Yairelis Burgos, Ph.D.
West Haverstraw,United States
Summary
Seasoned professional with a proven track record throughout civilian and federal sectors, adept in biopsychosocial assessments, mitigation specialist and subject matter expert in advocacy and support of military personnel, veterans, and their families. Expert in leveraging extensive interviewing techniques and Microsoft Office Suite to enhance organizational efficiency. Recognized for subject matter expertise in justice-involved veteran advocacy and administrative leadership, demonstrating a unique blend of analytical and negotiation skills.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
United States Military Academy (SHARP)
West Point, United States
03.2024 - Current
- Collaborate with the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program manager and Command Staff to manage and execute specific AOR responsibilities for the Installation Commander (USMA Superintendent)
- Emphasize the commitment to maintain a workplace environment that rejects sexual harassment and sexual assault and attitudes that promote such behaviors
- Develop and implement necessary policies and procedures, along with Standard Operating Procedures, for the effective and efficient protocol across the SHARP program area of responsibility
- Provide policy, guidance, and other information for victims of sexual harassment and sexual assault, subordinate unit commanders, first responders, and those who seek to prevent or respond to sexual harassment/assault
- Conduct prevention activities in efforts to reduce or eliminate sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Conduct response activities in the event of a sexual harassment complaint or sexual assault
- Plan, organize, staff, and carry out reviews, and evaluate a positive management-oriented SHARP program that includes efforts to resolve systemic problems.
- Conduct studies, organizational reviews, and workforce analysis
- Serve as a primary advisor to Commanders across two military installation
- Conduct and provide support for educational efforts, training, activities, and virtual and on-site events.
Paralegal Specialist (Military Justice)/Victim Witness Liaison
Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
West Point, United States
02.2022 - 03.2024
- Conducted research and analyzed legal documentation in connection with pending and/or past cases to prepare legal case files and make recommendations to attorneys
- Reviewed case files to ensure they are administratively correct and in accordance with directives
- Conducted legal analysis to provide input to the attorney when formulating legal advice
- Conducted interviews with victims, witnesses, and families to assist in the development of case data, and maintained networks of local resources to ensure victim needs were met
- Evaluated the admissibility of evidence in the federal and military courts
- Review current victim-witness laws and guidelines to ensure full compliance and maintained open lines of communication with victims, providing access to resources
- Utilize knowledge of legal investigative techniques to develop a sound factual basis for the prosecution of cases for both documentary and testimonial evidence
- Analyze and make recommendations for developing Standard Operating Procedures related to victims and witnesses that impact the Victim Witness Assistance Program
- Facilitated the processing of UCMJ violations by managing decisions and maintain standard and formal hearing and post hearing files
- Served as the subject matter expert to assist victims in navigating the military justice process
- Utilize a digital recording system to execute Court Reporter/transcription duties and responsibilities
- Identify efficiencies and streamline court reporting development and delivery
- Maintain a running index of proceedings, including listings of witnesses and the marking and listing of exhibits
- Review changes in legal precedent including court decisions and statutory revisions
- Monitor processing times on all military justice actions to ensure compliance within prescribed time limits
- Prepare legal documents required by final approval authorities on administrative actions
- Investigated and presented mitigating factors in a client's case, focusing on history, experiences, and circumstances to advocate for beneficial outcome.
Victim Advocate Coordinator
Army Community Service
West Point, United States
06.2020 - 02.2022
- Screened victims of domestic abuse, evaluated their needs, and provided information about domestic violence, safe and confidential ways to seek assistance, their rights as Army spouses, and the resources and services available to them
- Managed current information on resources and services and advised victims regarding restricted/unrestricted reporting and before disclosure of the limited confidentiality rule
- Analyzed, assessed, and communicated Victim Advocacy program objectives, policies, operations, and resource data to ensure efficiency in the development and execution of VAP/FAP-related prevention activities
- Advised all on and off-post agencies seeking guidance on making a report of suspected child maltreatment or domestic violence on procedures for contacting the Report Point of Contact (RPOC)
- Served as a non-voting member of the Case Review Committee in domestic violence cases
- Provided professional input to the Family Advocacy Program Manager (FAPM) in the establishment and implementation of local policies and directives pertaining to the Victim Advocate Program and unprecedented or controversial issues that arise
- Collected collateral information to assist in the development of case data and track in file and automated systems such as the Client Tracking System (CTS) and independently plan and carry out routine workload
- Regularly planned, researched, and implemented projects, events, and program activities
- Maintained running index of caseload and conducted information briefs for higher-level commands
- Served as a subject matter expert in applicable laws, regulations, standards, agency directives, and technical and procedural manners
- Identified ways to improve or enhance current military issues to meet the program and Commander's objectives
- Developed written guidance related to the prevention of child welfare best practices
Forensic Social Worker
Legal Aid Society of Westchester
White Plains, United States
10.2016 - 06.2020
