Valerie J. Sanchez
Las Vegas,New Mexico
Summary
To seek and maintain a position that offers professional challenges utilizing interpersonal skills, excellent time management and problem-solving skills.
Empathetic Care Worker with sensitive and compassionate approach to cultivating trusting, stimulating and varied lifestyle for residents. Offers enhanced care with flexible learning approach for patients. Experience in hospital and in-home settings providing guidance and encouragement to patients through physical and emotional support.
Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Communications Specialist
New Mexico Department Of Public Safety
06.2019 - Current
- Answered calls from automatic routing system and took basic information from callers.
- Assessed emergency requests and made quick judgment calls to determine appropriate action.
- Assisted callers in emergency situations with appropriate information and support.
- Communicated pre-arrival instructions to emergency medical personnel, helping first responders deliver appropriate care and support to individuals.
- Managed high-stress situations calmly and effectively, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.
- Directed dispatching, routing, and tracking of several fleet vehicles.
- Collaborated with fellow dispatchers to maintain a seamless workflow during shift changes.
- Maintained a high level of confidentiality regarding sensitive case information, upholding ethical standards at all times.
- Enhanced officer safety by providing accurate and timely information during critical incidents.
- Supported fellow dispatchers when needed, fostering teamwork within the department.
- Streamlined communication between officers and emergency personnel, ensuring seamless coordination during high-stress situations.
- Expedited response efforts by expertly utilizing mapping software to pinpoint precise locations of callers.
- Assisted in the apprehension of suspects through effective surveillance and detailed descriptions provided to officers.
- Safeguarded public safety by accurately disseminating pertinent information to responding units during emergencies or criminal activities.
- Ensured proper handling of non-emergency calls by redirecting callers to appropriate resources or departments as necessary.
- Received 911 and non-emergency calls and dispatched calls to appropriate agencies and officers on duty.
- Questioned callers to determine nature of problems and locations to direct type of response needed.
- Relayed latest information to first responders via electronic means, telephone calls, and radio responses.
Detention Officer
San Miguel County Detention Center
12.2015 - 11.2018
- Regularly conducted security and sanitation checks.
- Attended to feeding, housing, and physical well-being of inmates.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Investigated and responded to incidents of inmate misconduct.
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- Maintained security and welfare of prisoners in SMCDC.
- Processed visitors and attorneys arriving to see prisoners.
- Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and evidence.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Conducted physical searches of prisoners and premises in search of weapons and contraband.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Processed inmates by taking photographs and fingerprints.
Behavioral Management Specialist
Agave
05.2012 - 12.2014
- Crafted Behavioral Intervention Plans for individual students.
- Utilized positive reinforcement to maximize desired behavior and educational outcomes.
- Created and implemented department support framework to address strategic goals.
- Provided individualized care and treatment consistent with age and developmental needs of each patient.
- Promoted safe and therapeutic patient care through consultation and supervision, communication and interactions.
Correctional Facility Food Service Worker
Summit
03.2010 - 02.2012
- Supervised several inmates that worked in the Detention Center kitchen as part of their porter duties.
- Ensured that all utensils and equipment was accounted for at the beginning, throughout, and end of each shift .
- Maintained a safe and secure environment for both inmates and staff.
- Developed and maintained positive relationships with inmates and staff to enhance service.
- Achieved consistent compliance with health department regulations through diligent adherence to policies and procedures.
Correctional Officer
Regional Correctional Center
10.2008 - 02.2010
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and evidence.
- Booked new inmates into facility and processed inmates for release.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
Behavioral Health Specialist
Desert Hills
07.2006 - 10.2008
- Established trust-based relationships with clients through empathetic listening and non-judgmental communication, fostering stronger therapeutic alliances.
- Implemented cognitive-behavioral techniques to address negative thought patterns and promote healthier thinking habits among clients.
- Provided crisis intervention services during emergency situations, ensuring immediate support and safety for affected individuals.
- Facilitated group therapy sessions addressing topics such as coping skills, stress management, and relapse prevention, fostering a supportive environment for participants.
- Assisted clients in developing healthy coping mechanisms that contributed to sustained behavioral changes and improved overall wellbeing.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and treatment plans in compliance with organizational policies and legal requirements.
- Conducted functional behavior assessments, functional analysis, preference assessments, and assessments of basic learning and language skills to identify target behaviors and purpose of behaviors.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams for comprehensive care, resulting in improved treatment planning and coordination.
- Served as a mentor for new behavioral health specialists, sharing knowledge and expertise to support their professional growth.
- Worked closely with families to provide education about mental health conditions and promote understanding of treatment strategies, strengthening family relationships and support systems.
- Adhered to ethical and legal standards for confidentiality, protecting clients' privacy.
- Attended trainings to participate in regular supervision and continued education to maintain professional competence and ethical standards.
- Documented clients' progress to keep detailed notes on each client's treatment progress and changes in mental health status.
- Worked collaboratively with other mental health professionals to provide consistent care and minimize diversion.
- Conducted crisis interventions to respond to clients in crisis, assess immediate needs and provide support and resources.
