Louann Najera

• Initiate court action and recommend action for probation and parole violations. Verify compliance with substance use treatment programs by administering drug and alcohol tests. Prepare and maintain case files, records, and progress reports. Inform clients of specific conditions of their release requirements and arrange court ordered treatment services and oversee community-based sentences and supervision. Monitor enhanced supervision situations such as Electronic Monitoring, GPS Monitoring, and Continuous Alcohol Monitoring. Conducted home visits and on-site employment verifications to ensure compliance with conditions of probation or parole and verify addresses, check for illegal substances or contraband. Attended continued training to provide the most current and optimal services to clients. Completed progress reports to keep the courts informed of compliance orders by assigned clients. Supervised a specialized caseload of domestic violence and violent crime clients for a period of two years and engaged with victims of violent crimes. Completed assessments, conducted interventions, and implemented strategies to address the clients’ individual needs. Continually monitored the implementation and progress of services.

Communicated and documented observations to ensure effective security and consistent application of client change principles. Facilitated behavior change by utilizing effective techniques such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral strategies, and core correctional practices . Performed facility security checks, conducted rounds and counts; monitored all areas of the facility and grounds and for safety/security deficiencies. Conducted searches of clients, vehicles, packages, equipment, client rooms, and property for contraband items. Performed community security and collateral checks such as furlough checks, phone checks, and collaterals, and pass checks to assure accountability and community safety within the parameters of the law and Department. Transported clients to and from locations within the community. Responded to critical situations. Allotted and monitored, client prescriptions and over-the-counter medications as required by policy. Participated in the disciplinary process to include writing, investigating, and hearing reports while ensuring due process rights are followed and afforded to the client.

• Initiated court action and recommended action for probation and parole violations. Verified compliance with substance use treatment programs by administering drug and alcohol tests. Prepared and maintained case files, records, and progress reports. Informed clients of specific conditions of their release requirements and arranged court ordered treatment services and oversaw community-based sentences and supervision. Monitored enhanced supervision situations such as Electronic Monitoring, GPS Monitoring, and Continuous Alcohol Monitoring.

• Evaluated the offender's institutional adjustment toward society and release plans. Prepared case plans and release plans, made recommendations related to job assignments, facility transfers and disciplinary actions. Responsible for securing and verifying information of offenders concerning family, home life, work history and other personal and social factors. Also, assessed program eligibility and determined classification status. Maintained daily life of offenders by handling property, financial concerns, mail, censorship notices, notifications of critical illness or death of family members. Case managers also provide pre-release counseling, research community resources and services prior to processing offenders for release. Was tasked with implementing a specialized Cognitive Behavioral Program for high-risk offenders. Created the Positive Behavior Unit within the institution to assess high risk offenders and implement individualized case plans to address negative behaviors and attitudes. Facilitated classes and group sessions to encourage, model and practice positive social skills.

• Provided care and treatment to residents by implementing programs which were created by lead treatment staff. Assisted residents with basic skills and tasks. Administered prescribed medications. Performed basic medical tasks such as taking temperatures, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, blood sugars and providing aid and aftercare for residents with seizures. Recorded daily treatments, medications, behaviors and schedules on resident's medical charts and treatment records. Escorted residents to activities, medical appointments, recreation and educational programs.

• Supervised Correction Officer I’s developed expectations and monitored performance and work habits. Assisted in training of new officers by conducting orientation and in-service training programs. Observed personnel to ensure compliance with established rules, regulations and procedures. Conducted on the job training for new officers. Monitored security posts, patrols living areas, grounds and buildings and observed offender behaviors and effectiveness of officers. Prepared and submitted reports on offender violations, unusual behaviors, and security breaches. Promoted rehabilitation by attempting to modify offender's social attitude and discourage undesirable behaviors and encourage worthwhile activities.

• Maintained security in buildings, towers and other post at an adult correctional facility. Responded to emergencies and altercations to gain physical control of offenders. Supervised movement of offenders inside and outside of the facility. Conducted counts and searches of offenders and their living quarters. Escorted and transported offenders to predetermined locations. Supervised offenders during work activities, recreational and religious activities and conducted inspections for health and safety hazards. Prepared and submitted reports on violations, unusual behaviors and security breaches.

• Taught functional academics and living skills, social and vocational skills and provided positive behavior and intervention supports to students. Escorted students with on and off campus activities which were beneficial in ensuring positive growth and skill development. Assisted with community activities such as Special Olympics and provided one on one support to students as needed.