- Interviewed clients and conducted thorough bio-psycho-social assessments to develop casework plans in conjunction with attorneys, prepared mitigation reports, and provided advocacy within the court and correctional facilities
- Provided crisis intervention, brief treatment, and short-term counseling for victims
- Identified and interviewed collateral sources of information to include professional entities, family members, friends, and community members
- Determined the type of needs assessment most appropriate for justice-involved veterans through the use of professional knowledge to compile and analyze data summarizing trends, prevalence, incidents, and outcome within the community
- Requested, reviewed, and analyzed life history records to develop casework plans in conjunction with attorneys and develop alternative sentencing plans or determine competency and responsibility
- Assessed client's readiness for treatment and made referrals to substance abuse treatment, domestic violence, mental health counseling, shelters, and more
- Produced written mitigation reports for the review and consideration of the U.S
- Courts resulting in the effective representation and advocacy of all defendants
- Planned, researched, and implemented projects relevant to the appropriate representation and advocacy of Justice-Involved Veterans and victims of crimes
- Developed and prepared reports, documentation, and correspondences to support actions and recommendations
- Generated, pulled, organized, assembled, and cross-referenced case files
- Addressed substantive technical issues and problems characterized by complex controversial, and sensitive matters that contain several interrelated issues by determining the most effective and efficient approach to meet the client's needs
- Conducted all relevant training to staff ensuring high levels of customer services were met and staff were educated on current policies and procedures
- Prepared and compiled monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports for statistical analysis and identified improvements to customer service
- Served as an advisor to leadership on operations improvement measures and conducted a legal analysis to provide JIV-specific input to attorneys when formulating legal advice
Army Reserves Career Counselor / Unit Human Resources Administrator
United States Army Reserves
Staten Island, United States
06.2014 - 09.2019
- Directly assisted with the Army Reserve end strength objective through reenlistment and transitions of Soldiers while supporting nonparticipant recovery program
- Provided guidance and career counseling to Soldiers of the Army Reserves in varying fields of occupation
- Prospected and identified eligible Soldiers to fill vacant positions and execute eligible reenlistment or extension through the positioning of members in efforts to make optimal use of skills and talents
- Conducted, prepared, and processed reenlistment, extension, and transition interviews, documents, and contracts
- Collected, maintained, and analyzed data for planning and reporting purposes in accordance with governing program guidance
- Conducted unit needs assessments and provided feedback to unit commanders
- Processed personnel actions to include promotions, suspension of favorable actions, in and out-processing, and mobilization orders
- Advised, guided, and assisted subordinate units on military retention actions through briefs to general officers, staff officers, directors, commanders, and division chiefs surrounding the military retention programs and functions
- Researched, collected, gathered, and analyzed service member information to present viable management tools in identifying end-strength problem areas
- Advised the commanders and staff on military personnel matters pertaining to subordinate units
- Reviewed all directives either local or from headquarters and as necessary developed memoranda for policy guidance within the unit
- Analyzed processes for continued improvement and evaluated the effectiveness of operations supervised in terms of mission accomplishment; quality and quantity standards; procedural, policy, and regulatory compliance; and technical competence
Social Work Intern
USC Telehealth
Los Angeles, United States
05.2015 - 08.2016
- Conducted behavior health and mental health assessments to make Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnoses
- Contributed to interdisciplinary behavior health and/or mental health treatment plans
- Provided education to client and team members on the psychosocial impact of illness and disease progression, as well as offered psychotherapeutic and counseling services
- Developed special approaches to provide solutions to unique social problems
- Provided individual assessment, treatment planning, and psychotherapy services to socio-culturally diverse adult and adolescent populations with varying diagnoses
- Coordinated proper termination planning, including providing information and referral services
- Employed CITRIX to document and track pertinent data
Administrative Assistant
Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation
Pomona, United States
02.2014 - 05.2015
- Provided integral administrative support to the Nursing, Outpatient, and Hospital Administration Departments, through management of policy deployment in areas of operations, efficiency, and production
- Conducted work of a confidential nature and handled administrative duties ranging from preparing and editing correspondence to project management requiring initiative, judgment, and knowledge of company practices and policies and supported all Joint Commission (JACHO) accreditation and certification processes
- Served as a liaison for internal and external personnel at all levels
- Reviewed operating practices and implemented improvements where necessary
- Provided assistance and guidance to a wide range of personnel
Division Chaplain Administrative NCO
United States Army
APO, Afghanistan
11.2012 - 11.2013
- Performed administrative duties, such as overseeing building management, ordering supplies, contracting for services or repairs, and supervised the work of staff members and volunteers
- Prepared written and oral communications needed to deliver briefs and preparation of correspondence of reports to Commanding staff
