Open To Work
Venus Laney
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Dynamic human services professional with extensive experience in criminal justice, case management, and project management. Proven ability to foster collaboration and effectively multitask in high-stress environments, while implementing problem-solving strategies that promote positive outcomes. Strong communication skills with the ability to support diverse individuals, ensuring empathetic communication and decisive action. Committed to empowering others to achieve their fullest potential.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Podcast Host & Producer
Freelance
Remote
11.2025 - Current
- Crafted original scripts for podcast episodes and promotion.
- Devised marketing and promotional campaigns to increase ratings and listener base.
- Created digital content including video segments to promote podcast episodes on social media sites
- Record, Host, and Edit podcast episodes
- Website development and management for onwego.live
Senior Reentry Probation Officer
Virginia Department of Corrections
Chesapeake, VA
08.2024 - Current
- Collaborating with community partners to ensure successful reentry and reduce the recidivism rate.
- Perform investigations, casework, and administrative services.
- Apply evidence-based practices to promote internal change for probationers.
- Checked sentencing guidelines and related reports prepared by probation officer staff to ensure correctness.
- Coach and mentor line probation officers and provide training for new staff.
- Issued supervision directives for out-of-district probation cases.
- Lead educational sessions for inmates within VADOC facilities on rules of probation and parole supervision.
Probation & Parole Officer
Virginia Department of Corrections
Abingdon, Virginia
06.2022 - 08.2024
- Write pre-sentence and major violation reports for the court, along with the calculation of sentencing guidelines.
- Prepared detailed reports on probationer progress and compliance for court reviews and hearings.
- Coordinated with law enforcement, social services, and other agencies to provide comprehensive support to probationers.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress in accordance with departmental guidelines.
- Utilized conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to manage confrontations with probationers.
- Referred offenders to appropriate community agencies to complete services in compliance with court orders.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed during emergency situations involving offenders.
- Investigated allegations of violation of parole or probation conditions by interviewing witnesses and obtaining evidence.
Co-owner and Marketing Manager
The Well Coffee Shop
Tazewell, VA
02.2017 - 01.2024
- Interview, hire and train new employees and oversee personnel processes
- Created marketing campaigns to promote products and services.
- Oversaw customer service activities to ensure quality standards were met or exceeded.
- Coordinated special events such as product launches or promotional campaigns.
- Facilitated regular team meetings to communicate goals, share updates, and solicit feedback.
- Directed marketing and advertising strategies to increase brand awareness and customer engagement.
Human & Talent Development Adjunct Instructor
Southwest Virginia Community College
Cedar Bluff, VA
09.2020 - 11.2022
- Facilitate trainings through the Workforce Programs to meet area business needs and individual career development
- Collaborate with area businesses and community stakeholders to plan, develop, and facilitate relevant training programs
- Assist with the development and online facilitation of specialized training designed for justice involved individuals and consumers with financial limitations
Director of Warmth & Welcome
Bluefield University
Bluefield, VA
01.2022 - 06.2022
- Plan and execute individual campus visit experiences for prospective students and their families
- Collaborate with IST and Marketing Department to maintain digital presence on social media platforms
- Recruit, hire, train, and supervise Student Ambassadors
- Supervise Federal Student Workers within Admissions Office
- Provide project management for events and activities that advance the mission and goals of the Office of Admissions and Student Development
Probation Officer
Virginia Department of Corrections
Abingdon, Virginia
07.2013 - 01.2022
- Utilize motivational interviewing skills to assess probationers regularly, and evaluate their progress in accomplishing goals and maintaining the terms of court requirements.
- Write pre-sentence and major violation reports for the court, along with the calculation of sentencing guidelines.
- Prepared detailed reports on probationer progress and compliance for court reviews and hearings.
- Coordinated with law enforcement, social services, and other agencies to provide comprehensive support to probationers.
- Maintained detailed records of client progress in accordance with departmental guidelines.
- Utilized conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques to manage confrontations with probationers.
- Conducted initial interviews with probationers to assess risk levels and establish supervision plans.
- Referred offenders to appropriate community agencies to complete services in compliance with court orders.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Cumberland Mountain Community Service Board
Cedar Bluff, VA
12.2017 - 06.2018
- Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information
- Counsel clients in group sessions to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes
- Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories
- Interview clients, review records, and confer with other professionals to evaluate individuals' mental and physical condition and to determine their suitability for participation in a specific program
Deputy Clerk
Tazewell County Circuit Court
Tazewell, VA
07.2010 - 07.2013
- Examine legal documents submitted to courts for adherence to laws or court procedures
- Record case dispositions and court orders for criminal court proceedings
- Issue concealed weapons licenses and marriage licenses
- Confer with customers by telephone or in person to provide information about products or services, take or enter orders, and receive payments for court fees
Marketing and Advertising Director
Power Trac
Tazewell, VA
04.1999 - 12.2008
- Plan and prepare advertising and promotional material to increase sales of products or services, working with customers, company officials, and sales departments
- Confer with department heads or staff to discuss topics such as contracts, selection of advertising media, or product to be advertised
- Represent company at trade association meetings to promote products
- Monitor and analyze sales promotion results to determine cost effectiveness of promotion campaigns
- Coordinate with the media to disseminate advertising
On Air Talent
Reiten Broadcasting
Minot, ND
03.1996 - 09.1998
- Operated studio sound boards, desks and playout software for slick, professional broadcasts.
- Announced ads, song switches, and breaking news segments for radio broadcasts.
- Answered booth call line and took song suggestions or comments from listeners.
- Presented weather, news and commercials to listeners.
- Engaged with audience members through telephone calls and personal commentary on musical selections, political happenings, and other items of interest.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Psychology, Substance Abuse Counseling
01.2013
Skills
- Strong Written and Verbal Communicator
- Effective Workshop Facilitation
- Motivational Interviewing
- Analyze and Revise Legal Documents
- Report Writing
- Team Leadership
- Certified Dialogue Practitioner
- Detail Oriented
Certification
- Qualified Mental Health Professional - Adult, 03/15/18, 06/30/19, 0732000423
- Moral Reconation Therapy Facilitator, Correctional Counseling, Inc, 03/01/18
- Thinking 4 Change Facilitator, Virginia Department of Corrections, 04/01/18
Accomplishments
- Dialogue Lead/Skills Trainer, Virginia Department of Corrections
- Certified to Facilitate Dialogue Sessions and Skills Training within VADOC
- Regional Employee of the Year 2021, Virginia Department of Corrections
- Employee of the Year 2021, District 17 Probation & Parole
References
Available upon request.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Podcast Host & Producer - Freelance
11.2025 - Current
Senior Reentry Probation Officer - Virginia Department of Corrections
08.2024 - Current
Probation & Parole Officer - Virginia Department of Corrections
06.2022 - 08.2024
Director of Warmth & Welcome - Bluefield University
01.2022 - 06.2022
Human & Talent Development Adjunct Instructor - Southwest Virginia Community College
09.2020 - 11.2022
Substance Abuse Counselor - Cumberland Mountain Community Service Board
12.2017 - 06.2018
Co-owner and Marketing Manager - The Well Coffee Shop
02.2017 - 01.2024
Probation Officer - Virginia Department of Corrections
07.2013 - 01.2022
Deputy Clerk - Tazewell County Circuit Court
07.2010 - 07.2013
Marketing and Advertising Director - Power Trac
04.1999 - 12.2008
On Air Talent - Reiten Broadcasting
03.1996 - 09.1998
Liberty University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology, Substance Abuse Counseling