Kari Watson
Middletown,Connecticut
Summary
Dedicated and detail-oriented professional seeking a position as an intake paralegal assistant, offering a strong foundation in legal procedures, investigation skills and client relations. Proven ability to manage case files efficiently while ensuring compliance with legal standards. Eager to leverage exceptional organizational skills and a commitment to supporting legal teams in delivering high-quality service.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavioral Specialist
Town of Wethersfield
Wethersfield, CT
08.2023 - Current
- Developed and implemented behavior intervention plans tailored to individual client needs.
- Conducted assessments to identify behavioral challenges and recommend appropriate strategies.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance program effectiveness and client outcomes.
- Trained staff on evidence-based practices for managing challenging behaviors in various settings.
Adult Probation Officer II
State of Connecticut
New Britain, CT
07.2002 - 05.2023
- Intake, assessment, referral, and supervision services to sentenced and pretrial individuals.
- Engagement through a positive reinforcement supervision model, motivational interviewing, risk-based supervision.
- Provide outreach, advocacy, and rehabilitative services for regular cases and crisis intervention.
- Managed high caseloads, while attending to other court requirements.
- Conducted Pre-sentence Investigations that aid in sentencing, It involves analyzing an offender's criminal history, personal background, risk factors, and need areas to provide a sentencing recommendation to the court.
- Domestic Violence Officer from 2020 to 2023
- Provides services, by specially trained probation officers, to serious domestic violence offenders.
- Worked with court-based Family Violence Victim Advocates and community-based service and treatment providers.
- Monitored high risk offenders 24/7 on GPS.
- Women Offender Case Management Officer from 2010 to 2020
- Specialized trained Officer provides gender responsive services to female probationers through the application of a research-based, female responsive, case management model and trauma informed care.
- Participated in the initial Women Offender Case Management pilot program, assisted with creating assessment tool, writing policy, and training other officers.
- Supervised with team approach in working with women to identify their individual needs and strengths, establish mutually agreed upon goals, and broker the necessary services within their community.
- Collaborated with The Department of Children and Families to combine services to meet client’s court ordered conditions and connect them with social services and non-profit agencies.
Bail Commissioner/Jail Re-Interview
State of Connecticut
Hartford, CT
08.1999 - 07.2002
- Provides jail re-interview services at Department of Correction facilities to obtain additional information for individuals held on bond after arraignment.
- Staff worked with the defendant and their family and/or references, to develop a pre-trial releases plan, consisting of client’s treatment needs and the family’s ability to post bond.
Administrative Assistant
Community Solutions Inc, Cheyney Halfway House
Hartford, CT
01.1997 - 01.2001
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Post University
Waterbury, CT01-1998
Associate in science Degree - Criminal Justice: Correction
Tunxis Community College
Farmington, CT01-1996
Skills
- Excellent computer skills
- Excellent Interpersonal and coping skills
- Highly motivated and quick learner
- Assertive Communication and Negotiation Skills
- Very organized and excellent time management skills
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Skills
- Crisis Intervention training – certification (NAMI)
Trainings
- Handle with Care Behavioral Management
- Physical and Psychological Management Training
- Intervention Strategies with Challenging Clients
- Shifting from Crisis to Coping to Connection
- Motivate Interviewing training
- Vicarious Trauma and Trauma Informed
- LGBTQI Cultural Training
- Cultural Competency Training
Timeline
Behavioral Specialist
Town of Wethersfield
08.2023 - Current
Adult Probation Officer II
State of Connecticut
07.2002 - 05.2023
Bail Commissioner/Jail Re-Interview
State of Connecticut
08.1999 - 07.2002
Administrative Assistant
Community Solutions Inc, Cheyney Halfway House
01.1997 - 01.2001
Associate in science Degree - Criminal Justice: Correction
Tunxis Community College
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice
Post University