Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Languages
References
Timeline
Generic

Luis Santana

Brawley,CA

Summary

Highly-motivated professional with desire to take on new challenges. Strong worth ethic, adaptability and exceptional interpersonal skills. Experienced Correctional Counselor with 18 years in law enforcement that is committed to maximize the potential of DRP's mission and resonate the expectancies of the California model. Strongly believe providing education, treatment, rehabilitative and restorative justice programs are key to enhancing public safety and promote successful community reintegration.

Overview

18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Acting Correctional Counselor III

Division of Rehabilitative Programs - CDCR
Imperial, CA
11.2023 - Current
  • Supervision of Staff - Oversee the work of subordinate staff, such as the Parole Service Associate, Associate Governmental Program Analyst, and Office Technician. This includes providing guidance, training, and performance evaluations. The CCIII ensures that staff are following departmental policies and procedures.
  • Program Management - Ensures programs are being delivered effectively and that they meet the needs of the Incarcerated Persons.
  • Contractor Case Management Oversight - Oversee the case management process, ensuring that participant cases are handled appropriately and that they receive the necessary services to successfully complete the program.
  • Policy Implementation - Through regular training, ensures that all policies and procedures related to rehabilitation and correctional programs are properly implemented and followed.
  • Coordination and Communication - Serves as a liaison between different departments within the CDCR, as well as with external agencies. Coordinate services and communicate important information regarding participant progress, program changes, and policy updates.
  • Data Management and Reporting - Responsible for generating and reporting program status for all DRP curriculum. Oversee the maintenance of records that reveal program participation, outcomes, and other relevant data.
  • Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution - Addresses any issues or conflicts that arise within the programs managed. Resolve disputes between staff, addressing incarcerated persons' grievances, or finding solutions to programmatic challenges.

Grievance Coordinator - Correctional Counselor II

Centinela State Prison - CDCR
Imperial, CA
11.2018 - 11.2023
  • Managing the Grievance Process - Responsible for collecting, receiving, reviewing, and processing incarcerated person's grievances. This includes ensuring that grievances are logged into the appropriate tracking system and processed in a timely manner.
  • Coordination and Communication - Act as a liaison between incarcerated persons, correctional staff, and other departments within the institution to facilitate communication and resolution of grievances. Works closely with various professional disciplines, including medical, mental health, and custody staff, to gather information and provide responses to grievances.
  • Record Maintenance - Maintains detailed records of all grievances, including documentation of investigations, resolutions, and communications. These records are important for audits, legal compliance, and tracking patterns or issues within the institution.
  • Reporting - Prepares reports on grievance trends, outcomes, and any systemic issues identified through the grievance process. These reports may be used by institutional management to make policy or operational changes.
  • Audit Coordination - Prepares for internal or external audits of the grievance process, ensuring that all records and documentation are in order, and that the institution is in compliance with relevant standards. Addresses any findings or recommendations from audits to improve the grievance process and ensure ongoing compliance.

Correctional Counselor II - Supervisor

Centinela State Prison, CEN
Imperial, CA
02.2017 - 10.2018
  • Case Management - Responsible for reviewing and assessing the classification of incarcerated persons in the RHU. Participate in hearings, reviewing disciplinary reports, and ensuring that incarcerated persons' rights are upheld during the process.
  • File Maintenance - Maintaining up-to-date and accurate case files for each incarcerated persons', including records of disciplinary actions, program participation, mental health status, and any other relevant information.
  • Assessment and Evaluation - Regularly assess an incarcerated persons' progress, behavior, and suitability for release from RHU. This includes evaluating their risk level and needs for programs or interventions.
  • Program Referral - Identify and refer incarcerated persons to appropriate rehabilitative programs, including educational, vocational, and therapeutic services. Prepare reports on an incarcerated person's participation and progress in rehabilitative programs, which are often used in parole hearings and other legal proceedings.
  • Professional Development - Participate in ongoing training and development opportunities to stay current with best practices in correctional counseling, legal updates, and rehabilitative techniques. Stay informed about changes in CDCR policies, state laws, and correctional trends that may impact counseling practices.

