Promotion Protocol: Advancing Careers in Corrections

Promotion Protocol

Advancing Careers in Corrections

Kim Nugent

Copyright © 2024 by Kim Nugent, Ed.D.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book contains material protected under International and Federal Copyright Laws and Treaties. Any unauthorized reprint or use of this material is prohibited. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without express written permission from the author/publisher.

Publisher:

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-960995-66-7

eBook ISBN: 978-1-960995-67-4

Contact Kim Nugent, Ed.D at:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.drnugentspeaks.com

Credits:

Cover Designs: Unfold Your Success by Gagan Sakaria

Interior Layout & Design: JETLAUNCH

Testimonials

"Dr. Nugent’s book, Promotional Protocol: Advancing Careers in Corrections, is an indispensable guide for anyone aspiring to excel in the corrections field. From the first page to the last, Dr. Nugent provides clear, actionable steps to cultivate leadership and mentoring skills essential for career advancement. The book’s comprehensive approach, covering everything from initial career steps to advanced leadership strategies, makes it a must-read for newcomers and seasoned professionals.

Thanks for the wonderful work you are doing with our staff and residents.

–Leann K. Bertsch, senior vice president, MTC Corrections

With everything going on in our communities in general and in health care in particular, it is so easy to ignore or minimize the significant impact of corrections on our people’s overall health and wellbeing. This book validates and brings importance and attention to how we, as the top nation in the world in terms of the number of incarcerated, should strive to fulfill our duty to treat those behind bars as people deserving of our professionalism and humanity.

–Esmaeil Porsa, MD, MBA, MPH, CCHP-A (he/his),

president and CEO, Harris Health System

"Staffing challenges within corrections is a critical issue across our country, leaving many agencies to manage in crisis with staffing shortages. Recruitment and retention certainly and appropriately are significant focuses with many agencies in their efforts to address their staffing challenges. Most agencies have developed mentoring policies and processes to help onboard, retain, and develop employees, but often with little focus on providing a comprehensive roadmap for the actual interactions between the supervisor and the employee, the mentor and the mentee. Dr. Nugent in Promotion Protocol: Advancing Careers in Corrections outlines the most thorough A-Z focus on recognizing, addressing, developing, and enhancing behaviors that can lead to high-performing employees and a positive culture driven by purpose toward successful outcomes. Dr. Nugent has written an important book that should inform and guide our policies, procedures, and practices in addressing our staffing challenges with a vision toward developing employees to thrive in our complex public safety profession."

–Doug Dretke, director of the Office of Comparative and International Education and Leadership, College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University (SHSU)

"Corrections seems to have a knowledge desert in this topic, but Dr. Kim Nugent’s book is an oasis of advice to help identify, retain, manage, motivate, and mentor employees in this field. The covered principles make it an applicable handbook for managers in any field! The alphabetical topics provide a creative and practical guide for navigating complex managerial challenges that will inevitably be as diverse as the team you are leading."

–Joel Lightfoot, program director, Bridges To Life

"As an avid reader of Dr. Nugent’s work, I can confidently attest to the exceptional quality of her latest book, Promotion Protocol: Advancing Careers in Corrections. Dr. Nugent not only establishes a solid theoretical framework for effective leadership but also delivers invaluable, practical insights for professionals in the corrections field. Each chapter is written to provide actionable guidance, offering a comprehensive roadmap for success in this challenging field with mentorship. Promotion Protocol will be an indispensable addition to your professional library. It is sure to become a trusted resource that you will revisit time and again for insight, direction, and wisdom."

–Hal Bowman, Blacksmith Mentor’s Founder

"Promotion Protocol: Advancing Careers in Corrections Industry by Dr. Kim Nugent is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to excel in the corrections field. Dr. Nugent’s structured approach offers a roadmap for success in an often-challenging industry.

"From identifying high-potential candidates to empowering growth and development, each section of the book is packed with invaluable insights and practical strategies. The inclusion of tools like the Employee Recognition Questionnaire, Check-in Questions, and Mentor Self-Assessment for different stages of employment demonstrates Dr. Nugent’s commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving workforce.

"What sets this book apart is its holistic approach to career advancement, covering not just the technical aspects but also the essential soft skills necessary for effective leadership. The ABCs of advancing in the corrections industry provides a framework for self-improvement and discovery touching on everything from attitude to vision.

