Kara Myers
Norfolk,VA
Summary
Accomplished Probation Officer offering many years of experience working with persons under supervision with behavioral and environmental obstacles to include the following: those convicted of violent and non-violent sex offenses; those identified as being gang-affiliated; those with severe mental health diagnoses; those with severe substance abuse needs; and those who have been mandated to be on location monitoring. Experience in leadership roles and management positions. Dedicated and detail-oriented with extensive experience managing persons under supervision, and working closely with local law enforcement agencies and community partners. Team player with the mindset of assisting co-workers and helping the District overall in any way that is needed.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
United States Probation Officer
U.S. Courts
07.2023 - Current
- Monitoring a full caseload of persons under supervision to include supervised release and probation cases. Monitoring assigned persons under supervision convicted of a sex offense and those identified as being gang affiliated as needed by the division.
- Conducting initial intake with persons under supervision to assess risk levels and establish case plans.
- Developing initial case plans for persons under supervision, including referrals to community resources and services and establishing means of safeguarding the community.
- Facilitating communication between persons under supervision, their families, employers, law enforcement officers, attorneys, social workers, and other stakeholders involved in the process.
- Preparing reports for the Court throughout the supervision period of a person under supervision and submitting the same per deadline requirements.
- Communicating with AUSAs and defense counsel regarding cases assigned.
- Conducting regular collateral law enforcement checks for persons under supervision classified as being gang affiliated.
- Conducting regular collateral law enforcement checks to ensure compliance with the VA Sex Offender Registry.
- Arranging drug tests for persons under supervision at regular and random intervals to monitor sobriety levels.
- Administering STARR skills for those who fail to meet established requirements or goals set forth by the court and addressing non-compliance appropriately and in a timely manner.
- Volunteering for different roles/needs as determined by the division.
- Participating in mandatory trainings to include Search and Seizure, Firearms, ORT, and NLTA.
- Assessing PCRA risk levels for each offender by evaluating factors such as prior criminal history and distributing PCRA results to appropriate parties.
- Assessing Dynamic risk factors for persons under supervision convicted of a sex offense assigned to the caseload, along with Acute risk factors each contact. Assessing Stable factors semi-annually.
- Investigating alleged violations of Court orders as reported by law enforcement.
- Conducting home inspections and home visits to assess living conditions and environment to ensure appropriate residence offering the best chance of success to the person under supervision.
- Submitting referrals for substance abuse and mental health treatment as required/needed to include PCRA results at time of submission.
- Referring persons under supervision to appropriate community agencies to complete services and/or any court ordered activities.
- Organizing and maintaining files, case notes and electronic databases.
- Preparing detailed reports on progress and compliance of persons under supervision for court reviews and hearings.
- Monitoring location monitoring calls on rotating weekends and acting as Secondary LM back-up during the week.
- Completing monthly Case Reviews and submitting by the required deadline. Following up appropriately on any action deemed needed by SUSPO.
Customer Service Specialist
Bob's Discount Furniture Store
03.2025 - Current
- Providing customer service on the sales floor.
- Addressing customer complaints and mitigating dissatisfaction by employing timely and on-point solutions.
- Responding to customer requests for products, services, and company information.
- Collaborating with staff members to enhance customer service experience and exceed team goals through effective client satisfaction rates.
- Assisting in the organization/upkeep of items on the store floor.
- Participating in company trainings as required.
- Reviewing company policy to ensure compliancy with updated procedures.
Customer Service Associate
Office Max
08.2024 - 03.2025
- Helped large volume of customers every day with a positive attitude and focus on customer satisfaction.
- Answered customer telephone calls promptly to avoid on-hold wait times.
- Actively listened to customers, handled concerns quickly and escalated major issues to supervisor.
- Handled billing and payment issues by following guidelines and resolving disputes.
- Conducted cash/credit transactions via cash register and ensured proper drawer count at the end of shift.
Deputy Chief Probation Officer
District 42 Probation and Parole
04.2021 - 07.2023
- Assisting in all management/coordination of services for the District.
- Supervising the Sex Offender Team for the District along with supervising a team of general Probation Officers. Approving PB-15 arrest warrants when necessary for high-risk cases that were non-compliant on supervision.
- Serving as District Trainer for new Probation Officers.
- Overseeing the budget for treatment services to include substance abuse and sex offender services.
- Proofing written reports prior to submission to the Courts.
- Managing scheduling of GPS on-call hours for the District.
- Serving as a Dialogue Practitioner during meetings/roundtables. Conducting/coordinating staff meetings in the absence of the Chief Probation Officer.
- Assisting the Chief Probation Officer in the hiring/interviewing process for the District.
- Acting as a mediator when needed between staff members.
- Establishing community ties with local agencies for the purposes of furthering communication and collaboration between the District and our community partners.
