agendas for meetings, took minutes, transcribed notes, and distributed meeting materials.
- Coordinated logistics for company events such as conferences and seminars.
- Developed correspondence such as memos, letters, and reports, utilizing MS Word functions.
- Tracked and submitted employee timesheets to prepare for payroll processing.
- Scheduled and coordinated meetings and travel arrangements for staff.
- Organized training, client meetings, team meetings and events.
Child and Youth Program Assistant
Department of the Army
Stuttgart, Germany
01.2020 - 05.2021
- Interacts professionally with staff members, parents, and local installation command personnel.
- Anticipates and organizes parent-teacher conferences.
- Sets up displays and bulletin boards. Interacts with children and youth using approved child guidance and youth development techniques.
- Interacts professionally with staff members, parents, and local installation command personnel.
- Supervisor of health, fire, and safety compliance concerns.
- Ensures that children and youth (as applicable) depart with an authorized person according to written parental instructions.
- Participates in program evaluation using designated instruments, such as programmatic rating scales, risk assessment tools (as required), and self-inspection.
- Ensures compliance with laws, policies, and regulations applicable to DoD Child and Youth programs.
- Assisted with the coordination of field trips for participants.
- Supported the development of age-appropriate lesson plans for youth programs.
- Participated in staff meetings to discuss program goals and objectives.
- Maintained safety standards during all activities.
- Monitored participant behavior, providing positive reinforcement when appropriate.
- Supervised children while they participated in various games and activities.
- Created a safe environment where children can express themselves freely.
- Attended trainings related to youth programming best practices.
- Provided support to families by helping them access resources within the community.
- Monitored client progress and updated case files accordingly.
- Built partnerships with related organizations to develop support and gain greater attention for important issues.
- Collaborated with social workers to support patients.
Child and Youth Program Assistant
Department Of Defence - Army
Fort Belvoir, VA
11.2017 - 12.2019
- Supported the development of age-appropriate lesson plans for youth programs.
- Assisted with the coordination of field trips for participants.
- Facilitated communication between parents and guardians and program staff members.
- Maintained safety standards during all activities.
- Created a safe environment where children can express themselves freely.
- Maintains control of, and accounts for, the whereabouts and safety of children and youth.
- Plans, coordinates, and conducts activities for program participants based on the observed needs of individual children and youth, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 6 years.
- Arrange, prepare, and maintain indoor and outdoor activity areas and materials to accommodate daily schedules. Prepares and implements program options for children and youth with special requirements.
- Reviews, provides input to, and implements schedules and activity plans.
- Interacts professionally with staff members, parents, and local installation command personnel.
- Participates in conferences with parents, and staff.
- Participates in program evaluation using designated instruments, such as programmatic rating scales, risk assessment tools (as required), self-inspection materials, and national accreditation tools.
- Assists in achieving and maintaining DoD certification, and national accreditation, or equivalent.
- Inventories equipment on a recurring basis, and recommends replenishing damaged, missing, and depleted supplies.
Director of Master Franchise for Croatia and Unit
Nomass Vello
Sarajevo And Zagreb, BiH And Croatia
05.2013 - 06.2016
- Owned and managed a Nomasvello franchise unit in Bosnia and Herzegovina, overseeing all operations and leading a team of two employees.
- Expanded operations by acquiring the master franchise rights for Croatia, establishing two centers, and managing a team of four employees.
- Led sales efforts for franchise opportunities within Croatia, successfully selling new franchise units, and contributing to the growth of the brand in the region.
- Promoted and maintained Nomasvello leading hair removal services, ensuring high standards of service and customer satisfaction across all centers.
- Coordinated and implemented marketing and promotional activities to increase brand awareness, and attract new clients.
- Managed all daily operations, including staff recruitment, training, and development, ensuring a motivated and high-performing team.
- Oversaw inventory management, procurement, and supply chain logistics to ensure the availability of necessary equipment and products.
