Natasha Halsey
Meherrin,VA
Summary
With a proven track record at Lawrenceville Correctional Center, I excel in utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and crisis intervention to foster significant client progress. My adeptness in case management and empathetic client interactions has consistently improved rehabilitation outcomes, showcasing my ability to blend technical expertise with essential soft skills for impactful service delivery.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Casework Counselor
Lawrenceville Correctional Center
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Educated clients on available community resources, fostering a sense of empowerment and selfsufficiency.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
Probation Officer
Farmville Probation and Parole
12.2022 - 12.2024
- Maintained compliance with all legal statutes, policies and procedures.
- Determined appropriate supervision levels by conducting risk and needs assessments.
- Established productive relationships with local law enforcement agencies, enhancing information sharing and cooperation.
- Increased efficiency in caseload management through the use of advanced technology tools such as electronic monitoring devices and case management software systems.
- Maintained organized offender records and documentation in compliance with department and legal standards.
- Ensured compliance with court-ordered sanctions by closely monitoring probationers'' adherence to conditions of release.
- Evaluated people on probation to determine best course of rehabilitation.
- Wrote progress reports and testified under oath at court hearings.
- Conducted investigations into violations and other allegations.
- Adhered to legal requirements by performing office, home, and employment visits.
- Supervised offenders to reduce risk to community.
- Built relationships with defendants and offenders, assessing living conditions and case background information.
- Screened offender referrals and completed intake interviews and paperwork.
- Mentored new probation officers, sharing knowledge and expertise to ensure their success in managing caseloads effectively.
- Upheld legal standards by maintaining current knowledge on laws, policies, procedures related to probationary practices.
- Monitored defendants' compliance and progress in treatment by reviewing reports from counseling agencies.
- Improved community safety through proactive risk assessment and management of high-risk offenders.
- Conducted thorough pre-sentence investigations and prepared detailed reports for the courts, aiding informed decisionmaking.
- Interpreted data from various assessment tools to determine appropriate level of supervision.
- Handled over Number full-cycle caseloads per month.
- Collaborated with treatment providers to ensure seamless delivery of services for probationers, resulting in improved outcomes.
- Employed appropriate incentives and sanctions to achieve desired behaviors and outcomes.
- Facilitated positive behavior change by delivering evidence-based intervention programs to probationers.
- Conducted community outreach initiatives to raise public awareness of available resources and services, fostering positive relationships between probation officers and the communities they serve.
- Suggested special community service rehabilitation programs to help further support offenders.
- Developed effective communication skills while interacting with diverse populations including offenders, their families, court personnel, and community partners.
- Provided guidance and support to probationers in securing employment, housing, and other essential resources for successful reintegration into society.
- Promoted a culture of accountability among probationers by setting clear expectations for behavior and promptly addressing violations when necessary.
- Served as a liaison between the courts, social service agencies, victims, witnesses, families of offenders and community organizations to streamline the probation process.
- Collaborated with senior leadership during decision-making processes and created thorough offender reports for corrective action planning.
- Evaluated the success of rehabilitative programs by analyzing participant progress data and making recommendations for improvement where needed.
- Helped resolve probationer issues with housing, employment and healthcare.
- Maintained accurate records of probationers'' progress, ensuring timely updates to relevant stakeholders.
- Initiated crisis intervention by following official crisis communication plans and training.
- Verified social and legal history information of individual probationers.
Probation Officer
Richmond Probation and Parole
12.2019 - 12.2022
- Conducted pre-sentence investigations by doing in-depth research and compiling police reports.
- Determined appropriate supervision levels by conducting risk and needs assessments.
- Maintained compliance with all legal statutes, policies and procedures.
- Established productive relationships with local law enforcement agencies, enhancing information sharing and cooperation.
- Increased efficiency in caseload management through the use of advanced technology tools such as electronic monitoring devices and case management software systems.
- Maintained organized offender records and documentation in compliance with department and legal standards.
- Ensured compliance with court-ordered sanctions by closely monitoring probationers'' adherence to conditions of release.
- Evaluated people on probation to determine best course of rehabilitation.
- Wrote progress reports and testified under oath at court hearings.
- Participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices in the field of community corrections.
- Conducted investigations into violations and other allegations.
- Adhered to legal requirements by performing office, home, and employment visits.
- Supervised offenders to reduce risk to community.
- Screened offender referrals and completed intake interviews and paperwork.
- Upheld legal standards by maintaining current knowledge on laws, policies, procedures related to probationary practices.
- Improved community safety through proactive risk assessment and management of high-risk offenders.
- Interpreted data from various assessment tools to determine appropriate level of supervision.
- Handled over Number full-cycle caseloads per month.
- Collaborated with treatment providers to ensure seamless delivery of services for probationers, resulting in improved outcomes.
- Employed appropriate incentives and sanctions to achieve desired behaviors and outcomes.
- Facilitated positive behavior change by delivering evidence-based intervention programs to probationers.
- Coordinated community and job placement resources.
- Conducted community outreach initiatives to raise public awareness of available resources and services, fostering positive relationships between probation officers and the communities they serve.
- Suggested special community service rehabilitation programs to help further support offenders.
- Developed effective communication skills while interacting with diverse populations including offenders, their families, court personnel, and community partners.
- Provided guidance and support to probationers in securing employment, housing, and other essential resources for successful reintegration into society.
- Promoted a culture of accountability among probationers by setting clear expectations for behavior and promptly addressing violations when necessary.
- Served as a liaison between the courts, social service agencies, victims, witnesses, families of offenders and community organizations to streamline the probation process.
- Collaborated with senior leadership during decision-making processes and created thorough offender reports for corrective action planning.
