Rafael Panela
Calexico,CA
Summary
Experienced correctional professional with strong track record in providing counseling and rehabilitation support to incarcerated individuals. Skilled in crisis intervention, case management, and conflict resolution. Known for effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and adaptability to changing environments. Reliable and results-driven, with focus on promoting rehabilitation and reintegration.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Correctional Counselor I
CDCR- Calipatria State Prison
10.2024 - Current
- Conducted regular case reviews for individual inmates to assess progress towards rehabilitation goals and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Maintained accurate records of all counseling sessions, assessments, and case plan updates in adherence with state regulations and facility policies.
- Improved inmate behavior by implementing individualized counseling programs tailored to their specific needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams comprised of correctional officers, medical personnel, and other counselors to address complex needs of diverse inmate populations effectively.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed, deescalating potentially dangerous situations involving inmate conflicts or self-harm incidents.
- Reduced recidivism rates by providing effective career and educational guidance to inmates preparing for release.
- Enhanced facility safety with thorough assessments of inmate mental health and risk levels, ensuring appropriate placement in programs and housing units.
- Coordinated and worked closely with law enforcement, social service agencies and mental health providers.
- Developed case reports detailing inmate history and likelihood of committing another crime.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Interview inmates for proper classification and placement.
- Read, evaluate, and summarize reports from inmates SOMS/ERMS files.
- Prepared written reports to the Board of Prison Terms.
Correctional Counselor I (A)
CDCR- Calipatria State Prison
06.2024 - 09.2024
- Conducted regular case reviews for individual inmates to assess progress towards rehabilitation goals and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Maintained accurate records of all counseling sessions, assessments, and case plan updates in adherence with state regulations and facility policies.
- Improved inmate behavior by implementing individualized counseling programs tailored to their specific needs.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams comprised of correctional officers, medical personnel, and other counselors to address complex needs of diverse inmate populations effectively.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed, deescalating potentially dangerous situations involving inmate conflicts or self-harm incidents.
- Reduced recidivism rates by providing effective career and educational guidance to inmates preparing for release.
- Enhanced facility safety with thorough assessments of inmate mental health and risk levels, ensuring appropriate placement in programs and housing units.
- Coordinated and worked closely with law enforcement, social service agencies and mental health providers.
- Developed case reports detailing inmate history and likelihood of committing another crime.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Interview inmates for proper classification and placement.
- Read, evaluate, and summarize reports from inmates SOMS/ERMS files.
- Prepared written reports to the Board of Prison Terms.
Correctional Officer
CDCR- Centinela State Prison
01.2020 - 09.2024
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
- 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.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- 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.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and evidence.
Correctional Counselor I (A)
CDCR- Calipatria State Prison
01.2023 - 02.2023
- Prepare written reports to the Board of Prison TermsInterview inmates for proper classification and placement
- Read, evaluate, and summarize reports from inmates SOMS/ERMS files
- Review inmate case factors, needs, and requirements
- Ensure proper placement of inmates at the lowest level consistent with case factors
- Prepare written reports to the Board of Prison Terms
- Make recommendations to classification and disciplinary committees
- Determine custody and rehabilitative requirements of inmates
- Respond to verbal and written requests of inmates and families
- Conduct counseling sessions with individual inmates reinforcing appropriate behavior
- Request reports from court and law enforcement agencies
- Serve documents
- Assist in establishing effective communication
- Interpret English to Spanish to inmates requiring foreign language interpreter
- Maintain and update casework.
Investigator- District Attorney Liaison
CDCR- Centinela State Prison
06.2021 - 10.2022
- Served as court liaison by attending District Attorney meetings, presenting reports and recommendations.
- Maintained and updated offender case load for proper prosecution referrals.
- Requested, updated, and dispersed court documentation.
- Collected, analyzed and interpreted information, documentation, and physical evidence associated with investigations.
- Collaborated with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies on investigations.
- Collected information pertaining to criminal proceedings and performed investigations to resolve cases.
- Ensured compliance with legal regulations during investigations, minimizing risk for litigation or procedural errors.
- Assisted in the development of investigative strategies, resulting in more efficient case resolutions.
- Interviewed and interrogated suspects.
- Testified in court during proceedings and trials.
- Delivered calm, professional testimony to support case evidence, establish timelines, and offer law enforcement expertise.
- Identified trends in criminal activities, allowing for proactive measures to be taken against future threats.
Cadet
CDCR
10.2019 - 01.2020
- Conducted physical training to keep fit and perform job duties productively.
- Built excellent rapport and working relationship with community to build trust and improve upon communication.
- Nurtured a culture of continuous improvement among both staff and cadets through ongoing education and professional development opportunities.
- Developed leadership skills in junior cadets by aiding them with challenging tasks and responsibilities.