- Handled all administrative tasks, including financial oversight, budgeting, payroll, and maintaining accurate records of business transactions.
- Ensured compliance with franchise guidelines and local regulations, maintaining consistent quality and operational efficiency.
- Fostered strong relationships with clients, addressing their needs, and feedback to enhance service delivery and client satisfaction.
- Conducted market research and analysis to identify opportunities for business growth and expansion within the region.
- Organized and coordinated special events, promotions, and customer engagement activities to build loyalty and drive sales.
MWA/MWR Coordinator
Nato HQ Sarajevo
Sarajevo, Bosnia And Herzegovina
12.1999 - 04.2012
- Coordinated and implemented Morale, Welfare, and Activities (MWA) programs and facility operations in accordance with the MWA Annex, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and PAE Management objectives.
- Reported directly to the MWA supervisor.
- Assisted management with the operation of the facility, ensuring compliance with established procedures, and maintaining a high standard of service.
- Issued, received, and controlled cash receipts and change funds; verified cash count to inventory, and maintained and balanced a cash drawer on a daily basis. Ensured that only authorized patrons utilized the facilities, maintaining security and proper access control.
- Daily reports of operations, documenting activities, issues, and achievements.
- Set up the bar and/or cashier's drawer, completed fire safety checks, and secured the facility to ensure a safe and efficient environment.
- Received food and beverage orders using handheld software, ensuring accurate and timely service.
- Utilized multi-purpose entertainment systems, including the internet, gaming systems, billiards, and TV, to enhance the patron experience.
- Assisted in setting up parties according to specific party plans, and worked with senior country representatives to coordinate events using morale, welfare funds for personnel, child activities, and facilities.
- Provided exceptional customer service, ensuring enjoyment for patrons of all ages, with a focus on Soldiers' morale and welfare.
- Facilitated soldiers' morale and welfare through organized and individual events, contributing to the overall well-being and satisfaction of personnel.
- Maintained effective communication and collaboration with management, staff, and patrons to ensure smooth operations and high levels of satisfaction.
- Managed supply inventory for team and distributed resources to meet demand.
- Monitored facility usage to ensure safety regulations were followed at all times.
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Child Development
Central Texas College
Killeen, TX05-2024
High School Diploma -
Gimnazija Jezdimir Lović
Sjenica, Srbija03-1991
Skills
- Child Development Expertise
- Lesson planning
- Behavior management
- Crisis intervention
- Regulatory compliance
- Effective communication
- Safety compliance
- Program planning
- Team collaboration
- Operations support
- Project management
- Travel arrangements
- Document control
- Assessment techniques
- Cultural competence
- Paperwork processing
- Case management
- Customer service
Custom
Military Experience
Served as a soldier in the Army of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Bosnian War (1992-1995), where I was wounded in the line of duty. Key responsibilities included leading tactical operations, coordinating security measures, and providing support during peacekeeping missions. My service honed leadership, crisis management, and problem-solving skills in high-pressure environments,
References:
- Matan Meyer, Director INL US Embassy Sarajevo, Department of State
MeyerM@state.gov
- Vicki Hermann, Director Panzer Child Development Center, Stuttgart Germany, Department od Defense-Army
+49 7031 152619
Timeline
JUVENILE JUSTICE DETENTION OFFICER II
Florida Department of Juvenile Justace
02.2025 - Current
Administrative Support Specialist
Department of State U.S. Embassy @BiH
10.2021 - 07.2024
Child and Youth Program Assistant
Department of the Army
01.2020 - 05.2021
Child and Youth Program Assistant
Department Of Defence - Army
11.2017 - 12.2019
Director of Master Franchise for Croatia and Unit
Nomass Vello
05.2013 - 06.2016
MWA/MWR Coordinator
Nato HQ Sarajevo
12.1999 - 04.2012
Associate of Applied Science - Child Development
Central Texas College
High School Diploma -
Gimnazija Jezdimir Lović
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