"Promotion Protocol is not just a book; it’s a toolkit for professional growth and transformation. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to thrive in the corrections industry."

–Crystal L. Johnson-Bessix, Ph.D., president, edOpp Solutions LLC

Finally, a writer who produces guidance on hiring the best qualified for one of our society’s most challenging careers. This book helps hire managers and those interested in becoming corrections professionals. The guide can support those already in the field in self-examination. To be successful and effective in this arena, one must not only meet the criteria for hiring but also be willing to learn, be prepared to work as a team member, understand the benefit of structure, and employ protective factors against burnout. Thank you, Dr. Nugent, for such an impactful read.

–Angelina Brown Hudson, executive director,

NAMI Greater Houston

Table of Contents

Purpose

Introduction

Segments of the Industry

Unique Aspects of Working in Corrections

Benefits of Working in Corrections

Changes in the Corrections Industry (Last Twenty-Five Years)

Generations at Work

Collaborating Across Generations

A Pathway for Success

Recruiting

Interviewing

Retaining

Employee Recognition Questionnaire

Check-in Questions for Thirty, Sixty, and Ninety Days

Communication

Empowering Growth and Development

Research

Creating a Path for Growth and Development

Conducting Stay Interviews

Creating a Culture of Recognition

Reimagine the Future

Gap Analysis for the Leader to Complete

Mentor Self-Assessment: Are You Ready to Be a Mentor Manager?

Mentee-Mentor Agreement

Getting to Know You Guide

Self-Assessment Inventory Instructions

Pre Self-Assessment Inventory

Key Traits and Skills

A is for Attitude

B is for Brand

C is for Communication

D is for Decision-Making

E is for Empathy

F is for Feedback

G is for Goal Setting

H is for Habits

I is for Integrity

J is for Jaded

K is for Knowledge

L is for Leadership

M is for Mindset

N is for Networking

O is for Opportunity

P is for Problem Solver

Q is for Question

R is for Responsibility

S is for Succession Planning

T is for Thank You

U is for Upskilling

V is for Vision

W is for White Lies

X is for X-Factor

Y is for Yearning

Z is for Zone

Post Self-Assessment Inventory

Summary

About the Author

References

Purpose

To help corrections industry leaders successfully recruit, retain, and reimagine today’s workforce:

Sharing the research of today’s workforce motivators

Inspire the latest ideas for recruitment

Share strategies for retaining key talent

Provide a structured mentoring approach to meet the needs of today’s workforce and the facility

Create a culture of belonging

Introduction

Do you ever reflect on how you got into this industry and what made you make a career of it? Was it a friend or family member in law enforcement? Was it one of the few job prospects in your community? Maybe it was wanting to be effective in some way, either by becoming a therapist or an officer. Maybe you wanted help with recidivism. Was it a mentor who made a real difference and offered personal and professional life lessons? Was it a teacher or a professor? Was it later in life, after a first career, you decided it was time to pursue your passion? However you got here, we are grateful.

Would you like to share your excitement with others and help them find their way into corrections as a career instead of a steppingstone to some other place? We hope to help get you there. We believe this is a toolkit for success.

Reflection Questions

What is your why?

How did you get into corrections as a career?

What do you enjoy about working in the corrections industry?

Segments of the Industry

The role of any position in the corrections industry is to help people who have broken the law be successful as they reintegrate into society. Employment opportunities are vast in an industry that is so multifaceted. Traditional positions range from (Indeed, April 18, 2024):

The corrections industry will continue offering unique job opportunities. Here are some distinctive roles within corrections and trends (LinkedIn 2024):

Correctional Technology Specialist:

Role: These specialists manage and maintain technology systems within correctional facilities, including security cameras, access control, and communication networks.

Skills Needed: Proficiency in IT, cybersecurity, and system troubleshooting.

Telehealth Coordinator for Inmates:

Role: Facilitates telehealth services for inmates, remotely connecting them with medical professionals.

Skills Needed: Knowledge of telemedicine platforms, patient confidentiality, and communication skills.

Reentry Navigator:

Role: Assists inmates nearing release by providing resources, counseling, and support to reintegrate successfully into society.