Senior Administrative Probation Officer
District 38 Probation and Parole
07.2019 - 04.2021
- Monitored criminal activity of persons under supervision to ensure compliance with court-ordered terms and conditions.
- Organized group sessions with persons under supervision to discuss relevant topics such as anger management or conflict resolution skills.
- Prepared reports summarizing activities conducted during supervision period.
- Provided guidance and support to persons under supervision on issues related to substance abuse, mental health, education, and housing.
- Supervised a team of Probation Officers.
- Addressed non-compliance issues related to those under supervision.
- Assessed risk levels for each person under supervision by evaluating factors such as prior criminal history and personal characteristics.
- Conducted home and employment visits to assess living conditions and verify employment status of persons under supervision.
- Maintained detailed records of those under supervision to assess progress in accordance with departmental guidelines.
- Created individualized treatment plans for persons under supervision based on their needs and circumstances.
- Facilitated communication between persons under supervision, their families, employers, law enforcement officers, attorneys, social workers, and other stakeholders involved in the process.
Sex Offender Probation Officer
District 38 Probation and Parole
07.2015 - 07.2019
- Supervised a caseload of 80-90 persons under supervision, that was comprised of gang members, sex offenders, and sexually violent predators (SVPs).
- Met contact requirements for all cases to include those needing to be seen each week (SVP cases).
- Coordinated polygraph examinations corresponding to sex offender treatment requirements and/or basic monitoring requirements. Reviewed polygraph results with polygrapher and addressed issues of dishonesty as needed.
- Conducted Stable/Acute assessments and updated VASOR on persons under supervision convicted of a sex offense. Conducted STATIC-99 assessments when needed.
- Coordinated assignment of chaperones and assisted with putting contracts in place for the same for persons under supervision convicted of a sex offense.
- Conducted collateral law enforcement contacts in area of residence for gang members or gang affiliated persons under supervision.
- Attended quarterly sex offender team meetings for the state of Virginia.
- Attended the annual Virginia Sex Offender Treatment Association Conference each year and participated in sex offender trainings to include supervision techniques for sex offenders, treatment techniques, sex offender characteristics, supervision of SVPs, polygraph trainings, etc.
- Referred persons under supervision for treatment to include substance abuse, mental health, and sex offender treatment.
- Coordinated with local law enforcement to conduct home visits on confirmed gang members and persons under supervision convicted of a sex offense.
- Collaborated with district attorneys and defense lawyers regarding cases assigned.
- Prepared reports summarizing activities conducted during supervision period.
- Participated in parole hearings as a representative of the court system.
- Provided guidance and support to persons under supervision on issues related to substance abuse, mental health, education, and job training.
- Executed pre-sentence and pre-parole investigations.
- Trained new Probation Officers on department policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Assisted persons under supervision with resolving housing, employment and social services problems.
- Assisted in leading local community collaboration meetings along with community partners to assist in re-entry services to include housing, employment, transportation, and treatment.
- Participated in GPS on-call rotation and monitored same to include alcohol monitoring for compliance purposes.
Surveillance Officer
District 38 Probation and Parole
08.2014 - 07.2015
- Collaborated with other departments to coordinate efforts towards achieving common goals.
- Assisted Probation Officers in the performance of home visits, documentation, and report writing.
- Served on rotation for the on-call GPS roster.
- Assisted the Sex Offender Team for the District in conducting collateral law enforcement contacts and assisting with the Virginia Sex Offender Registry.
- Conducted detailed record checks utilizing VCIN/NCIC reports for attachment to PSRs.
Re-entry Counselor
Lawrenceville Correctional Center
01.2009 - 08.2014
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive care for clients.
- Researched best practices in the field of counseling in order to stay current on evidence based treatments.
- Maintained accurate and up-to-date records of client progress and treatment plans.
- Developed treatment plans to address client needs.
- Monitored clients' daily activities and responded appropriately when needed.
- Utilized evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
- Documented meetings, interventions and contacts with clients to optimize care.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques to encourage client engagement and facilitate behavior change.
- Developed and implemented treatment plans based on client assessments and needs.
- Provided supervision and in-house activities to support program participants.
Bookkeeper/Manager
King's Cash Advance
09.2007 - 08.2008
- Maintained and reconciled general ledger accounts.
- Ensured accuracy in all accounting entries and records.
- Processed accounts payable and receivable transactions.
- Maintained full compliance when executing and tracking bank reconciliations, A/P, invoicing, billing and collections.
- Applied mathematical skills to calculate totals, check figures, and correct problems with physical and digital files.
- Supervised customer service representatives to ensure quality customer service.
- Called collections listing to attempt to obtain account payments.
Senior Customer Service Associate
Movie Gallery
06.2007 - 04.2008
- Provided training and guidance for junior customer service associates when needed.
