Kwaesi Palmer
Grand Prairie,TX
Summary
Seasoned Juvenile Officer with hands-on experience in managing and counseling young offenders in secured facilities, unsecured facilities, and probation based programs. Skilled at working collaboratively with educational and Juvenile Justice professionals to create effective rehabilitation plans. Strengths include conflict resolution, strong communication & interpersonal skills, and the ability to build positive rapport with troubled youth. Previous work has contributed to improved behavior patterns, increased interpersonal skills, importance in accountability, and lower recidivism rates among juveniles under supervision in structured programming.
Overview
1
1
Certification
4
4
years of post-secondary education
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Juvenile Officer/Probation Services (ERC Program)
Dallas County Juvenile Department
Dallas, Texas
06.2017 - 08.2026
- Monitored youth behavior during Court ordered or Probation Officer referred programming .
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws pertaining to the rights of juveniles within the criminal justice system
- Coordinated group activities addressing Delinquency Prevention, Anger Management, Gang Intervention, Life Skills/Leadership character building, Critical Thinking, Drug Education, Family Problems, Personal Health/Sex Education, Ethics, and conflict resolution to foster youth development.
- Weekly Program Curriculum Lessons in (Decision Points)
- Collaborated with families, schools, and community resources for support services.
- Collaborated with probation officers, school representatives and other key individuals in community to support adolescents and their families.
- Developed progress reports detailing advancements of juvenile offenders under supervision to inform intervention strategies.
- Developed progress reports detailing advancements of juvenile offenders under supervision to inform intervention strategies.
- Participated in regular training sessions to stay abreast of developments in the field of juvenile justice.
Juvenile Officer III(RDT) Residential Drug Treatm
Dallas County Juvenile Department
Dallas, TX
05.2012 - 06.2017
- Supervised youth in a court mandated Residential Drug Treatment program in a detention facility and ensured safety protocols.
- Facilitated group sessions to promote, no drug usage, positive behavior, and conflict resolution.
- Engaged with families to provide support and resources for youth development.
- Created progress reports outlining the progress made by juvenile offenders while under supervision.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable laws pertaining to the rights of juveniles within the criminal justice system.
- Facilitated group activities designed to address issues such as drug usage, delinquency prevention, anger management, and conflict resolution.
- Provided guidance and counseling services on a variety of topics such as substance abuse, behavior management, education, job readiness, and family dynamics.
- Participated in regular training sessions to stay abreast of developments in the field of juvenile justice.
- Observed and recorded progress of each juvenile offender.
- Followed medical orders and dispensed medications, when needed
- Supervised inmates during day-to-day activities.
- Monitored conduct of juvenile residents in housing unit, during school, or during recreational activities to prevent escape or violence.
- Counseled juvenile residents and responded to legitimate questions, concerns and requests.
- Served meals and dispensed medications to juvenile inmates.
- Used appropriate means to discipline prisoners.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed to de-escalate volatile situations between youths or between youths and adults.
- Worked with therapeutic teams to facilitate counseling and group discussions for juveniles.
- Supervised youth in detention to ensure safety and compliance with regulations
Juvenile Officer III (START) Program
Dallas County Juvenile Department
Dallas, Texas
07.2010 - 10.2012
- Supervised detained youth in a Juvenile Detention Residential Program for Anger Managment
- Implemented the (Thinking For A Change) curriculum
- Escorted juveniles during movement, meals, recreation, and appointments.
- De-escalated conflicts using crisis intervention techniques and verbal de-escalation
- Checked living areas for contraband, hazards, and security issues.
- Coordinated with detention staff on youth supervision and care.
- Supervised inmates during day-to-day activities.
- Inspected locks, window bars, doors, and security systems to support escape prevention.
- Counseled inmates and responded to legitimate questions, concerns and requests.
- Issued clothing, tools and other authorized items to inmates.
- Served meals and dispensed medications to inmates.
- Implemented defensive tactics and physical restraints to maintain safety and security of facility.
Juvenile Officer II (RDT) Residential Drug Treatme
Dallas County Juvenile Department
Dallas
11.2009 - 06.2010
- Enforced facility rules and corrected unsafe conduct.
- Monitored youth behavior across housing units and recreation areas.
- Documented incidents, observations, and daily activity reports.
- Communicated with counselors, probation staff, and court partners.
- Counseled with juveniles on various topics leading to their drug abuse/addiction
- De-escalated conflicts using calm verbal intervention.
- Conducted security checks, searches, and contraband inspections.
- Responded to emergencies following juvenile detention center protocols
- Issued clothing, tools and other authorized items to inmates.
- Served meals and dispensed medications to inmates.
- Implemented defensive tactics and physical restraints to maintain safety and security of facility.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL 06.1996 - 08.2000
Skills
- Google Workspace
- Excel
- Power Point
- Microsoft Word/Outlook
- Behavioral Management
- Substance abuse counseling
- Conflict resolution/Verbal de-escalation
- Youth development strategies
- Stong communication & interpersonal skills
- Emotional intelligence & strong leadership skills
- Highly motivated team player with adaptability
Certification
- First Aid Certified through 2028
- Handle with Care Certified though August 2027
- TJJD Certified Juvenile Supervision Officer
Timeline
Juvenile Officer/Probation Services (ERC Program)
Dallas County Juvenile Department
06.2017 - 08.2026
Juvenile Officer III(RDT) Residential Drug Treatm
Dallas County Juvenile Department
05.2012 - 06.2017
Juvenile Officer III (START) Program
Dallas County Juvenile Department
07.2010 - 10.2012
Juvenile Officer II (RDT) Residential Drug Treatme
Dallas County Juvenile Department
11.2009 - 06.2010
Bachelor of Science - Criminology
Florida State University
06.1996 - 08.2000