Sarah Somers
Kingston,ON
Summary
My 15 year tenure at with the Correctional Service of Canada was spent working closely with both inmates as well as their victims. This unique professional experience has not only given me extensive and understanding in Canada’s criminal justice system at every level, but has lent to a balanced and effective approach to meeting the complex needs of both inmates and their victims.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Server
Riverhead Brewing Compamy
- Demonstrated strong multitasking skills by managing multiple tables simultaneously without compromising service quality.
- Served food and beverages promptly with focused attention to customer needs.
- Worked with POS system to place orders, manage bills, and handle complimentary items.
- Collaborated with team members during busy shifts for efficient workflow and excellent guest experiences.
Regional Victim Services Manager
Corrections Canada
- Developed strong relationships with key clients, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business opportunities.
- Introduced process improvements that led to faster resolution times for customer issues without sacrificing quality or attention to detail.
- Acted as a liaison between clients and internal teams during project execution phases guaranteeing clear communication lines were open throughout entire project lifecycles.
- Reduced employee turnover by creating a positive work environment with clear communication channels, regular feedback sessions, and opportunities for professional development.
Programs Officers Prison
Corrections Canada
- Managed high-risk cases with exceptional care and vigilance, minimizing potential threats to public safety.
- Enhanced public safety by effectively supervising and monitoring parolees'' activities and compliance with court-ordered conditions.
- Addressed any identified barriers to successful reentry by connecting clients with appropriate resources and support networks.
- Maintained accurate records of client interactions and progress updates, supporting data-driven decision-making processes.
- Improved overall agency effectiveness by participating in regular training programs focused on evidence-based practices.
- Leveraged strong communication skills to maintain rapport between parole officers, clients, and community partners throughout the supervision period.
- Connected clients with appropriate social service providers based on individual needs assessments.
- Evaluated clients'' potential for success in community settings, offering informed recommendations to parole boards during the decision-making process.
- Assisted clients in finding employment opportunities and housing options upon release, fostering self-sufficiency and economic stability.
- Provided crisis intervention services to parolees and their families, contributing to a stable home environment during the reentry process.
- Reported violations of parole conditions to appropriate authorities and maintained record of case activity.
- Performed routine home inspections and drug tests for offenders on parole.
- Coordinated and worked closely with law enforcement, social service agencies and mental health providers.
- Developed case reports detailing inmate history and likelihood of committing another crime.
- Arranged substance abuse rehabilitation for offenders.
- Conducted pre-sentence investigations by doing in-depth research and compiling police reports.
- Served as court liaison by attending court hearings and presenting reports and recommendations.
- Provided court testimony to support court decisions.
- Conducted preliminary interviews for U.S. Parole Commission.
- Monitored inmates' progress using questionnaires and psychological testing.
- Developed comprehensive case plans for parolees, resulting in improved rehabilitation outcomes.
- Conducted thorough pre-release investigations, ensuring seamless transition from incarceration to community reintegration.
- Utilized motivational interviewing techniques when engaging with clients, eliciting genuine commitment towards personal growth and change.
- Conducted regular field visits to verify compliance with curfew restrictions and other court-ordered conditions.
- Collaborated with law enforcement agencies to apprehend violators, leading to a significant decrease in recidivism rates.
- Testified in court proceedings as an expert witness on behalf of assigned caseloads, providing valuable information for judicial decisions.
- Facilitated cognitive-behavioral therapy groups for offenders, promoting positive behavioral change and reducing the risk of future offenses.
- Provided ongoing guidance and mentorship to parolees, contributing to their long-term success and reduced likelihood of recidivism.
- Served as a liaison between parolees and treatment providers to ensure adherence to program requirements.
- Coordinated multi-agency meetings for complex cases involving mental health or substance abuse issues, ensuring a comprehensive approach to client support.
Inmate Records Coordinator
Corrections Victoria
- Enhanced record-keeping efficiency by implementing an organized filing system for both physical and digital files.
- Facilitated seamless transfer processes for inmates between facilities by promptly preparing and sending necessary documentation.
- Supported interdepartmental projects aimed at improving overall prison administration through effective record coordination efforts.
- Assisted in reducing errors in inmate records by conducting regular audits and coordinating with other staff members for corrections.
- Coordinated educational, vocational, and work programs to enhance inmates'' skills development and employability upon release.
- Facilitated cognitive-behavioral group sessions, fostering positive changes in offender thinking patterns and behaviors.
- Conducted thorough risk assessments to determine appropriate interventions for reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
- Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development by attending workshops, trainings, and conferences related to correctional program best practices.
- Streamlined administrative processes related to case management tasks for increased efficiency within the department.
- Monitored offender progress, adjusting case plans as needed to address changing needs or circumstances.
- Maintained accurate records of inmate progress and program participation, ensuring proper documentation for future reference.
- Established rapport with inmates through active listening, empathy, and clear communication, building trust and mutual respect.
- Developed strong relationships with community partners for inmate job placement opportunities upon release.
- Improved inmate behavior through consistent enforcement of facility rules and regulations.
- Promoted a safe and secure environment with vigilant supervision of daily activities and routines.
- Evaluated program effectiveness using data-driven analysis methods, identifying areas for improvement or modification as needed.
- Served as a liaison between inmates and their families, addressing concerns and facilitating positive communication.
- Managed crisis situations effectively, deescalating conflicts while maintaining the safety of staff members and inmates alike.
