Vanester Henderson
St Louis,MO
Summary
Dedicated and safety-focused professional with extensive experience in youth engagement, crisis intervention, and training, seeking to leverage these skills as a Safety Officer. Proven ability to mentor, manage challenging situations, and build confidence in individuals. Possesses strong classroom management skills and a commitment to fostering safe driving habits and confidence in at-promise youth. Eager to contribute to student success and community safety.
Overview
38
38
years of professional experience
Work History
Youth Specialists
Division of Social Services
Saint Louis, mo
03.2025 - Current
- Operate in full compliance with supervisor's instructions, policies, procedures, and Missouri State Statutes.
- Stay updated on policy and procedure modifications, seeking supervisor clarification as required.
- Acquire and utilize the Situational Leadership model to evaluate the developmental levels of groups and individuals.
- Employ group facilitation skills to lead sessions including activities, discussions, problem-solving, treatment presentations, and therapy.
- Assist youth in the application and practice of learned skills and techniques.
- Establish and maintain an emotionally and physically safe setting.
- Implement healthy conflict resolution and de-escalation methods.
- Ensure all interventions, activities, and practices align with DYS Fundamental practices and treatment principles.
- Guarantee consistent execution of all group and individual treatment strategies.
- Determine where training is needed for groups or individuals.
- Maintain constant awareness and supervision of youth, observing their conduct and actions, and remaining nearby for necessary interventions.
- Evaluate and manage crisis situations, both potential and occurring, using Physical Crisis Prevention and Intervention models.
- Follow all agency policies concerning the application of physical and mechanical restraints.
- Possess and apply working knowledge of school curriculum and content for educational assistance.
Food Service Supervisor
State Of Missouri Department Of Corrections
Saint Louis
10.2022 - 03.2025
- Directed staff on proper preparation techniques for menu items.
- Procured necessary supplies from approved vendors to maintain adequate stock levels.
- Monitored portion sizes and plate presentation to ensure consistency across all served dishes.
- Maintained comprehensive inventory of supplies, equipment, and food items for daily operations.
- Supervised and coordinated food service personnel to ensure efficient facility operation.
- Performed regular inspections of kitchen equipment and storage areas for cleanliness and functionality.
- Ensured strict compliance with health and safety regulations in all kitchen areas.
- Trained personnel in food preparation, handling, and sanitation roles to support facility operations.
- Oversaw work and guest areas, ensuring clean, tidy, and properly sanitized facilities according to established guidelines.
- Adhered to company food, safety, quality, and sanitation policies.
Correctional Officer
Transition Center
Saint Louis
01.2020 - 03.2025
- Maintained the safety and security of the facility, staff, and residents.
- Managed resident check-in and check-out procedures.
- Authored detailed reports on non-compliance, inter-office communications, and ARB case notes.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Administered first aid as required due to inmate injuries or illnesses sustained under supervision.
- Interacted with inmates to de-escalate tensions and maintain a peaceful atmosphere within the facility.
- Transported prisoners between facilities or court hearings using secure, restrained vehicles.
- Performed security checks on visitors and packages delivered to inmates.
- Conducted regular cell inspections to detect evidence of drug use or other prohibited items posing security threats.
- Executed searches of inmates, cells, and prison grounds to identify contraband or illegal activities.
- Assisted in training new Correctional Officers on proper safety protocols and techniques for managing challenging situations.
- Monitored video surveillance systems to observe prisoner activity throughout the correctional facility.
- Maintained order within the prison by monitoring inmate behavior and intervening as necessary.
- Enforced prison rules and regulations while upholding a safe environment for inmates and staff.
- Supervised prisoners during meals, recreation, work assignments, medical visits, court appearances, and other activities.
Customer Service Representative Mortgage
US Bank
St. Louis
12.2018 - 12.2019
- Managed customer account portfolios, processed payments, and assisted customers with billing inquiries.
- Addressed customer complaints, providing resolutions to ensure timely satisfaction.
- Trained and mentored new team members, facilitating their integration into the team.
- Maintained a high level of professionalism during interactions with challenging customers.
- Identified opportunities for upselling additional products or services based on assessed customer needs.
- Provided excellent customer service to resolve customer complaints promptly.
- Responded to customer inquiries, delivering accurate information regarding products and services.
- Developed positive relationships with customers through friendly and professional interactions.
