Pauline Mendez
Bridgeport,Connecticut
Summary
Seasoned/Retired Juvenile Probation Officer with expertise in bilingual communication, juvenile supervision, community engagement and case planning. Skilled in risk assessment, court reporting, and family relations, with a focus on coordinating individualized services for high-risk youth. Committed to leveraging skills to support at-risk youth and families, driving positive community outcomes.
Overview
1
1
Language
1
1
Certification
2021
2021
years of professional experience
Work History
Juvenile Probation Officer
State of Court Support Services Divi
Bridgeport, Connecticut
10.1995 - 04.2020
- Supervised juvenile probation caseloads, including many high risk cases with complex family dynamics for Court Support Services Division.
- Monitored compliance with court orders and treatment referrals, ensuring adherence to legal and rehabilitative standards.
- Developed case plans with youths, families, and court staff.
- Conducted intake interviews and assessed delinquency risk factors.
- Prepared detailed reports for judges and attorneys, providing actionable recommendations based on comprehensive observations of clients' life dynamics.
- Coordinated with counselors, educators, and social service providers to deliver integrated support services tailored to each youth's needs.
- Supported community initiatives through a statewide pilot program addressing the needs of female juveniles in the Connecticut Court System.
Volunteer with The Juvenile Review Board
Volunteer Position
Stratford, Connecticut
2016 - 2020
- Conducted case assessments on first-time juvenile offenders.
- Facilitated restorative discussions with juvenile families to foster accountability and improve community safety.
- Created individualized intervention plans incorporating community service, agency support, and collaboration with the Board of Education.
- Contributed to multidisciplinary juvenile review meetings with police, education, fire department, probation partners, and community agencies to enhance collaborative approaches.
Truancy Board Meeting Participant
Volunteer Position
Bridgeport, Connecticut
2002 - 2016
- Engaged in truancy board meetings at Bridgeport high schools, reviewing attendance cases and implementing interventions to prevent court involvement.
- Collaborated with truancy officers, school officials, and DCF to develop strategies for addressing attendance issues.
- Advised families and juveniles on factors contributing to truancy, offering tailored resources and referrals to enhance educational and personal support.
Education
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of New Haven
West Haven, CT01-2004
Associate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
University of Bridgeport
Bridgeport, CT01-1995
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Sacred Heart University
Fairfield, CT01-1995
High School Diploma -
Notre Dame High School
Fairfield, CT01-1988
Skills
- Case management (case planning)
- Report writing
- Individualized service planning
- Youth mentorship
- Stakeholder engagement
- Community resource coordination
- Interagency collaboration
- Data accuracy
- Data confidentiality
- Bilingual proficiency
- Bilingual communication
- Proficient in general office software
- Critical thinking
- Family engagement
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Certification
- 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Certification, Lotus Gardens Yoga School, recognized by the Yoga Alliance for the instruction of philosophy, breath work, postures and meditation. (May 7, 2017)
- Real Estate Salesperson License, State of Connecticut (2010-2025)
Accomplishments
- Inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society (2004)
- The National Dean's List (1997-1998 Edition)- Students, institutions and organizations recognized in this national publication are commended for their high standards of academic excellence, community leadership and positive performance.
Timeline
Juvenile Probation Officer
State of Court Support Services Divi
10.1995 - 04.2020
Volunteer with The Juvenile Review Board
Volunteer Position
2016 - 2020
Truancy Board Meeting Participant
Volunteer Position
2002 - 2016
Master of Arts - Criminal Justice
University of New Haven
Associate of Arts - Paralegal Studies
University of Bridgeport
Bachelor of Science - Psychology
Sacred Heart University
High School Diploma -
Notre Dame High School