Ernest Brinson

Dynamic Programs professional with more than 20 years' experience in the Corrections field. Possessing proficient organizational and interpersonal communication skills. Creative, resourceful and flexible, able to adapt to changing priorities and maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic.

Corrections Treatment Specialist/Asst. Housing Manager - Sarasota County Sheriff's Department - Sarasota, Florida

(2018-10)

Conduct and supervise individual and group guidance and related counseling services to inmates in the areas of social, behavioral, education, vocational, substance abuse and other program related services. He/she will participate in the development and implementation of specific plans and goals for inmate rehabilitation and reintegration into the community. He/she will identify issues and make referrals for appropriate treatment and available services most beneficial to the individual.

• Consulting with probation or parole officers to observe an inmate's behavior and willingness to adhere to the conditions of probation or parole
• Interviewing inmates and consulting with correctional officers, supervisory personnel, and clinical psychologists to evaluate an inmate's behavioral and social progress
• Studying inmates' past behavior, behavior while incarcerated, and psychological issues and writing case plans used in parole hearings or for referral to counseling or other therapies

Transition Specialist - Chatham County Sheriff's Department - Savannah, Georgia

(2015-03 - 2018-10)

Supervising the development of inmate's post release plan which includes employment skills, job placement assistance to eligible inmates, money management skills, values clarification and goal setting, problem solving and decision making skills, personal development and planning skills, counseling, anger management. Provides one-on-one and group instruction in re-entry program areas; assists clients with self-help, job readiness, accessing community resources and services and social and coping skills.

• Assists clients extra-curricular activities
• Supervises clients in class setting as directed by manager
• Assists clients in using computers
• Models appropriate behavior for clients
• Motivates clients by ensuring a positive and safe environment and maintaining site morale
• Reinforces appropriate behavior modifications for clients
• Adapts materials and equipment to meet specific needs and learning styles of the client
• Evaluates client progression work assignments and shares with manager
• Develops and uses predetermined daily and weekly workshops/work plans and follow-through
• Operates standard office and classroom equipment
• Provides first aid/cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as needed when properly certified
• Maintains awareness of physical and emotional changes in clients and reports concerns to staff and manager
• Plans and implements special events
• Attends in-services and staff meetings as required
• Maintains a caseload of program clients
• Acts as liaison for clients, families, and other related agencies involved in the transition process
• Provides information and support
• Assists clients in completing various forms and obtaining documents for transition, training, education, and employment
• Provides interventions when necessary
• Conducts a variety of risk/needs assessments with clients
• Assists in developing client's Individual Service Plan (ISP)
• Identifies clients appropriate for phase transition or program completion
• May accompany clients to appointments, interviews, and other program-related activities
• Participates in collaborative meetings with staff and agencies to provide information and recommendation

Corrections Recreation Coordinator - Chatham County Sheriff's Department - Savannah, Georgia

(2010-01 - 2015-03)

Supervise, plan and implement recreational, athletic, social and educational activities for inmate population; gives direction in choosing activity programs after measuring current abilities, needs, skills, and limitations to establish appropriate participation level. Determines activities which are appropriate to needs of inmate population and seasonal variations such as physical activities, service clubs, music, and art; establishes appropriate ethnic, cultural, and handicapped variations in programming to accommodate the needs of various minority groups and handicapped inmates; develops minimum and maximum standards of participation.

Activity Therapist - MHM Correctional Services - Garden City, Georgia

(2008-07 - 2010-01)

Conducts individual and group assessments. Supervising and implementing activity and leisure programs for general population as well as mentally and physically challenged inmates. Identify problems and issues in treatment plans by interviewing inmates and using other diagnostic skills.

Coordinated and scheduled all intramural activities. Establish relevant short and long term treatment goals based on clients evaluation. Supervise security staff as well as inmates. Conduct wellness and leisure activities for inmate population.

Counsel inmates and instruct group therapy session in anger management, life skills, and substance abuse.

MWR Coordinator - KBR - Al-Udeid, AFB, Doha, Qatar

(2008-02 - 2008-07)

Supervise, plans and assigns work for host country national attendants. Coordinates activities required to operate Morale, Welfare, and Recreation facilities. Monitors maintenance and provides very basic technical support for MWR facility computer hardware and software.

• Supervise and coordinate organized team sports, recreational club activities and social events
• Supervise various recreational, athletic and social activities for over 8000 multinational armed forces units
• Supervise Third Country Nationals
• Escort TCN's to and from work stations

Recreation Director - Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice - Columbus, Georgia

(2007-03 - 2008-02)

Plans and coordinates a comprehensive recreational program for facility population. Participates on teams and committees and assists in planning, coordinates, monitoring facility program and security of staff and offenders/clients. Prepares required budget requests and program status report to administration for planning and forecasting.

Promote healthy teambuilding, physical, wellness, and leisure activities for clients. Documents recreation and activity therapy activities and supervisors the documentation activities of staff.

• Supervisor all recreation and assign security staff
• Counsel offenders in individual and group settings

Training Specialist - City of Jacksonville - Jacksonville, Florida

(2006-10 - 2007-02)

Train, schedule, assign, and monitor and review the work of others. Plans, researches, develop, coordinates, present and administer various types of educational curriculum. Evaluates training program effectiveness through analysis of content, presentation and post-examination of participants. Assists in the development and administration obtaining budget.

Bachelors - Recreation Administration - Savannah State University