Associate Warden's Secretary - Federal Bureau of Prisons - FCI La Tuna - Anthony, TX
(2024-01)
Provides high-level executive administrative support to the Associate Warden of a federal correctional institution housing approximately 700 inmates, managing official correspondence, scheduling, meeting coordination, and confidential records with a high degree of accuracy and discretion. Serves as the primary administrative liaison between the Associate Warden's office and facility departments including Case Management, Psychology Services, Education, Reentry Affairs, and Unit Management, ensuring seamless cross-departmental communication and coordination.
- Manages, organizes, and maintains sensitive inmate case files, legal documents, Program Review materials, and administrative records in strict compliance with BOP Program Statements, the Privacy Act of 1974, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requirements.
- Coordinates and tracks inmate program reviews, disciplinary hearings, Unit Discipline Committee (UDC) proceedings, and unit team meetings; monitor case management milestones, documentation deadlines, and required follow-up actions across multiple departments.
- Assists in the preparation, tracking, and quality review of individualized inmate programming plans, reentry documentation, Pre-Release Custody assessments, and community placement referrals to halfway houses and home confinement programs.
- Processes and routes official correspondence, legal documents, Administrative Remedy requests, and inmate petitions with strict attention to procedural accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with applicable federal regulations and BOP directives.
- Monitors and track inmate enrollment in vocational training, educational programs (GED, ESL), and treatment programming, compiling participation data to support program effectiveness reporting and institutional performance metrics.
- Serves as a point of contact for inmate grievances, formal requests, and administrative inquiries, applying refined communication, conflict resolution, and de-escalation skills within a high-security correctional environment.
- Coordinates with Case Managers, Counselors, Psychology staff, and community-based organizations on comprehensive reentry planning, halfway house placement logistics, and community resource referrals for inmates approaching release eligibility.
- Maintains and administers electronic databases, administrative tracking logs, and inmate records using the Sentry Inmate Management System (BOP's primary automated case management platform), MS Office Suite, and other authorized software applications.
- Drafts and prepares executive-level reports, statistical summaries, budget documentation, briefing materials, and official correspondence on behalf of the Associate Warden for submission to Regional and National BOP leadership.
- Ensures institutional compliance with Program Statements, Administrative Remedy procedures, and BOP policy directives; proactively advise staff and unit teams on procedural requirements and documentation standards to prevent compliance gaps.
- Trains and mentors' new administrative staff on office procedures, Sentry system navigation, records management protocols, and compliance requirements, contributing to staff readiness and institutional operational continuity.
- Supports institutional emergency preparedness planning by maintaining accurate emergency contact rosters, documentation, and administrative protocols in coordination with the Associate Warden and Security offices.
- Collaborates with the Reentry Affairs Coordinator, Education Department, and Psychology Services on release planning initiatives, family reunification support, and employment readiness activities for inmates nearing release, reinforcing case management and vocational rehabilitation principles.
- Applies knowledge of applicable statutes, regulations, and BOP policy to review and process sensitive legal documents, ensuring accuracy and full regulatory compliance prior to submission or execution.
Administrative Eligibility Student Trainee - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Temple, TX
(2013-04 - 2014-10)
Participated in a structured Veterans Affairs (VA) Trainee Development Program with a concentrated focus on claims adjudication processes and the determination of benefits eligibility for Veterans and their dependents. Gained comprehensive, hands-on experience reviewing Veterans' claims files, military service records, and supporting medical documentation to assess entitlement in accordance with applicable federal regulations and VA policy.
- Conducted in-person and telephone interviews with Veterans to provide thorough explanations of available benefit programs, entitlement criteria, and the claims development process, ensuring each Veteran had a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities throughout adjudication.
- Utilized VA electronic information systems, including the Veterans Benefits Management System (VBMS) and Share, to accurately input, retrieve, and track claims data while maintaining the integrity of case records at every stage of processing.
- Drafted and prepared a variety of written correspondence, including formal decision letters, development request letters, and other case-related documentation in compliance with VA writing standards and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborated closely with Veterans Service Representatives (VSRs) and Rating Veterans Service Representatives (RVSRs) to support the resolution of complex eligibility determinations, contributing to team-based case management and quality decision-making.
- Maintained strict adherence to the Privacy Act, Personally Identifiable Information (PII) safeguarding protocols, and all applicable VA information security standards to protect sensitive Veteran data throughout all phases of claims processing.
- Applied trauma-informed care principles and culturally competent communication strategies when engaging with Veterans from diverse backgrounds, ensuring all interactions were conducted with sensitivity, dignity, and respect.
- Proactively identified Veterans in need of additional support services and facilitated appropriate referrals to vocational rehabilitation, mental health programs, and housing assistance resources to address the holistic needs of the Veteran population served.
