Talafaaiva Laa
Garden Grove,CA
Summary
Accomplished professional at Nanakuli High and Intermediate School with a proven track record of fostering educational growth and effectively managing behavioral support. Strong focus on integrating hard and soft skills to create positive learning environments and efficiently oversee safety in high-stress situations. Showcased exceptional crisis management skills and genuine empathy, ensuring the well-being and success of students and staff.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Educational Assistant
Nanakuli High And Intermediate School
08.2011 - 06.2012
- Developed strong rapport with students, fostering trust and mutual respect to create a positive classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
- Provided necessary accommodations for students with unique requirements.
- Encouraged social-emotional growth among students by modeling appropriate behavior and guiding conversations around self-awareness, empathy, and responsible decisionmaking.
- Enhanced classroom management through the implementation of positive reinforcement techniques and clear expectations for behavior.
Adult Corrections Officer III
Hawaii Department of Public Safety
10.2005 - 01.2011
- Fostered connections with local community resources to help inmates find housing, employment, and other necessities upon release.
- Provided guidance to inmates, assisting in their transition from incarceration to reintegration into society.
- Increased staff preparedness through consistent training initiatives focused on crisis intervention techniques and conflict resolution strategies.
- Managed daily operations efficiently, overseeing meal distribution, recreation activities, visitation schedules, and other essential tasks.
- Played a key role in emergency response efforts during facility lockdowns or natural disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of both staff and inmates.
- Performed routine cell searches with attention to detail, uncovering hidden contraband items that posed potential risks to facility safety.
- Utilized effective communication skills to diffuse tense situations between inmates and staff or among inmates themselves.
- Ensured compliance with all legal requirements, carefully adhering to established policies and procedures for inmate management.
- Enhanced facility safety through diligent monitoring of security systems and regular inspections of cells and common areas.
- Maintained order within the correctional facility, effectively managing emergency situations and resolving conflicts as they arose.
- Conducted thorough inmate intake assessments, gathering critical information to inform appropriate housing assignments and treatment plans.
- Supported positive change in offender behavior by participating in restorative justice programs aimed at fostering empathy between victims and perpetrators.
- Improved inmate behavior by implementing consistent disciplinary protocols and proactively addressing potential conflicts.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs, and scheduled activities.
- Completed intake paperwork, fingerprints, and searches.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
- Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
- Received and accounted for personal possessions and determined inmate work assignments.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
- Built solid relationships with staff and residents to keep institution safe and secure.
- Established positive working relationships and maintained boundaries with resident offenders.
- Received and inspected mail, property and funds from visitors on behalf of designated inmates.
- Coordinated with other law enforcement personnel to exchange information.
Education
High School Diploma - Math, Science, Social Studies, English, History
Nanakuli High & Intermediate School
Waianae, HI05.1992
Skills
- Learning disabilities support
- Teacher support
- Group and individual
- Behavioral support
Timeline
Educational Assistant
Nanakuli High And Intermediate School
08.2011 - 06.2012
Adult Corrections Officer III
Hawaii Department of Public Safety
10.2005 - 01.2011
High School Diploma - Math, Science, Social Studies, English, History
Nanakuli High & Intermediate School
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