Taylor Horton
Bluefield
Summary
Dynamic Correctional Counselor with the Virginia Dept Of Corrections, skilled in case planning and inmate behavior modification. Achieved reduced recidivism rates through effective reentry planning and compassionate mental health support. Proven ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring optimal outcomes for inmates while maintaining professional boundaries and safety within the facility.
Experienced with developing personalized rehabilitation plans. Utilizes conflict resolution and crisis management strategies to maintain safe environment. Track record of effective communication and support in high-pressure situations.
Experienced correctional professional with strong track record in providing counseling and support to incarcerated individuals. Skilled in crisis intervention, case management, and conflict resolution. Known for effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and adaptability to changing environments. Reliable and results-driven, with focus on promoting rehabilitation and reintegration.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Correctional Counselor
Virginia Dept Of Corrections
09.2022 - Current
- Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify inmates' needs and develop individualized rehabilitation plans.
- Facilitated group counseling sessions to promote personal growth, and conflict resolution skills.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery and optimize inmate outcomes.
- Monitored inmate behavior and implemented intervention strategies to maintain safety and security within facility.
- Worked primarily with our re-entry community, helping prepare inmates for reintegration into society, and helping them find housing solutions before release.
- Maintained accurate case records, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating effective communication.
- Mentored junior counselors, providing guidance on best practices in inmate management and counseling techniques.
- Conducted interviews for hiring of inmate job positions to identify optimal candidates.
- Reduced recidivism rates by providing effective career and educational guidance to inmates preparing for release.
- Participated in professional development opportunities to stay current with industry best practices and emerging trends within the field of correctional counseling.
- Maintained accurate records of all counseling sessions, assessments, and case plan updates in adherence with state regulations and facility policies.
- Enhanced facility safety with thorough assessments of inmate mental health and risk levels, ensuring appropriate placement in programs and housing units.
- Served as a resource for correctional staff seeking guidance on how to best interact with inmates experiencing mental health crises or displaying challenging behaviors.
- Developed strong working relationships with probation officers, parole boards, and other agencies to ensure seamless communication regarding inmate progress and post-release plans.
- Conducted regular case reviews for individual inmates to assess progress towards rehabilitation goals and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Provided crisis intervention services as needed, deescalating potentially dangerous situations involving inmate conflicts or self-harm incidents.
Correctional Officer
Virginia Department of Corrections
08.2018 - 09.2022
- Supervised inmate activities to ensure compliance with facility regulations and safety standards.
- Conducted regular inspections of housing units to identify security risks and maintain order.
- Collaborated with mental health professionals to assist in managing inmate behavior and treatment plans.
- Implemented de-escalation techniques during conflicts, effectively reducing incidents within the facility.
- Searched cells of inmates to identify and confiscate contraband and other prohibited items.
- Maintained inmate safety through vigilant monitoring of behavior and swift intervention during conflicts.
- Reduced instances of contraband by thoroughly searching inmates, cells, and common areas.
- Observed and supervised inmates throughout visits, meal time, recreation, phone calls, and showers.
- Escorted inmates to and from cells, court, hospitals, and medical appointments.
- Conducted routine and emergency head counts.
- Prepared, processed and maintained forms, reports, logs, records, and activity journals.
- Collaborated with fellow officers to maintain a secure environment for staff, visitors, and inmates.
- Prevented escapes by diligently inspecting perimeters, doors, windows, gates, fences, and other access points throughout the prison complex regularly.
Customer Service Representative
DISH
08.2015 - 08.2018
- Resolved customer inquiries through multiple channels, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
- Managed complex service issues, escalating when necessary to maintain customer satisfaction.
- Trained new team members on customer service protocols and best practices.
- Implemented process improvements to streamline issue resolution and enhance efficiency.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to address customer feedback and drive product enhancements.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions in CRM systems for future reference.
- Developed rapport with customers through active listening skills, leading to higher retention rates and positive feedback from clients.
- Maintained detailed records of customer interactions, ensuring proper follow-up and resolution of issues.
- Contributed to sales growth by upselling products and services based on individual customer requirements.
- Fostered positive customer service culture within team which led to higher customer satisfaction rates.
- Enhanced customer loyalty by offering personalized solutions tailored to individual needs.
Education
GED -
Tazewell County Public Schools
Tazewell, VA02-2013
Skills
- Compassionate
- Professional boundaries
- Case planning
- Inmate behavior modification tactics
- Suicide prevention
- Mental health support
- Inmate classification
- Substance abuse treatment
- Offender assessment
- Reentry planning
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Time management
- Risk and needs assessments
- Multitasking Abilities
Timeline
Correctional Counselor
Virginia Dept Of Corrections
09.2022 - Current
Correctional Officer
Virginia Department of Corrections
08.2018 - 09.2022
Customer Service Representative
DISH
08.2015 - 08.2018
GED -
Tazewell County Public Schools