Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Training
Awards and Honors
Timeline
7b
Sara Elizabeth Stout

Sara Elizabeth Stout

Mountain City,TN

Summary

My professional objective is to have a productive and long-lasting career in the Tennessee Department of Correction. I strive to be a positive role model, effective leader, and constant student. I want to be a change agent in this department and a team player, promoting safe and secure facilities. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.

Overview

19
19
years of professional experience

Work History

CORRECTIONAL UNIT MANAGER

TDOC
03.2023 - Current
  • Responsible for management of adult male offenders of all custody levels
  • Currently assigned to the minimum-security annex
  • I maintain the recreation assistant’s duties at the annex while that post is vacant in addition to my duties.
  • Evaluate employee performance regularly for professional growth opportunities, accountability measures, and feedback-driven improvement strategies.
  • Ensure compliance with regulations and standards through regular audits, staff education, and policy updates.
  • Resolve conflicts among team members quickly to maintain a positive working environment conducive for continued excellence in safe and secure prisons.
  • Facilitate interdepartmental collaboration through effective communication.
  • Complete daily work report sheets and delegate tasks to employees.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of emergency drills.
  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to ensure mental health, counseling, and religious needs of the inmates are met, promoting rehabilitation.

ACTING COMPLIANCE MANAGER

TDOC
03.2023 - 12.2023
  • Prepared for ACA inspections, Annual audit, and assisted with DOJ PREA audit
  • Prepared records and data for regular audits.
  • Prepared and presented comprehensive reports to upper management covering issues and recommendations.
  • Succeeded in maintaining a positive relationship with OIG team through proactive engagement and timely responses to inquiries.
  • Performed regular compliance reviews and audits, identifying non-compliance issues.
  • Addressed compliance issues by developing and implementing corrective action plans.
  • Reduced risk exposure for the facility/agency by identifying and addressing areas of noncompliance.
  • Maintained overall compliance with policies, procedures, standards, and statutes.
  • Reviewed documents, files, transcripts, and other records to assess compliance and potential risk.

CORRECTIONAL UNIT MANAGER

TDOC
11.2018 - 08.2023
  • Responsible for management of adult male offenders of all custody levels
  • Assigned to General Population complex housing 512 inmates
  • Assigned to the High Security Units housing close custody up to maximum security inmates and the Protective Custody Population, total capacity of 356 inmates
  • Assigned to the Minimum-Security Housing Units both at the main campus and the Carter County campus with a capacity of 480
  • Also, during this time frame, I maintained both the annex, minimum security complex and the compliance office for the period of September 2022 through May 2023.
  • Evaluated employee performance regularly for professional growth opportunities, accountability measures, and feedback-driven improvement strategies.
  • Ensured compliance with regulations and standards through regular audits, staff education, and policy updates.
  • Resolved conflicts among team members quickly to maintain a positive working environment.
  • Mentored new hires during orientation periods for seamless integration into the team.
  • Assisted in development and implementation of policies, procedures, and regulations for unit operations.

CORRECTIONAL SERGEANT

TDOC
05.2017 - 11.2018
  • Assigned as second shift yard sergeant, disciplinary chair, grievance chair and Complex 3 sergeant.
  • Maintained order and security in the correctional facility by enforcing rules, regulations, and procedures.
  • Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
  • Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular security checks and monitoring inmate activities.
  • Served as a role model for subordinates, demonstrating professionalism in all aspects of job responsibilities.
  • Cultivated and maintained climate of mutual respect with freedom from harassment and intimidation, to provide safe environment for staff and offenders.
  • Collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to develop rehabilitation programs for inmates, promoting successful reintegration into society.
  • Reduced instances of violence within the institution through effective conflict resolution strategies and communication skills.
  • Evaluated job performance of subordinate staff members regularly while providing constructive feedback for improvement opportunities.

ACTING COMPLIANCE MANAGER

TDOC
07.2016 - 05.2017
  • Prepared for ACA inspections, Annual audit, and assisted with DOJ PREA audit
  • Prepared records and data for regular audits.
  • Prepared and presented comprehensive reports to upper management covering issues and recommendations.
  • Succeeded in maintaining a positive relationship with OIG team through proactive engagement and timely responses to inquiries.
  • Performed regular compliance reviews and audits, identifying non-compliance issues.
  • Addressed compliance issues by developing and implementing corrective action plans.
  • Reduced risk exposure for the facility/agency by identifying and addressing areas of noncompliance.
  • Maintained overall compliance with policies, procedures, standards, and statutes.
  • Reviewed documents, files, transcripts, and other records to assess compliance and potential risk.

