Terri D. Bussey
Retired Correctional Employment
Augusta,Georgia
Summary
Skilled in planning, implementing policies and procedures and internal audits and compliance. Reliable , task oriented and punctual. Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills. Skilled Cognitive Behavioral and Addiction Counselor with strong background helping substance abusers, elderly, long-term experience in the judicial system, limited mental development, and extensive criminal history clients overcome personal challenges and cope with triggering situations. Focused on facilitating exploration of issues, developing individualized plans and developing important skills. Experienced Deputy Warden, Center Administrator, Assistant Superintendent, Chief Counselor Program Counselor and Addition Counselor with over thirty-nine years of experience in Georgia Department of Corrections system. Excellent reputation for resolving problems and improving customer satisfaction.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Senior Counselor
Augusta, County, Richmond County Correctional
Richmond
08.2016 - Current
- Institution
- Conduct initial orientation and assessment for newly assigned offenders
- Conduct individual counseling sessions and maintain documentation outlining their progress and plans
- Facilitate risk reductions programs such as Re-entry Skill Building
- Liaison for community outreach programs, halfway houses, medical needs, etc
- Worked with clients to help them resolve behavioral, social and personal problems.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels.
- Developed and expanded referral system of service providers to assist clients in attaining services.
- Implemented and developed core counseling programs to meet each individual's specific and varying needs.
- Acted as client advocate to coordinate required services or resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Arranged and facilitated therapy sessions for individuals, couples and families.
- Managed case load of 150+ Inmates
- Designated as the facility Grievance Coordinator
- Designated at the facility Classification Chairperson
- Use decision-making skills deciphered how to manage clients Court ordered conditions and personal needs
- Participated in overall compliance of PREA, conducting inspections, inmate training, completing the PREA assessment tool during intake and within thirty (30) days of arrival, and assisted with providing the external Auditor with the appropriate documents as well as uploading documents in the PREan system.
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Managed caseload of [Number] patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Recorded client information on special flow sheets, accurately indicating suicidal precautions, sleep flow and restraints.
- Led up to [Number] individual sessions per week and [Number] group therapy meetings.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
Deputy Warden
Augusta State Medical Prison
Augusta, Georgia
07.2012 - 03.2016
- Retired) Augusta State Medical Prison
- Daily monitoring the prison operations, general population, mental health programs, and medical treatment
- Ensuring compliance in all rules, regulations, policies, procedures set forth by the department
- Maintain structure and discipline for a 1200-bed facility that supports the daily operation of Augusta State Medical Prison
- Oversee medical counseling (medical/general population), records and clerical staff totaling 460 employees
- Participate in the overall management and daily operations of the facility
- Assume the responsibility of the facility in the absence of the Warden
- Serve as institutional Duty Officer as scheduled or as directed by the Warden
- Oversee the movement of all offenders in and outside the facility
- Review and monitor all approved visits and transfers
- Communicate with all appropriate outside agencies (i.e
- Parole, Probation, Social Security and other rehabilitation programs
- Managed classification (i.e
- Work details, program referrals, visitation and parole/probation releases
- Monitor work schedules and time
- Attend all job related training and meetings throughout the state
- Provide training and orientation for all care and treatment staff
- In this role I was responsible for ensuring all staff and offenders received PREA training
- Identified Members of the Sexual Assault Response Teamn (SART) and that they were trained for their specific roles
- Monitor the arrivals of all new offenders permanent or transit Ensured they completed the PREA assessment tool with staff
- Recommended dorm and bed assessment based on the assessment
- Monitored all offenders identified as Perpetrators including dorm and bed assignments
- Provided training for all contractors and Volunteers
- Conducted a year review training
- Ensured the facility provides an entity for disable and non english speaking offenders
- Reviewed all reports of sexual assault/sexual harrassement for accuracy and completion
- Conducted an unannounced round to ensure PREA compliance and to identify any areas of concern
- Conducted random internal audits
- Conducted monthly PREA review meeting with the management team to review the allegation and its findings
- We also addressed any concern when appropriate
- Provided the Georgia Department of Corrections PREA Coordinator with a monthly report that included the allegation and its findings
- Ensured all documents were maintained as outlined in policy and uploaded in the system..Maintain complete confidentiality
- Conducted investigations dealing with drugs, contraband, employee and inmate relationships and violations of laws, rules or policies by visitors and staff.
- Prepared reports, position papers, legal documents and correspondence.
- Served as administrative liaison between warden, resident population and staff in matters of litigation against institution and staff.
- Liaised between warden and law enforcement agencies and prosecutor's office in investigative matters related to inmates or staff.
- Researched and responded to inquiries and complaints from general public and outside agencies.
- Oversaw control center, monitoring inmates, visitors and employees for signs of suspicious behavior.