Correctional Counselor I

Centinela State Prison, CEN
Imperial, CA
10.2014 - 01.2017
  • Case Management - Responsible for conducting thorough reviews of an incarcerated person's case files, which include criminal history, behavior in prison, disciplinary records, and participation in programs. Assessing an incarcerated person to determine their appropriate security level and housing assignment within the institution, based on factors like their crime, behavior, and risk to others.
  • Report Preparation and Documentation - Preparing various reports, including classification reviews, progress reports, and disciplinary action reports. These documents are critical for parole hearings, case reviews, and institutional decision-making. Keeping accurate and up-to-date records of all interactions with incarcerated persons, including counseling sessions, program participation, and any disciplinary actions.
  • Classification Committee Participation - Participate in the UCC, where decisions are made regarding an incarcerated person's classification, program assignments, and housing.
  • Interdepartmental Collaboration - Work closely with other departments within the institution, such as custody staff, medical, mental health, and educational services, to ensure a comprehensive approach to an incarcerated persons' management and rehabilitation.
  • Policy Compliance and Implementation - Ensuring that all incarcerated person's management activities comply with CDCR policies, state laws, and federal regulations. This includes ensuring that incarcerated persons' rights are upheld and that institutional procedures are followed.

Correctional Sergeant

Centinela State Prison, CEN
Imperial, CA
06.2014 - 09.2014
  • Leadership and Management - Supervise a team of correctional officers, providing guidance, support, and direction in their daily duties. Ensure that officers are performing their responsibilities in compliance with CDCR policies and procedures.
  • Training and Development - Provide on-the-job training for correctional officers, particularly for new recruits. Facilitate ongoing professional development and ensure that officers are up to date with required certifications and training.
  • Security and Safety Management - Oversee the security of the facility by ensuring that all security protocols are followed. This includes conducting routine inspections of cells, common areas, and perimeter security measures.
  • Incident Response - Lead the response to security incidents such as incarcerated persons' altercations, escapes, or contraband discovery. Coordinate with other staff to manage emergencies effectively, ensuring the safety of both staff and incarcerated persons.
  • Contraband Control - Supervise searches for contraband, including routine clothed and unclothed body searches, cell inspections, and monitoring of visitor interactions, to prevent illegal items from entering the facility.
  • Behavior Management - Monitor the population's behavior to prevent conflicts, maintain order, and ensure compliance with institutional rules. Address and resolve disciplinary issues, escalating them to higher authority when necessary. Investigate misconduct, issue disciplinary reports, and recommend appropriate sanctions or corrective actions. This may involve coordinating with other correctional staff and attending disciplinary hearings.
  • Counts - Supervise and conduct regular incarcerated persons' counts to ensure that all incarcerated persons are accounted for and to maintain control within the facility.

Correctional Officer

Centinela State Prison, CEN
Imperial, CA
10.2006 - 06.2014
  • Security and Safety Management - Monitor the facility to ensure that all security measures are in place and functioning properly. This includes checking doors, gates, and fences, as well as controlling access to various areas of the facility. Conduct regular patrols of the facility, both inside and outside, to detect and prevent security breaches, contraband, and unauthorized activities.
  • Counts - Perform routine counts of incarcerated persons to ensure that all are accounted for and that there have been no escapes or unauthorized movements.
  • Supervision - Continuously monitor incarcerated persons' behavior to detect signs of unrest, potential conflicts, or rule violations. Take immediate action to prevent incidents from escalating. Supervise the movement within the facility, ensuring the population follow schedules for meals, recreation, work assignments, and other activities. Escort incarcerated persons to and from different locations, as needed.
  • Searches and Inspections - Conduct searches of living quarters, and common areas to detect and confiscate contraband items such as weapons, drugs, or unauthorized communication devices.
  • Incident Response - Respond promptly to emergencies such as fights, medical emergencies, fires, or escapes. Coordinate with other staff members to manage the situation and restore order. Provide first aid or CPR in emergency situations until medical personnel arrive.
  • Incident Reporting - Document all incidents accurately and thoroughly, including details of any use of force, injuries, or rule violations. Submit reports to supervisors for review and further action.

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Administration of Justice

Imperial Valley College
Imperial

Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice Management

University of Phoenix
El Centro

Skills

  • Sound Judgment
  • Calm Under Pressure
  • Training leadership
  • Policy Development
  • Training development
  • Grievance management
  • Policy Interpretation
  • Management collaboration
  • Performance Management
  • Communication
  • Risk Management

Languages

Spanish
Native/ Bilingual

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Acting Correctional Counselor III

Division of Rehabilitative Programs - CDCR
11.2023 - Current

Grievance Coordinator - Correctional Counselor II

Centinela State Prison - CDCR
11.2018 - 11.2023

Correctional Counselor II - Supervisor

Centinela State Prison, CEN
02.2017 - 10.2018

Correctional Counselor I

Centinela State Prison, CEN
10.2014 - 01.2017

Correctional Sergeant

Centinela State Prison, CEN
06.2014 - 09.2014

Correctional Officer

Centinela State Prison, CEN
10.2006 - 06.2014

Some College (No Degree) - Administration of Justice

Imperial Valley College

Some College (No Degree) - Criminal Justice Management

University of Phoenix

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Luis Santana