- Responsible for coordination and evaluation of prevention activities training and education for sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Technically and administratively supervised two service members while developing and assigning plans for work to be accomplished throughout all regional commands
- Spearheaded the development of systems and resources for Division level religious support missions
- Served as the conduit for information and data flow to higher and lower echelons
- Oversaw and conducted monthly inventories as well as procured office supplies and equipment, providing administrative and logistical support
- Planned, resourced, and provided personal security for the tactical movement of Chaplains
- Mentored and coached subordinate service members in assigned duties and mission essential tasks
- Briefed and debriefed Commanding personnel on all tasks, movements, and mission readiness
- Applied comprehensive knowledge of the laws, policies, and regulations that govern military and general mail processing and distribution to provide the most expedient and cost-effective routing, processing and transport of military mail and served as the primary POC for planning, coordinating, and conducting the day-to-day postal operations for military mail movement to and from Military Post Offices across Afghanistan, RC-E
USAG Senior Chaplain Assistant
United States Army
Fort Knox, United States
11.2011 - 11.2012
- Briefed and debriefed Commanding personnel on all tasks, movements, and mission readiness
- Assisted Garrison Command Chaplain in planning, managing, and executing religious support activities
- Managed and executed the Soldier Readiness Process (SRP) and Reverse Soldier readiness Process (RSRP) ensuring worldwide deployability across USAG Fort Knox
- Implemented and maintained Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and rosters, in support of funeral duty, Chaplain Crisis phone, Newspaper Articles, and Strong Bond Retreats
- Maintained all task lists, prepared and reviewed correspondence in accordance with Army Regulations
- Assured direct services such as short-term crisis intervention, support groups, and a twenty-four-hour hotline are available and accessible
- Maintained officer and enlisted personnel records and advised the Command team and other HR staff regarding the Religious Support Office (RSO) personnel matters
- Assisted HR team with the in and out processing processes, birth month audits, and updated personnel/medical/dental records of all RSO team members
- Skilled in applying HR concepts, practices, regulations, and policies sufficient to provide comprehensive military personnel management advisory on organizational functions
- Serves as primary delegate for all rating officials in the Evaluation Entry System ensuring accuracy of reports, regulatory compliance and timely submission of all evaluations
- Maintains the organizational rating scheme and ensures the command has zero late evaluations submitted to higher level command
Chaplain Assistant
United States Army Reserve
Bayside, United States
10.2009 - 11.2011
- Served as a section leader of the Unit Ministry Team (UMT) responsible for the integration of Religious Support operations into Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB) mission and in tactical element in support of the Command's Religious Support Program
- Assisted in the preparation of military correspondence and additional administrative functions such as the processing of DD93s, SGLI, evaluations, annual audits, awards, promotions, flagging actions, administrative actions, and medical/dental readiness, and other personnel record management
- Aided in the organization's readiness mission by preparing and reviewing semi-centralized promotion boards
- Supported the maintenance of officer and enlisted personnel records and advised Commander and HR staff regarding personnel matters
- Exercised judgment to resolve commonly encountered work problems and deviations in an effective and efficient manner
- Responsible for coordination of prevention activities, training and education for suicide prevention
- Executed correspondence in draft and final form in conformance with accepted policies and practices
Education
Ph.D. - Criminal Justice
Capella University
Minneapolis, MN08.2021
Masters - Social Work (MSW)
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA08.2016
Bachelors - Justice Studies
Grand Canyon University
Phoenix, AZ10.2013
Skills
- Extensive interviewing and assessment techniques
- Management of military personnel
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and various military software
- Detail-oriented and subject matter expert on administrative and executive leadership roles
- Possess a TOP SECRET security clearance
- Subject matter expert in justice involved veteran advocacy, policy advocacy knowledge, veteran support services and advocacy and negotiation
- Expertise in biopsychosocial assessments, mitigation reports, and forensic social work
Certification
- Credentialed Advocate (CA), National Advocate Credentialing Program
- Child Forensic Interviewer
Affiliations
Credentialed Advocate (CA) certification from the National Advocate Credentialing Program
D-SAACP Level IV Credentialed Advocate
Member of Alpha Phi Sigma and National Society of Leadership
Languages
English
Native/ Bilingual
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Publications
- Challenges of Reentry and Recidivism Among Justice-Involved Veterans: A Qualitative Perspective
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Sexual Assault Response Coordinator
United States Military Academy (SHARP)
03.2024 - Current
Paralegal Specialist (Military Justice)/Victim Witness Liaison
Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
02.2022 - 03.2024
Victim Advocate Coordinator
Army Community Service
06.2020 - 02.2022
Forensic Social Worker
Legal Aid Society of Westchester
10.2016 - 06.2020
Social Work Intern
USC Telehealth
05.2015 - 08.2016
Army Reserves Career Counselor / Unit Human Resources Administrator
United States Army Reserves
06.2014 - 09.2019
Administrative Assistant
Casa Colina Centers for Rehabilitation
02.2014 - 05.2015
Division Chaplain Administrative NCO
United States Army
11.2012 - 11.2013
USAG Senior Chaplain Assistant
United States Army
11.2011 - 11.2012
Chaplain Assistant
United States Army Reserve
10.2009 - 11.2011
Ph.D. - Criminal Justice
Capella University
Masters - Social Work (MSW)
University of Southern California
Bachelors - Justice Studies
Grand Canyon University