- Verified all prison visitors carried proper identification and had no contraband before entering institution.
- Inspected housing cells and directed teams completing in-depth searches for contraband or damage.
- Coordinated responses to emergency situations arising in different prison locations.
- Checked all book in and discharges, making sure all charges have paperwork and all discharges have orders of discharge.
- Completed daily work report sheets and delegated tasks to employees.
- Supervised [Number] employees and performance of tasks and managed [Number] offenders.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend and holiday shifts.
- Handled [Number] calls per day to address customer inquiries and concerns.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
- Conducted research, gathered information from multiple sources and presented results.
Chief Counselor
Augusta State Medical Prison
Augusta, GA
04.2008 - 07.2012
- State Medical Prison
- Supervise fifteen (15) General Population Counselors, Social Srvice Provider, Program Facilitators, and Behavior Specialist
- Ensured and Monitored all offenders programming and treatment
- Developed and maintained communication with the appropriate outside resources
- Participate in the overall management of all classification of offenders i.e
- Work details, program referrals, visitation, parole and probation releases
- Serve as institutional Duty Officer as scheduled or directed by the Warden
- Assume responsibilities of the Deputy Warden of Care & Treatment in his absence
- Monitored work schedules and time
- Prepared Performance Management Documents
- Maintain strict confidentiality
- Responsible for retrieving and reviewing all GCIC’s for releases and visitation
- Provided training and coaching for the counseling staff
- Ensured all policies and procedures outlined by the department are followed
- Participated in audits and Quality Assurance Reviews.
- Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels.
- Developed and expanded referral system of service providers to assist clients in attaining services.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Implemented and developed core counseling programs to meet each individual's specific and varying needs.
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Helped patients to deal with realities of [Type] diagnoses and develop coping skills.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
Center Administrator
Athens Day Reporting Center
Athens, Georgia
06.2007 - 04.2008
- Day Reporting Center
- Oversee the daily operations of the facility, which included thirty staff members and one hundred probationers
- Manage and supervised all staff i.e
- Probation Officers, Counselor, Clerical, and Contract employees
- Ensured all programs and services were provided as outlined through assessments and court orders
- Ensured all policies and procedures were followed
- Conducted Quality Assurance Reviews
- Participated in audits as directed by the department
- Provided training for the staff
- Communicated regularly with all outside resources
- Attended all training and meetings provided by the department.
- Collected, validated and distributed information to employees.
- Managed agendas and calendars, boosting productivity and improving organizational initiatives.
- Oversaw successful planning and execution of staff meetings, parties and events.
- Adapted to workflow changes and implemented continuous process improvements to overcome obstacles.
- Studied processes, implemented cost reductions and developed reporting procedures to maintain administrative workflow.
- Coordinated with human resources department to handle payroll and personnel databases.
- Aided colleagues, managers and customers through regular communication and assistance.
- Troubleshot employee concerns and recommended corrective actions to resolve issues.
- Evaluated operational practices and identified improvement opportunities to develop revisions for systems and procedures.
- Managed company schedule to coordinate calendar and arrange travel.
- Completed forms and reports to facilitate admission, transfer or discharge.
- Generated reports to suggest corrective actions and process improvements.
- Networked with industry professionals to exchange best practice knowledge and stay abreast of latest developments.
- Maintained personnel records and updated internal databases to support document management.
- Drove marketing initiatives to increase brand recognition, facilitate promotion and boost revenue.
- Managed payroll, transactions, invoicing and budgeting to decrease financial inconsistencies.
Addiction Counselor
Athens Clarke County Superior Court Drug Court
Athens, GA
06.2007 - 03.2008
- Provided group and individual counseling services for male and females assigned to drug court by the Superior Court Judge
- Maintained weekly progress notes
- Attended bi-weekly meetings with the Judge and assigned individuals
- Made referrals to other programs and resources.
- Developed professional relationships with referring agencies to improve communication related to intakes and to increase business for facility.
- Developed patient care plans and documented progress toward goals.
- Led individual and group counseling sessions to meet variety of therapeutic needs for recovering individuals.
- Assessed and treated patients through [Type] addictions, making referrals for comorbid conditions.
- Developed individual treatment goals based on history and diagnosis.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Provided counseling and support to clients with drug and alcohol abuse issues.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Facilitated group and individual therapy in outpatient setting.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Coordinated referrals for addiction services based on individual client needs and preferences.
- Developed team communications and information for meetings.
- Used Microsoft Word and other software tools to create documents and other communications.
- Handled [Number] calls per day to address customer inquiries and concerns.
- Developed and implemented performance improvement strategies and plans to promote continuous improvement.
- Utilized [Type] and [Type] behavioral strategies to promote adherence to care plans, adoption of healthy behaviors and engagement in self-care.
- Offered professional, respectful therapy to addicted individuals in [Type] treatment facility.