- Assisted inmates in setting realistic goals, empowering them to take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
- Liaised with external agencies such as parole boards, probation officers, mental health professionals, and social workers to support successful reintegration efforts.
- Enhanced inmate rehabilitation by implementing evidence-based correctional programs and strategies.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to develop individualized reentry plans for successful community integration.
- Provided mentorship to new Correctional Program Officers to strengthen team cohesion and promote professional growth.
- Developed, implemented and conducted unit programming for inmates on designated caseload.
- Reduced recidivism rates by providing comprehensive case management services for offenders.
- Evaluated programming efforts upon completion of programming.
- Responded to correspondence from community agencies, families and public inquiries.
- Compiled visitation lists and collected personal and family information.
- Coordinated activities with other treatment units, volunteers and community service providers.
- Prepared reports to document incidents and violations.
- Enforced rules and regulations to maintain order among inmates.
- Responded to emergency situations and de-escalated hostile confrontations.
- Conducted security checks of inmates and living areas.
- Made rounds at specified intervals and conducted head counts and roll calls.
- Supervised inmates during meals, recreation and other activities.
- Assisted in intake and release of inmates.
- Documented inmate behavior and activities in logbooks.
- Transported inmates to and from court hearings, medical appointments and other locations.
- Investigated and responded to incidents of inmate misconduct.
- Built solid relationships with staff and residents to keep institution safe and secure.
- Provided assistance and guidance to inmates regarding daily activities.
- Responded to inquiries from inmates and other members of public.
- Interviewed inmates to obtain information and evidence.
- Established positive working relationships and maintained boundaries with resident offenders.
- Administered drug tests to inmates.
- Coordinated with other law enforcement personnel to exchange information.
- Received and inspected mail, property and funds from visitors on behalf of designated inmates.
- Restrained juvenile inmates when disturbances required physical intervention.
Social Programs Officer Corrections
Corrections Victoria
- Managed caseloads efficiently, prioritizing high-risk cases and closely monitoring progress toward goals.
- Coordinated with community resources to ensure seamless transitions back into society for released individuals.
- Enhanced inmate rehabilitation by providing individual and group counseling sessions.
- Assisted in the development of life skills programs, leading to increased self-sufficiency upon release.
- Facilitated crisis intervention services, deescalating potentially dangerous situations within the prison setting.
- Supported successful parole hearings by preparing comprehensive progress reports for review boards.
- Actively promoted growth mindset amongst inmates through continuous encouragement of personal development.
- Implemented behavior modification techniques to improve inmate conduct within the facility over time.
- Delivered evidence-based therapeutic interventions, promoting positive behavioral changes in inmates.
- Maintained a secure environment through effective communication with security staff and adherence to facility protocols.
- Provided vocational guidance and support, assisting inmates in developing marketable job skills for post-release employment opportunities.
- Contributed to overall facility management by participating in policy development and decision-making processes.
- Established clear boundaries while remaining empathetic when working with diverse populations of incarcerated individuals.
- Conducted assessments to determine appropriate interventions and treatment plans for incarcerated individuals.
- Participated in ongoing professional training opportunities to stay current on best practices within correctional counseling.
- Ensured proper documentation of all counseling services provided to maintain compliance with state regulations.
- Improved prison safety by promptly addressing and resolving conflicts among inmates.
- Reduced recidivism rates by developing tailored reentry plans for each inmate.
- Developed strong rapport with inmates, fostering trust and open communication during counseling sessions.
- Counseled inmates either individually or group settings to bring problems to light and implement potential solutions.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to address inmates'' mental health, substance abuse, and educational needs.
- Conducted interviews for hiring of inmate job positions to identify optimal candidates.
- Addressed behavior and stability of inmates to root out concerning connections or mental health issues.
- Coordinated and worked closely with law enforcement, social service agencies and mental health providers.
- Evaluated progress of inmates in jails and prisons to determine optimal intervention strategies.
- Performed routine home inspections and drug tests for offenders on parole.
- Developed case reports detailing inmate history and likelihood of committing another crime.
- Served as court liaison by attending court hearings and presenting reports and recommendations.
- Arranged substance abuse rehabilitation for offenders.
- Reported violations of parole conditions to appropriate authorities and maintained record of case activity.
- Provided court testimony to support court decisions.
- Conducted pre-sentence investigations by doing in-depth research and compiling police reports.
- Monitored inmates' progress using questionnaires and psychological testing.
- Conducted preliminary interviews for U.S. Parole Commission.
Victim Services Coordinator
Corrections Canada
Kingston
09.2007 - Current
- Conducted regular follow-ups with clients to assess ongoing needs and ensure appropriate support was provided throughout the recovery process.
- Spearheaded volunteer recruitment efforts, attracting a diverse pool of skilled individuals committed to supporting survivors in their healing journey.
- Facilitated referrals to specialized service providers, ensuring clients received targeted assistance in areas such as housing, employment, and mental health care.
- Promoted a trauma-informed approach within the organization by providing staff training on best practices for interacting with crime victims sensitively and effectively.
Education
Police Foundations -
St Lawrence College
Kingston, ONSkills
- Guest Engagement
- Food Running
- Strong Work Ethic
Timeline
Victim Services Coordinator
Corrections Canada
09.2007 - Current
Server
Riverhead Brewing Compamy
Regional Victim Services Manager
Corrections Canada
Programs Officers Prison
Corrections Canada
Inmate Records Coordinator
Corrections Victoria
Social Programs Officer Corrections
Corrections Victoria
Police Foundations -
St Lawrence College