Stephanie Higgins
Montesano
Summary
Experienced security and behavioral health professional with 15+ years in corrections, loss prevention, and residential treatment settings. Skilled in surveillance, incident response, and de-escalation in high-stress environments. Background includes Washington State Department of Corrections, retail asset protection, and mental health crisis intervention. Trained in CPI and ASSIST, with strong situational awareness and the ability to maintain safety, enforce policy, and respond effectively to emergencies.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Treatment Attendant
Northwest Indian Treatment Center
Elma, WA
09.2015 - Current
- Maintain safety and security of facility environment through continuous monitoring of patient movement, behavior, and activity
- Respond to high-stress and volatile situations using de-escalation techniques and situational awareness
- Monitor facility grounds, common areas, and restricted spaces to ensure compliance with rules and safety procedures
- Document incidents, unusual activity, and safety concerns in detailed reports for supervisory and clinical review
- Support enforcement of facility policies and access control procedures during admissions and daily operations
- Conduct searches for contraband and restricted items during intake procedures
- Transport individuals safely to approved locations while following strict safety protocols and regulations
- Assist in coordinating daily activities, managing group behavior, and maintaining orderly environments
- Observe medication compliance and report irregularities or safety concerns to medical staff
- Respond to emergencies, behavioral incidents, and security concerns by notifying appropriate personnel immediately
- Maintain constant situational awareness of individuals, visitors, and environmental risks
- Support secure discharge procedures including documentation handling and controlled release of materials
Recovery Support Specialist
Telecarecorp
McCleary, WA
03.2019 - 09.2021
- Provide direct care and support to individuals with behavioral health needs, addressing physical safety and psychological well-being
- Implement individualized service plans in accordance with Medicaid and regulatory standards
- Monitor client behavior and maintain situational awareness to identify and respond to potential safety risks
- Apply CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention) and ASSIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) techniques to safely de-escalate crisis situations
- Respond to behavioral escalations using calm communication, trauma-informed care, and approved intervention strategies
- Document client interactions, incidents, and behavioral observations for clinical and compliance reporting
- Support daily living activities and reinforce treatment goals in alignment with individualized care plans
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care, safety, and structured environment management
- Maintain confidentiality while adhering to facility policies, procedures, and regulatory standards
Corrections Officer
Washington State Department of Corrections
Gig Harbor, WA
03.2009 - 04.2013
- Maintained safety, security, and order within a correctional facility housing incarcerated individuals
- Conducted routine security checks, headcounts, and scheduled rounds to ensure institutional accountability
- Monitored inmate movement and activity to identify and prevent safety risks, disturbances, or rule violations
- Enforced institutional policies, procedures, and state correctional regulations consistently and professionally
- Responded to emergencies, altercations, and high-risk incidents using approved security and control techniques
- Conducted searches of individuals, living areas, and property for contraband and prohibited items
- Documented incidents, behavioral concerns, and security events in detailed written reports for official recordkeeping
- Communicated and coordinated with correctional staff, supervisors, and law enforcement as required
- Utilized verbal de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques to manage aggressive or non-compliant behavior
- Maintained professional control in high-stress and potentially volatile environments
- Ensured compliance with security protocols, inmate accountability procedures, and facility safety standards
- Assisted in escorting and transporting incarcerated individuals within secure areas under strict supervision protocols
Loss Prevention Specialist
Navy Exchange
Bremerton, WA
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Maintained safety, security, and asset protection within a high-volume retail environment
- Conducted routine floor surveillance, patrols, and monitoring of customer and employee activity to deter theft and policy violations
- Identified and investigated suspicious behavior, potential theft, and loss prevention risks
- Enforced store policies and security procedures in a professional and consistent manner
- Responded to incidents of theft, disturbances, and security concerns using approved loss prevention protocols
- Conducted observations, surveillance reviews, and investigations related to internal and external theft
- Documented incidents, observations, and case details in clear and detailed reports for internal records and investigations
- Coordinated with management, security personnel, and law enforcement when necessary
- Utilized verbal de-escalation techniques to manage confrontational or non-compliant individuals
- Maintained situational awareness in a fast-paced retail environment with high customer traffic
- Ensured compliance with safety procedures, asset protection standards, and company policies
- Assisted in detaining or escorting individuals involved in theft in accordance with policy and legal guidelines
Education
High School Diploma -
Montesano High School
Montesano06-1997
Skills
- Strong work ethic
- Team player attitude
- Reliability and punctuality
- Safety awareness
- Cross-cultural sensitivity
- Security procedures
- Verbal communication
- Trained in defensive tactics
- Patrol techniques
- First aid and CPR certified
- Crisis prevention intervention (CPI)
- Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST)
Certification
First Aid/ CPR
CPI
ASSIST
Timeline
Recovery Support Specialist
Telecarecorp
03.2019 - 09.2021
Treatment Attendant
Northwest Indian Treatment Center
09.2015 - Current
Corrections Officer
Washington State Department of Corrections
03.2009 - 04.2013
Loss Prevention Specialist
Navy Exchange
01.2006 - 01.2009
High School Diploma -
Montesano High School