- Contributed ideas at monthly team meetings regarding ways to improve overall customer satisfaction levels.
- Identified potential areas of improvement within customer service operations and communicated recommendations to management team.
- Utilized a variety of software applications to respond quickly to customer queries.
- Reported any unresolved product issues or discrepancies to supervisor immediately.
- Maintained accurate records of customer interactions and transactions for future reference.
- Provided excellent customer service by answering inquiries, resolving complaints and guiding customers through the purchasing process.
- Implemented company processes to effectively resolve customer service issues.
- Handled cash and credit card payments and returned receipts, change and payment cards to customers.
- Updated customer information into account databases for future use.
- Attended training sessions to grow knowledge of company products and services.
- Assisted customers with billing, troubleshooting and account issues.
- Processed cash receivables, distributed receipts and uploaded payment information into computer systems.
- Helped customers with merchandise purchases, exchanges and returns.
- Educated customers about products, pricing and policies to address and resolve issues.
- Memorized company products and services to answer customer questions quickly and capitalize on upsell opportunities.
- Assisted customers by answering questions, addressing concerns and providing current account information.
- Delivered fast, friendly and knowledgeable service for routine questions and service complaints.
- Conducted inventory assessments.
- Restocked shelves as needed.
Hostess/Waitress
Rumorz Restaurant
03.2005 - 06.2006
- Created an enjoyable atmosphere by engaging in friendly conversation with guests.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills when interacting with customers.
- Provided excellent customer service by addressing customer needs promptly.
- Tracked inventory of tableware, linens, condiments, ensuring adequate supply levels at all times.
- Provided menus to customers and answered questions regarding menu items.
- Greeted guests upon arrival and escorted them to their tables.
- Maintained a clean and organized dining area.
- Monitored customer satisfaction levels throughout their meal experience.
- Assisted in preparing the restaurant for opening and closing shifts.
- Handled cash payments and reconciled daily transactions accurately.
- Managed the waiting list, ensuring that all parties were seated in a timely manner.
- Performed light cleaning duties, such as wiping down tables or sweeping floors.
- Communicated clearly with kitchen staff regarding customer orders.
- Ensured compliance with health and safety regulations at all times.
- Checked identification of customers prior to serving alcoholic beverages.
- Resolved any customer complaints or issues quickly and professionally.
- Responded appropriately to customer complaints, bringing major issues to attention of manager on duty.
- Resolved customer service and food-related issues to maintain guest satisfaction.
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice, Psychology
Old Dominion University
Norfolk, VA05.2009
Skills
Experience in the field of Corrections and Community Corrections for a total of 17 years
Many years of experience in supervising specialized caseloads
Experience in facilitating evidence based risk assessments
Experience in preparing reports for the Court and testifying in Court
Experience in monitoring cases placed on GPS/Location Monitoring
Trained in Firearms/ORT/NLTA/and Search and Seizure
Experience in facilitating trainings in the field of Probation
Experience in leadership and management roles/positions in Probation
Experience in budgeting for sex offender and substance abuse treatment services
Experience in collaborating with local law enforcement agencies and community partners
Experience in creating training manuals and materials for State Probation
Accomplishments
- Worked as part of a team to create the 2025 Duty/Court Officer Roster for the Norfolk Division.
- Completed STARR training at FLETC in February of 2024.
- Completed IPPT at FLETC for current position of United States Probation Officer in December, 2023.
- Completed an extensive leadership training (the Corridor's Program) while employed with state probation.
- Created a District Training Manual for District 38 Emporia Probation and Parole.
- Promoted to Senior Probation and Parole Officer and subsequently Deputy Chief Probation and Parole Officer while employed with state probation.
- Received gang specialist certification while employed with State Probation.
- Received Employee of the Month while employed with State Probation.
Timeline
Customer Service Specialist
Bob's Discount Furniture Store
03.2025 - Current
Customer Service Associate
Office Max
08.2024 - 03.2025
United States Probation Officer
U.S. Courts
07.2023 - Current
Deputy Chief Probation Officer
District 42 Probation and Parole
04.2021 - 07.2023
Senior Administrative Probation Officer
District 38 Probation and Parole
07.2019 - 04.2021
Sex Offender Probation Officer
District 38 Probation and Parole
07.2015 - 07.2019
Surveillance Officer
District 38 Probation and Parole
08.2014 - 07.2015
Re-entry Counselor
Lawrenceville Correctional Center
01.2009 - 08.2014
Bookkeeper/Manager
King's Cash Advance
09.2007 - 08.2008
Senior Customer Service Associate
Movie Gallery
06.2007 - 04.2008
Hostess/Waitress
Rumorz Restaurant
03.2005 - 06.2006
Bachelor's Degree - Criminal Justice, Psychology
Old Dominion University
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