- Evaluated the success of rehabilitative programs by analyzing participant progress data and making recommendations for improvement where needed.
- Helped resolve probationer issues with housing, employment and healthcare.
- Maintained accurate records of probationers'' progress, ensuring timely updates to relevant stakeholders.
- Oversaw administration of DNA indexing and drug and alcohol screenings for offenders.
- Initiated crisis intervention by following official crisis communication plans and training.
- Completed reports on behalf of court and associated legal entities.
- Interpreted legal concepts and issues to complete and close out cases.
- Suggested bail recommendations to court to aid with case outcomes.
- Provided court testimony to support court decisions.
- Arranged substance abuse rehabilitation for offenders.
- Served as court liaison by attending court hearings and presenting reports and recommendations.
Casework Counselor
State Farm Correctional Center
02.2018 - 12.2019
- Assisted clients in setting realistic goals, developing action plans, and monitoring progress towards achievement.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress notes for effective case management.
- Improved client satisfaction through consistent communication, empathy, and understanding of their unique challenges.
- Implemented behavioral modification strategies to help clients develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Contributed to a supportive work environment by sharing knowledge, resources, and new findings within the counseling field.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage positive change in clients'' lives.
- Used cognitive behavior therapy to assist clients in recognizing and redirecting poor habits.
- Conducted assessments to determine progress and performance and report findings to relevant authorities.
- Conducted thorough assessments to identify client needs and appropriate intervention strategies.
- Developed individualized counseling plans for clients to incorporate short-term and long-term goals.
- Implemented evidence-based therapeutic interventions to promote positive behavior change.
- Developed and facilitated group therapy sessions for increased social support and skill-building opportunities.
- Participated in ongoing professional development trainings to remain current on best practices within the counseling field.
- Communicated regularly with other professionals involved in the client''s care for coordinated service delivery efforts.
- Coordinated referrals between agencies to ensure seamless transitions for clients receiving multiple services.
Correctional Officer
Nottoway Correctional Center
04.2011 - 08.2016
- Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
- Reduced instances of contraband by thoroughly searching inmates, cells, and common areas.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
- Improved communication between staff members by participating in daily briefings and sharing critical information about inmate activities.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
- Enhanced facility security by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential risks.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
- Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
- Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
- Completed intake paperwork, fingerprints, and searches.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Participated in ongoing professional development courses focused on understanding gang dynamics within prison settings to better identify and manage potential threats.
- Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and assess needs.
- Received and accounted for personal possessions and determined inmate work assignments.
- Supported the re-entry process for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources, such as job training programs and community-based services.
- Cultivated positive relations with inmates, reducing tensions and promoting safer environment.
- Maintained detailed records of inmate behavior and activity, contributing to facility security.
- Contributed to policy development, ensuring alignment with best practices in corrections management.
- Implemented innovative inmate management techniques, leading to decrease in disciplinary incidents.
- Supported reentry programs that prepared inmates for successful integration into society.
- Fostered supportive environment for inmate rehabilitation with educational and vocational training programs.
- Reduced inmate altercations through proactive conflict resolution strategies.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
Correctional Officer
Dillwyn Correctional Center
09.2003 - 04.2011
- Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
- Reduced instances of contraband by thoroughly searching inmates, cells, and common areas.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
- Improved communication between staff members by participating in daily briefings and sharing critical information about inmate activities.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
- Enhanced facility security by conducting regular inspections and addressing potential risks.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
- Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
- Monitored visitation sessions to ensure compliance with established guidelines and maintain facility security.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Participated in ongoing professional development courses focused on understanding gang dynamics within prison settings to better identify and manage potential threats.
- Ensured security of facility perimeter by conducting routine patrols.
- Maintained detailed records of inmate behavior and activity, contributing to facility security.
- Promoted inmate welfare by monitoring and addressing health concerns promptly.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
Education
Bachelor Of Applied Arts And Science - Criminal Justice
Bluefield College
Bluefield, VA12.2016
Associates - Administration of Justice
Southside Community College
Keysville05.2002
Diploma -
Central High School
Victoria, VA06.1997
Skills
- Skilled in intake interviewing
- Counseling
- HIPAA
- Mental health support
- Building rapport
- Crisis intervention techniques
- Behavior monitoring
- Crisis response
- Adept at conflict resolution
- Anger management
- Client records management
- Treatment Planning
- Treatment plans
- Empathy development
- Client needs assessment
- Intake assessments
- Motivational interviewing
- Needs assessment
- Social work
- Learning disability awareness
- Family dynamics
- Case management proficiency
- Behavior modification
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) expert
- Daily living activities educator
- Dual diagnoses expert
- Database management
- Criminal law
- Case management and documentation
- Time management
- Team collaboration
- Decision-making
- Positive patient experiences
- Documentation and reporting
- Conflict resolution
- File and record keeping
Certification
CCIT certified, notary public, Femma Training, Narcan Trainer, CPR and First Aid certified
Timeline
Probation Officer
Farmville Probation and Parole
12.2022 - 12.2024
Probation Officer
Richmond Probation and Parole
12.2019 - 12.2022
Casework Counselor
State Farm Correctional Center
02.2018 - 12.2019
Correctional Officer
Nottoway Correctional Center
04.2011 - 08.2016
Correctional Officer
Dillwyn Correctional Center
09.2003 - 04.2011
CCIT certified, notary public, Femma Training, Narcan Trainer, CPR and First Aid certified
Casework Counselor
Lawrenceville Correctional Center
Bachelor Of Applied Arts And Science - Criminal Justice
Bluefield College
Associates - Administration of Justice
Southside Community College
Diploma -
Central High School
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