Roshunda Simmons
Burlington,NJ
Summary
Experienced professional in corrections oversight, policy development, and social work with a track record of advocating for the rights and well-being of incarcerated individuals. Proficient in addressing incarcerated population concerns, implementing policy improvements, and ensuring fair treatment within correctional facilities.
Overview
21
21
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Ombudsperson
NJ Department Of Treasury
12.2022 - Current
- Represent the Office of Corrections Ombudsperson by engaging compassionately and empathetically with incarcerated individuals, their families, and staff through calls, written correspondence, and personal interactions.
- Offer comprehensive guidance and support, addressing concerns and investigating issues raised by stakeholders.
- Conducted thorough reviews of institutional rules, policies, and procedures, collaborating with subject matter experts within the Department of Corrections and the Ombudsperson office.
- Establish trust and rapport by actively listening to and understanding the needs of incarcerated individuals and staff, fostering an environment of open communication.
- Create an inclusive environment by educating incarcerated individuals about the Ombudsperson's role and mission, promoting understanding and cooperation.
- Conduct regular rounds across housing units, observe facility operations, and participate in relevant meetings and events to gain insights and foster improvements.
Disciplinary Hearing Officer
NJ Department Of Corrections
12.2018 - 12.2022
- Court Line Oversight: Directed and facilitated court line disciplinary hearings across multiple state prison facilities, ensuring procedural adherence and fairness.
- Guidance & Direction: Provided clear direction to court line staff in evidence gathering, documentation, and report writing to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Resolution and Alternatives: Provided insightful recommendations, for alternative resolutions, when punitive measures were not suitable.
- Cell Inspections & Advisory: Conducted thorough visual inspections of housing cells, addressed discrepancies in custody reports, and advised incarcerated individuals about their immunity rights and the implications of court line sanctions.
- Classification & Housing Recommendations: Reviewed incarcerated individuals status and recommended suitable housing units to maintain compliance with correctional guidelines.
- Impartial Judgment: Conducted unbiased review and judgment of disciplinary charges to maintain fairness and adherence to policy during the court line process.
Program Specialist
NJ Department Of Corrections
03.2015 - 07.2018
- Policy Revision & Implementation: Researched, revised and updated Institutional Management Policies (IMPs) for seamless implementation at the institutional level.
- Applicant Assessment: Chaired administrative meetings for Residential Community Release Program applicants and validated classification status, eligibility dates, and pertinent history of to ensure compliance.
- Grievance Resolution: Reviewed and addressed JPay grievances for administrative staff and ensured continuous and effective communication channels between the incarcerated and administrative leadership.
- Stakeholder Communication: Interacted with incarcerated individuals and their families to address and resolve administrative decisions related to visit issues, status changes, medical emergencies, and protective custody.
- Program Development & Support: Provided essential administrative support in developing and facilitating programs that catered to the human service needs of the correctional population, enhancing their overall well-being.
Social Worker
NJ Department Of Corrections
04.2006 - 03.2015
- Rehabilitation Programs: Referred social service programs to the incarcerated population to assist with rehabilitation and recidivism reduction.
- Therapeutic Group Facilitation: Facilitated therapeutic groups addressing cognitive behavior, employment stability, anger management, and family reunification.
- Comprehensive Service Assessments: Conducted in-depth service assessments that focused on transitional aspects related to employment, residential stability, mental well being, and access to healthcare.
- Program Effectiveness Evaluation: Participated in departmental and institutional committee meetings to advocate for the incarcerated access to institutional and community rehabilitative resources.
- Transitional Services: Educated the incarcerated and their family members on available community resources, connected them with essential services such as housing assistance, financial aid, or healthcare providers and promoted a continuum of care approach to prevent support lapse.
Disciplinary Instructor
Trenton Community Charter School
09.2002 - 03.2006
- Behavior Modification Programs: Collaborated with teachers and school administrators in a middle school setting to design functional and realistic behavior modification programs for challenging students.
- Individual Action Plans: Increased student motivation by modifying lesson plans that catered to various learning styles and individualized behavior challenges.
- Enhanced Learning Environment: Promoted a positive learning environment by establishing clear classroom expectations and maintaining consistent classroom management techniques.
- After-School Programs: Oversight of after-school programs that focused on behavior adjustment, homework assistance, and positive peer to peer interaction.
Education
Master of Arts - Social Work
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
New Brunswick, NJ07.2016
Master of Arts - Public Administration
Walden University
Minneapolis, MN02.2011
Skills
- Empathetic Communication
- Collaborative Problem-Solving
- Policy Analysis and Implementation
- Active Listening
- Systems Advocacy
- Cultural Sensitivity
Timeline
Assistant Ombudsperson
NJ Department Of Treasury
12.2022 - Current
Disciplinary Hearing Officer
NJ Department Of Corrections
12.2018 - 12.2022
Program Specialist
NJ Department Of Corrections
03.2015 - 07.2018
Social Worker
NJ Department Of Corrections
04.2006 - 03.2015
Disciplinary Instructor
Trenton Community Charter School
09.2002 - 03.2006
Master of Arts - Social Work
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Master of Arts - Public Administration
Walden University
Similar Profiles
Luis Liranzo RosarioLuis Liranzo Rosario
Warehouse Assistant Supervisor at NJ Department Of Treasury B.O.S.S. WarehouseWarehouse Assistant Supervisor at NJ Department Of Treasury B.O.S.S. Warehouse
ZORAN PROLEZORAN PROLE
Senior Collections Officer at Attorney General’s Department/ (2021) Department of Treasury & FinanceSenior Collections Officer at Attorney General’s Department/ (2021) Department of Treasury & Finance
Austin CrumplerAustin Crumpler
Human Resources Specialist at US Department of the TreasuryHuman Resources Specialist at US Department of the Treasury
Paige RandtPaige Randt
Teacher - 2nd Grade at Delanco Public SchoolsTeacher - 2nd Grade at Delanco Public Schools
Arielle ElieArielle Elie
Beauty Sales Advisor at LancomeBeauty Sales Advisor at Lancome