Assistant Superintendent
Athens Diversion Center/ GDC
Athens, Georgia
05.2006 - 06.2007
- Diversion Center
- Oversee the functions of the Correctional, Counseling and Food Service Staff
- Provided daily and direct guidance to the staff
- Established and maintained a procedure for the facility cleanliness, inspections and safety
- Monitor the acceptance and rejections of referred probationers
- Maintained and monitored release procedures
- Oversee the business operations, i.e
- Budget
- Ensured all staff are provided appropriate training
- Monitor work schedules and time
- Ensured all probationers are assigned to the appropriate programs
- Established and maintained an open relationship with all outside resources such as the Labor Department, Social Security, Child Support, Parole, Probation, and other treatment centers.
- Supervised staff by checking work against project expectations.
- Delivered outstanding service to customers to maintain and extend relationships for future business opportunities.
- Monitored safety compliance to maintain strict standards and protect team members from harm.
- Assessed employee work and improved performance with [Type] and [Type] approaches.
- Evaluated final results to determine quality levels and isolate root causes of any identified faults.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction ratings by motivating team members to strengthen quality and increase productivity.
- Instructed personnel on use and maintenance of equipment and immediately notified supervisor of needed repairs.
- Remained aware of project costs and notified project team of anticipated exceptions to estimates.
- Communicated and documented expectations to subcontractors during weekly meetings.
- Assisted in scheduling inspections for job sites and projects.
- Oversaw implementation of [Type] and [Type] service campaigns.
- Monitored product quality and communicated necessary improvements to site superintendent.
- Managed efficient teams of up to [Number] employees.
- Efficiently assisted service workers with problematic transactions to maintain customer satisfaction and quickly rectify issues.
- Planned and implemented solutions for technical problems such as [Type] and [Type].
- Hired and trained new [Type] workers to improve efficiency of department and cultivate productive work atmosphere.
- Monitored priorities and liaised between maintenance team and management, delegating tasks to complete on time.
- Oversaw team of service professionals focused on [Area].
- Kept watchful eye on equipment inventories, optimizing work readiness and aligning supplies with specifications for each job.
- Monitored equipment, tools and system upgrades to compile data into detailed reports for upper management.
- Contributed to development, implementation and execution of maintenance programs.
- Analyzed account information to improve and optimize customer relations.
- Monitored systems to assure increase in power flow and integrated new system components, fixtures and motors.
- Optimized supply levels to keep stock within ideal parameters for expected needs.
- Shrunk knowledge gaps with ongoing training and close employee mentoring for new and less experienced team members.
- Reviewed and studied blueprints to double-check installation and implementation project requirements.
Program Counseling
Augusta Probation Office/ GDC
Augusta, Georgia
03.2004 - 05.2006
- Probation Office
- Orientated all incoming probationers
- Completed risk reductions assessments and made program referrals
- Conducted weekly group sessions
- Facilitated anger management, job readiness, drug education and cognitive rehabilitative groups
- Maintained strict confidentiality
- Documented weekly individual progress
- Established employment and residential resources
- Attended training and maintained certifications.
- Developed and expanded referral system of service providers to assist clients in attaining services.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels.
- Arranged and facilitated therapy sessions for individuals, couples and families.
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Acted as client advocate to coordinate required services or resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
- Conducted evaluations to help patients develop measurable treatment goals.
- Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement.
- Implemented and developed core counseling programs to meet each individual's specific and varying needs.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Assessed patient behavior, moods and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
- Managed caseload of [Number] patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Led up to [Number] individual sessions per week and [Number] group therapy meetings.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Helped patients to deal with realities of [Type] diagnoses and develop coping skills.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Recorded client information on special flow sheets, accurately indicating suicidal precautions, sleep flow and restraints.
Counselor
Augusta State Medical Prison Formerly ACMI
Augusta, GA
08.1997 - 03.2004
- Orient and assess assigned state probationers, develop individual plans, and monitor
- Thoroughly reviewed files and completed their initial intake
- Conducted individual counseling sessions and documented weekly
- Ensured probationers completed programs and secured employment
- Accurately completed reports in a timely manner
- Provided crisis counseling
- Maintained strict confidentiality
- Facilitated risk reduction groups in employment readiness, anger management, cognitive restricting and substance abuse
- Followed all policies and procedures mandated by the department, as well as court orders.
- Communicated closely with other counselors to devise programs and activities based on developmental and academic levels.
- Developed and expanded referral system of service providers to assist clients in attaining services.
- Guided clients in developing skills and strategies for dealing with problems.
- Maintained confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.
- Implemented and developed core counseling programs to meet each individual's specific and varying needs.
- Offered guidance and advice to help cultivate self-esteem and community involvement.
- Engaged clients in conversation to determine feelings and apprehensions.