CORRECTIONAL SERGEANT

TDOC
04.2013 - 07.2016
  • Assigned as second shift yard sergeant, disciplinary chair, grievance chair and complex 3 sergeant.
  • Maintained order and security in the correctional facility by enforcing rules, regulations, and procedures.
  • Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
  • Enhanced facility safety by conducting regular security checks and monitoring inmate activities.
  • Served as a role model for subordinates, demonstrating professionalism in all aspects of job responsibilities.
  • Cultivated and maintained climate of mutual respect with freedom from harassment and intimidation, to provide safe environment for staff and inmates.
  • Reduced instances of violence within the institution through effective conflict resolution strategies and communication skills.
  • Evaluated job performance of subordinate staff members regularly while providing constructive feedback for improvement opportunities..

CORRECTIONAL CORPORAL

TDOC
05.2010 - 04.2013
  • Was assigned to Central Control and then as the Institutional Field Training Officer
  • Taught classes under the certifications of TDOC Train the Trainer, Certified Firearms Instructor and as a DOHR Facilitator
  • Attended Incident Command School and taught annual classes to the ranking staff
  • During this time, I was also pulled to assist inmate records for a period of 5 months.
  • Supported ongoing professional development for self and colleagues by participating in relevant training opportunities and staying current on industry best practices.
  • Assisted in the development and implementation of training programs for new hires, improving overall staff preparedness and competence.
  • Oversaw control center, monitoring inmates, visitors, and employees for signs of suspicious behavior.
  • Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY

TDOC
03.2008 - 05.2010
  • Worked under the supervision of the AWS (then called the Associate Warden of Operations) and later in the medical department under the direction of the Health Administrator.
  • Provided clerical support to facility employees by copying, faxing, and filing documents.
  • Sorted, opened, and routed mail and deliveries to meet business requirements.
  • Created and updated records and files to maintain document compliance.
  • Greeted incoming visitors and customers professionally and provided friendly, knowledgeable assistance.
  • Conducted research on behalf of executive staff members as required to support informed decision-making processes within the organization.
  • Safeguarded sensitive information by implementing strict confidentiality protocols in the handling of documents and communications.
  • Maintained accurate records of employee attendance, vacation days, sick leave, and overtime to facilitate payroll processing.
  • Responded to inquiries from callers seeking information.
  • Supported executive decision-making by preparing agendas, taking minutes during meetings, and distributing relevant information.

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

TDOC
05.2005 - 03.2008
  • Worked assigned to a general population housing unit and then as a relief officer working a variety of posts including maximum security recreation, parole, visitation, count room, yard, all housing units
  • During this time, I was also pulled to assist in Human Resources due to staffing shortages.
  • Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
  • Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
  • 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.
  • Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

Bethel University
Mckenzie, TN
05.2024

Northeast State Community College
Blountville, TN
06.2005

Skills

  • Policy Driven
  • Self Motivated
  • Multitasking Abilities
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Reliability
  • Adaptability
  • Decision-Making
  • Communication
  • Lifetime Learner
  • Prioritization

Training

  • CISM and Peer Support certified through Tennessee Public Safety Network
  • DOHR Certified Facilitator
  • Sergeant’s Academy Graduate
  • TDOC Train the Trainer Certified
  • Glock Certified
  • Hostage Negotiation School
  • Tennessee Incident Command School
  • ACEs trained through East Tennessee State University
  • Graduate of Johnson County Leadership Class
  • Graduate of Johnson City Citizen’s Police Academy
  • STG training through the Tennessee Gang Investigator’s Association and TDOC

Awards and Honors

  • Phi Theta Kappa
  • Highest Academic Score- Adult Security- Pre-Service
  • Top Shot- Glock Transition
  • First in Class- Sergeant's Academy
  • Appointed Aide-De-Camp on the Staff of Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey
  • 3-Time Recipient of the Warden's Coin of Excellence
  • 3-Time Recipient of the Commissioner's Coin of Excellence
  • Recipient of the Governor's Excellence in Service Award

Timeline

CORRECTIONAL UNIT MANAGER

TDOC
03.2023 - Current

ACTING COMPLIANCE MANAGER

TDOC
03.2023 - 12.2023

CORRECTIONAL UNIT MANAGER

TDOC
11.2018 - 08.2023

CORRECTIONAL SERGEANT

TDOC
05.2017 - 11.2018

ACTING COMPLIANCE MANAGER

TDOC
07.2016 - 05.2017

CORRECTIONAL SERGEANT

TDOC
04.2013 - 07.2016

CORRECTIONAL CORPORAL

TDOC
05.2010 - 04.2013

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY

TDOC
03.2008 - 05.2010

CORRECTIONAL OFFICER

TDOC
05.2005 - 03.2008

Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice

Bethel University

Northeast State Community College

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