- Followed protocols and procedures to perform tasks quickly and minimize mistakes.
- Streamlined communication within the unit by introducing effective reporting procedures.
- Supported fellow staff members in creating a positive learning environment for all cadets on base.
- Increased cadet retention rates through continuous mentorship and guidance.
Office Technician
CDCR- Centinela State Prison
09.2017 - 10.2019
- Managed front desk operations, providing exceptional customer service to staff and visitors.
- Promptly received and forwarded incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails, and letters, to appropriate staff.
- Assisted in planning and coordinating events such as conferences or workshops for both internal staff members and external guests.
- Provided clerical support to staff by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
- Compiled and analyzed data and reports.
- Served court subpoenas.
Self Help Sponsor
CDCR-Centinela State Prison
07.2018 - 09.2019
- Assisted inmates in understanding addiction-related issues, fostering supportive environments during the recovery process.
- Facilitated group therapy for inmates.
- Provided supervision and mentorship to facilitators, fostering professional development within the field of addiction treatment.
- Mentored new sponsors by sharing best practices, contributing to a positive team environment and continuous professional development opportunities.
- Maintained accurate documentation of inmate progress, facilitating informed decision-making within the treatment team.
- Navigated complex documentation requirements while maintaining strict confidentiality standards as mandated by state regulations and ethical guidelines.
Usher- Translator
The Potter's House
03.2016 - 08.2018
- Directed attendees to seats and facility locations.
- Managed crowd control effectively, ensuring timely seating and minimizing disruptions.
- Completed precise translations of sermons with correct words and phrasing from English to Spanish.
- Improved facility cleanliness by performing daily maintenance tasks, such as sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming.
Senior Store Manager
GNC
11.2010 - 08.2018
- Enhanced store appearance with meticulous merchandising, visual displays, and well-organized inventory management.
- Exceeded sales targets consistently through proactive promotion of products/services while maintaining exceptional levels of customer service.
- Monitored daily cash discrepancies, inventory shrinkage and drive-off.
- Improved overall store performance by implementing effective sales strategies and streamlining operational processes.
- Maintained strict compliance with all safety regulations, legal requirements, and company policies to protect the business from potential liabilities.
- Increased customer satisfaction by prioritizing exceptional service and addressing concerns promptly and professionally.
- Assisted in recruiting, hiring and training of team members.
- Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
- Observed each employee's individual strengths and initiated mentoring program to improve areas of weakness.
- Reduced inventory shrinkage by implementing loss prevention measures, conducting regular audits, and holding staff accountable for discrepancies.
- Facilitated seamless transitions during new product launches by coordinating cross-functional teams in merchandising, marketing, purchasing, logistics planning efforts.
- Cultivated and strengthened lasting client relationships using strong issue resolution and dynamic communication skills.
Volunteer- Internship
CDCR-Centinela State Prison
01.2001 - 01.2007
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports.
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set.
- Managed front desk operations, providing exceptional customer service to staff and visitors.
- Promptly received and forwarded incoming communications, such as phone calls, emails, and letters, to appropriate staff.
- Assisted in planning and coordinating events such as conferences or workshops for both internal staff members and external guests.
- Provided clerical support to staff by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
- Assisted the Visiting department in various tasks.
Education
BA - Criminal Justice
San Diego State University
05.2013
AA/AS - University Studies
Imperial Valley College
06.2011
Skills
- Problem-solving
- Attention to detail
- Multitasking Abilities
- Excellent communication
Teamwork and collaboration
- Critical thinking
- Active listening
- Effective communication
- Decision-making
- Counseling techniques
Jobapplication
CORRECTIONAL COUNSELOR I, JC-458551, 403-222-9904-005, 403-222-9904-012,
Certification
Record of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP) Sheet Training
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Correctional Counselor I
CDCR- Calipatria State Prison
10.2024 - Current
Correctional Counselor I (A)
CDCR- Calipatria State Prison
06.2024 - 09.2024
Correctional Counselor I (A)
CDCR- Calipatria State Prison
01.2023 - 02.2023
Investigator- District Attorney Liaison
CDCR- Centinela State Prison
06.2021 - 10.2022
Correctional Officer
CDCR- Centinela State Prison
01.2020 - 09.2024
Cadet
CDCR
10.2019 - 01.2020
Self Help Sponsor
CDCR-Centinela State Prison
07.2018 - 09.2019
Office Technician
CDCR- Centinela State Prison
09.2017 - 10.2019
Usher- Translator
The Potter's House
03.2016 - 08.2018
Senior Store Manager
GNC
11.2010 - 08.2018
Volunteer- Internship
CDCR-Centinela State Prison
01.2001 - 01.2007
AA/AS - University Studies
Imperial Valley College
Record of Arrest and Prosecution (RAP) Sheet Training
BA - Criminal Justice
San Diego State University
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