- Acted as client advocate to coordinate required services or resolve emergency problems in crisis situations.
- Arranged and facilitated therapy sessions for individuals, couples and families.
- Conducted evaluations to help patients develop measurable treatment goals.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
- Helped patients to deal with realities of [Type] diagnoses and develop coping skills.
- Guided clients in effective therapeutic exercises integrated from Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
- Provided comprehensive case management services, created treatment plans and connected clients and families to appropriate resources.
- Developed goal-oriented psychoeducational and activity therapy groups to improve clients' level of functioning.
- Assessed patient behavior, moods and other responses to determine correct diagnosis and devise treatment plans.
- Led up to [Number] individual sessions per week and [Number] group therapy meetings.
- Provided emergency response in crisis situations to diffuse tensions and prevent violence.
- Managed caseload of [Number] patients with substance dependence and co-occurring Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- Directed family-centered, strengths-based, culturally competent and individualized intakes and assessments.
- Recorded client information on special flow sheets, accurately indicating suicidal precautions, sleep flow and restraints.
Correctional Officer
Augusta State Medical Prison / ACMI/ GDC
Augusta, Georgia
12.1984 - 08.1997
- Promoted to Correctional Officer II and Serve as institutional Disciplinary Investigator
- As a Correctional Officer – maintained unit/ dorm accurate counts
- Reported to work as directed, performed cell searches, transported offenders to and from medical appointments
- Maintained Post Certification
- As Institutional Disciplinary Investigator – I investigated all disciplinary reports written by the Staff
- I interviewed staff and inmates, secured statements for appropriate staff.
- Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
- Tracked inmates through head counts, visitor logs and scheduled activities.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls and showers.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records and activity journals.
- Led intake and processing of inmates by handling paperwork, searches, interviews and fingerprinting.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals and medical appointments.
- Inspected work sites and crew trucks for contraband, cleanliness and safety.
- Observed behavior of residents individually and in groups.
- Identified facility openings and designated inmates to housing units.
- Delivered inmates to work sites and returned safely by following protocols.
- Led disciplinary hearings and made recommendations for sentencing.
- Identified needed updates to correctional plans and assigned inmates to appropriate housing.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Addressed inquiries from general public, other staff, inmates and visitors to resolve concerns.
- Arranged for medical and dental care of inmates.
- Received and accounted for personal possessions and determined inmate work assignments.
- Discussed with offenders links between criminal behavior and anger management problems or drug and alcohol abuse.
- Completed intake paperwork, fingerprints and searches.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Deviant Behavior
Paine College
Augusta, GA 06.1976 - 05.1980
Master of Science - Information Resource Management
Central Michigan University
Mt Pleasant, Michigan / Fort Gordon, Georgia 09.2002 - 05.2005
Master of Science - Human Resources Administration
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI 09.2002 - 05.2005
Skills
I have excellentOutlook, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint I can type
Type 60 WPM
Mental health support
Case management proficiency
Individual, Group, Behavioral, Addiction and Education Counseling
Communications theory
Learning disability awareness
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) expert
Adept at conflict resolution
Daily living activities educator
Skilled in intake and motivational interviewing
Needs assessment
Expertise in crisis intervention techniques
Adult corrections expertise
Crisis Response
Day treatment professional
Social skills, Career planning /preparation and education decisions teacher
Public speaking ability
Adept at treatment and discharge planning
Obsessive-compulsive disorder proficiency
Strong public speaker
Advanced research in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Drug/Alcohol Additions, Sexual Abuse awareness and prevention in confinement and Gender/Sexual Orientation in the LGBTQ community
Intervention planning
Excellent Communication Skills
Affiliations
Georgia Association of Addiction Counseling
Correctional Association of America
Georgia Probation Officers Association
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Timeline
Senior Counselor
Augusta, County, Richmond County Correctional
08.2016 - Current
Deputy Warden
Augusta State Medical Prison
07.2012 - 03.2016
Chief Counselor
Augusta State Medical Prison
04.2008 - 07.2012
Center Administrator
Athens Day Reporting Center
06.2007 - 04.2008
Addiction Counselor
Athens Clarke County Superior Court Drug Court
06.2007 - 03.2008
Assistant Superintendent
Athens Diversion Center/ GDC
05.2006 - 06.2007
Program Counseling
Augusta Probation Office/ GDC
03.2004 - 05.2006
Master of Science - Information Resource Management
Central Michigan University
09.2002 - 05.2005
Master of Science - Human Resources Administration
Central Michigan University
09.2002 - 05.2005
Counselor
Augusta State Medical Prison Formerly ACMI
08.1997 - 03.2004
Correctional Officer
Augusta State Medical Prison / ACMI/ GDC
12.1984 - 08.1997
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology, Deviant Behavior
Paine College
06.1976 - 05.1980