Maintenance Technician
W and B Services
Belleville
12.2017 - 12.2018
- Coordinated logistics for soldiers' injuries and illnesses, arranging transport to appropriate care facilities.
- Conducted equipment inspections and vehicle checks in strict adherence to maintenance schedules.
- Received training in combat, life-saving techniques, and conducting physical examinations.
- Performed emergency and routine medical procedures in high-pressure environments.
- Cultivated strong rapport with medical professionals to foster quality and efficient patient care.
- Executed preventive maintenance tasks, including lubrication and cleaning of machinery and equipment.
- Performed regular safety checks to ensure compliance with OSHA standards.
- Maintained clean work areas, ensuring a safe environment free from debris or hazardous materials.
- Followed established safety procedures when operating heavy machinery.
- Monitored inventory levels of replacement parts and supplies required for repairs.
- Developed preventative maintenance plans for various types of machinery.
- Operated hand and power tools proficiently to complete repairs.
- Installed new systems, replacement parts, and components to ensure proper operational status.
- Cleared clogged drains and replaced valves, faucets, and fixtures.
- Inspected grounds and buildings to identify, minimize, and correct hazardous property conditions or liability concerns.
- Interpreted equipment and work orders to accurately perform required maintenance services.
- Routinely inspected equipment for both preventive and emergency maintenance needs.
- Performed routine maintenance by inspecting drives, motors, or belts.
Office Manager
SLHA Cosmetology School
St. Louis
01.2001 - 01.2018
- Enhanced office organization by implementing systematic filing systems and customer database protocols.
- Managed office inventory, efficiently reordering supplies and requisitions.
- Solicited new vendors and cultivated community partnerships.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws regarding employment practices.
- Responded to customer inquiries via phone or email in a professional and courteous manner.
Combat Medical Specialist
Army
For Sam Houston
03.1988 - 12.2012
- Managed logistics for soldiers' injuries and illnesses, arranging transport to other care facilities.
- Conducted equipment inspections and vehicle checks in adherence with maintenance schedules.
- Trained in combat, life-saving techniques, and conducting physical exams.
- Performed emergency and routine medical procedures in high-pressure environments.
- Developed strong rapport with medical professionals to foster quality and efficient patient care.
- Assisted with the evacuation of injured personnel to medical facilities for further treatment.
- Provided emergency medical treatment to wounded personnel in both combat and non-combat environments.
- Maintained accurate records of all medical supplies, medications, and equipment utilized during field operations.
- Conducted training sessions to educate personnel on basic first aid techniques and preventative medicine measures.
Administrative Assistant
01.1996 - 01.2001
- Directed customer communications to the appropriate department personnel and resolved customer inquiries efficiently.
- Managed file systems, performed data entry, monitored spreadsheets, and updated daily Service Level Reports.
- Controlled building access by issuing key cards to employees.
- Verified the operations of office equipment through preventive maintenance and by contacting vendors for repairs.
Education
Human Services - Human Services
St. Louis Community College Flo Valley
Saint LouisCombat Medical - Nursing
Fort Sam Houston
Fort Sam HoustonSkills
- Security procedures
- First aid and CPR certified
- Safety
- Search and seizure procedures
- Trained in defensive tactics
- Self-defense tactics
- Occupational hazards and safety precautions
- CCTV monitoring
- Policy enforcement
- Self-defense techniques
- Crisis intervention training
- Inmate rights
- De-escalation techniques
- Inmate supervision
- Prisoner transport
- Radio communication
- Observation
- Contraband inspections
- Facility security
- Emergency response
- Stress tolerance
- Conflict resolution skills
- Youth Engagement
- Classroom Management
Timeline
Youth Specialists
Division of Social Services
03.2025 - Current
Food Service Supervisor
State Of Missouri Department Of Corrections
10.2022 - 03.2025
Correctional Officer
Transition Center
01.2020 - 03.2025
Customer Service Representative Mortgage
US Bank
12.2018 - 12.2019
Maintenance Technician
W and B Services
12.2017 - 12.2018
Office Manager
SLHA Cosmetology School
01.2001 - 01.2018
Administrative Assistant
01.1996 - 01.2001
Combat Medical Specialist
Army
03.1988 - 12.2012
Human Services - Human Services
St. Louis Community College Flo Valley
Combat Medical - Nursing
Fort Sam Houston