Altoona, Pennsylvania, United States
Accomplished Investigator, Juvenile Probation Officer, Department of Human Services Worker, Historian, Instructor, and Mentor with an established track record of working professionally in the Juvenile Justice, Probation and Parole, Protective Services, Humanities, Martial Arts, Higher Education, Human Services, and Customer Service fields. Well-versed in Juvenile Law, PA State Law, Court Reporting/Writing, Court Testimony, Court Proceedings, Advising, Supervising, Course Creation, Teaching, College Instruction, Syllabi Writing, Public Speaking, Motivational Interviewing, Youth Level Of Service Assessments, MAYSI 2 Screenings, Intake Interviewing, JCMS, PaJICS, PaDRAI, Bits Tools, Carey Guides, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EPICS, Case Plan Writing, Research, Data Analysis, and Record Keeping. Deeply passionate about History, Antiquity, Literature, Film, Higher Education, Human Services, Law, Juvenile Justice, Archival Science, Philosophy, Comparative Mythology, and Analytical Psychology. Leisure Activities include Guitar Playing, Singing, Reading, Writing, Podcasting, Gaming, Working Out, Hiking, Watching Movies/TV Shows, Concert Going, Vinyl Spinning, and Adventuring. Graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, as well as a Graduate of the Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Arts Degree in History/Public History.
-Investigated abuse, neglect, exploitation, and abandonment cases in regards to older adults (60 years +). -Conducted said investigations in individuals homes, nursing homes, long term care facilities, hospitals, etc. -Interviewed various contacts besides the clients themselves such as family members, neighbors, facility representatives, caseworkers, nurses, doctors, attorneys, financial institution personnel, etc. via phone and in person to compile evidence in regards to various abuse, neglect, exploitation, or abandonment claims. -Thoroughly documented all interviews and correspondences in the SAMS system to create detailed case histories. -Provided excellent client service and an ability to aid clients in getting through extremely difficult or life threatening situations. -Investigated across the Blair County PA region (Altoona, East Freedom, Roaring Spring, Tunnelhill, Hollidaysburg, Newry, Duncansville, Martinsburg, Claysburg, Williamsburg, Bellwood, and Tyrone).
-Teaching History 21 (United States History from 1877-Present) and History 11 (World History from 1500 C.E. to the Present) -Allow students to express their own ideas and showcase what they learned in class by designing and creating their own Journals/Portfolios, which consist of several objective essays and book reports, as well as subjective journal entries pertaining to various themes and topics presented in class discussions/throughout the duration of the course(s). -Mentored, advised, and counseled students on academics, writing, course selection/degree requirements, as well as everyday life.
❑ Investigate client cases, interview parents, guardians, lawyers or other individuals representing a juvenile. ❑ Recommend probation or parole terms and conditions to judges/court, attend court hearings, prepare pre-dispositional reports, give fact/expert witness testimonies, and file motions for probation violations. ❑ Ensure that youths follow through on court appearances, community service, or payment of fines, court costs, and restitution. ❑ Schedule drug tests and/or search a youth's property, conduct counseling sessions covering such issues as anger management, social skills, and drug abuse ❑ Educate youths and families about balanced and restorative justice (i.e. Community Protection, Victim Awareness, and Youth Redemption) while also providing excellent client service and helping juveniles get through difficult and life threatening situations to help them improve themselves, their lives, and the societies in which they live. ❑ Provide crisis intervention and remain on-call during nights and weekends should a crisis arise.
-Held speciality court with the President Judge on a biweekly basis for Juveniles with severe Substance Abuse Issues -Worked collaboratively with a team of three fellow Drug Court Officers, as well as with a team of Drug and Alcohol, Mental Health, Medication Management, and Family Intervention Counselors to guide youth towards pro social activities/peers/coping mechanisms that would enable them to stop abusing substances and become happier, healthier, and more productive individuals -Blair County Juvenile Drug Court entered indefinite hiatus in early 2020 due to low enrollment and loss of court time
-Coordinated and Supervised Community Service Projects for Juvenile Probationer’s Court Ordered Community Service/Restitution -Worked with the Historic Site Manager in maintaining nature trails, indoor venues, the fort grounds, and the museum -Worked with Historic Site Manager in promoting/participating in on site events and tours through the creation of pamphlets/posters, as well as oral presentations -Transported Juveniles in County vehicle to and from the Community Service/Historical Site
-Ran cash register, stocked inventory in the freezer/cooler, and grocery departments. -Created and displayed signage. -Unloaded trucks, made bales, pulled items from overhead storage using a forklift. -Provided customer service via telephone and in person to store members. -Trained and mentored new employees. -Performed various store closing/tidying/custodial/maintenance duties.