- Displayed sensitivity to cultural and linguistic needs of clients and families served.
Detention Officer
San Miguel County Detention Center
03.2002 - 07.2006
- Improved facility safety by performing thorough inspections of cells, common areas, and property for contraband or damage.
- Contributed to the efficient processing of new detainees by conducting intake procedures such as fingerprinting, photographing, and inventorying personal belongings.
- Managed daily operations, including supervising inmate work details, meal distribution, and recreational activities.
- Transported prisoners throughout facility and off-site to medical appointments and court appearances.
- Maintained a safe environment for inmates and staff through effective communication and adherence to established protocols.
- Wrote daily reports and maintained logs of inmate activities and behaviors.
- Assisted in reducing incidents of violence by implementing conflict resolution strategies and de-escalation techniques.
- Promoted a culture of respect within the detention center by modeling professionalism at all times and treating inmates with dignity.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain order and resolve conflicts among detainees efficiently.
- Facilitated positive relationships between staff members through open communication channels, fostering a cohesive team environment.
- Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
Correctional Officer
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility
01.2000 - 10.2002
- Managed high-risk situations with professionalism and composure, ensuring the safety of all involved parties.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Assisted in the training of new correctional officers, providing guidance on best practices and procedures.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate incidents or infractions using electronic databases or written logs as required.
- Improved communication between staff members by participating in daily briefings and sharing critical information about inmate activities.
- Ensured compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing correctional facilities.
- Contributed to a positive work culture among colleagues by utilizing effective communication skills both verbally and in writing.
- Conducted efficient inmate transfers, adhering to strict security protocols while maintaining order and control throughout the process.
- Demonstrated cultural sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations within the correctional setting, promoting an inclusive environment for all individuals present.
- Supported mental health initiatives for inmates by connecting them with appropriate resources and services within the facility.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
Education
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Luna Community College
Las Vegas, NMNo Degree - Public Safety Telecommunications
NM Law Enforcement Academy
Santa Fe11.2020
No Degree - Corrections
New Mexico Corrections Academy
Santa Fe, NM03.2000
GED -
New Mexico Highlands University
Las Vegas, NM05.1998
Skills
- Behavioral Management
- Emergency Response
- Mental Health Support
- Behavioral Health
- Active Listening
- Professional boundaries
- Rapport Building
- Effective Communication
- Crisis Intervention
- Behavior Observation
- Behavioral support
- Crisis Management
Certification
Public Safety Telecommunications Certification - Nov 2020
FEMA-Intro to Incident Command System -July 2019
FEMA-Basic Incident Command System for Initial response - July 2019
FEMA-National Response Frame Work-July 2019
Hazwoper - June 2022
Target Alert Service - July 2022
PowerPhone - Human Trafficking, Call Handling:Reacting to Visual Scenerios, Courtroom Testimony, Civil Unrest, Get the Picture, Explosion Incident Management, Open Water Incidents, Robbery, Burglary and Larceny-Theft, Cold Exposure, Verbal Calming Techniques, Enhanced Screening for Infectious Disease - NOv 2020
Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, Brittany Alerts & Endangered Persons Advisories - Oct 2020
Conflict, Stress, and Time Management - August 2020
Interactions with Persons with Medical Impairments - July 2020
Loss Control - July 2021
Hazmat - July 2019
*Numerous other Certifications are available upon request
Timeline
Communications Specialist
New Mexico Department Of Public Safety
06.2019 - Current
Detention Officer
San Miguel County Detention Center
12.2015 - 11.2018
Behavioral Management Specialist
Agave
05.2012 - 12.2014
Correctional Facility Food Service Worker
Summit
03.2010 - 02.2012
Correctional Officer
Regional Correctional Center
10.2008 - 02.2010
Behavioral Health Specialist
Desert Hills
07.2006 - 10.2008
Detention Officer
San Miguel County Detention Center
03.2002 - 07.2006
Correctional Officer
Guadalupe County Correctional Facility
01.2000 - 10.2002
No Degree - Criminal Justice
Luna Community College
No Degree - Public Safety Telecommunications
NM Law Enforcement Academy
No Degree - Corrections
New Mexico Corrections Academy
GED -
New Mexico Highlands University
Public Safety Telecommunications Certification - Nov 2020
FEMA-Intro to Incident Command System -July 2019
FEMA-Basic Incident Command System for Initial response - July 2019
FEMA-National Response Frame Work-July 2019
Hazwoper - June 2022
Target Alert Service - July 2022
PowerPhone - Human Trafficking, Call Handling:Reacting to Visual Scenerios, Courtroom Testimony, Civil Unrest, Get the Picture, Explosion Incident Management, Open Water Incidents, Robbery, Burglary and Larceny-Theft, Cold Exposure, Verbal Calming Techniques, Enhanced Screening for Infectious Disease - NOv 2020
Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts, Brittany Alerts & Endangered Persons Advisories - Oct 2020
Conflict, Stress, and Time Management - August 2020
Interactions with Persons with Medical Impairments - July 2020
Loss Control - July 2021
Hazmat - July 2019
*Numerous other Certifications are available upon request
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