Kara Curry
Chatham,IL
Summary
Experienced Court Advocate with a strong foundation in legal advocacy and a proven track record of assisting clients effectively. Demonstrated success in handling complex cases and consistently striving to achieve the needs of our clients. Proficient in conducting legal research, social service research, and knowledgeable in courtroom procedures, in order for our clients to feel more comfortable in the courtroom setting.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Court Advocate
Sojourn Shelter and Services
11.2022 - Current
- Assist clients in filing Emergency Orders of Protection
- Accompany client to court and provide emotional support
- Fill out Emergency and Plenary Orders of Protection
- Accompany client to SAO as needed
- Follow any criminal charges related to case
- Provide emotional support and guidance to client during their family court case
- Conduct weekly group related to court advocacy/OP's
- Follow up with LEO/SPD domestic violence reports
- Accurately document all client interactions in client file
- Promote a processional working relationship with court staff, judges, Circuit Clerk's office, and State's Atty Office
- Refer clients to any other support services they may need.
Suicide Prevention Program Manager
ILARNG/Dystech
07.2019 - Current
- Provide Suicide Prevention Training
- Compile statistics and trends
- Maintain accurate case files
- Facilitate ASIST classes
- Research new education/trends to present at training
- Provide SME opinions when requested by higher ranking officers
Probation Officer
Sangamon County Probation
11.2017 - 07.2019
- Manage Pre-Trial Caseload
- Conduct Pre-Trial Bond assessments
- Testify in court as directed
- Ensure all conditions of probation were followed
Social Security Adjudicator
State of Illinois
06.2016 - 11.2017
- Review medical records of applicants for SSI/SSDI
- Provide a recommendation of approval/ denial for SSI/SSDI
QIDP
Brother James Court
01.2016 - 07.2016
- Manage a caseload of 18 residents
- Supervise the direct care staff
- Maintain accurate case files
- Ensure all behavior programs and social service programs are run according to the State Guidelines
Probation Officer
Community Supervision Officer
03.2015 - 01.2016
- Manage a caseload of over 300 Probationers
- Perform necessary legal action as needed
- Maintain accurate case files
- Ensure all conditions of supervision are met in accordance to the court order
- Coordinate any social services that are needed
- Submit Pre-Sentence Investigations to the courts prior to the sentencing date.
Ophthalmic Technician
Cheyne Eye Center
03.2013 - 03.2015
- Perform diagnostic testing on patients
- Assist the Doctor as needed
Investigator II
Child Protective Services
01.2011 - 07.2012
- Investigate allegations of child abuse, and or neglect
- Perform necessary legal action as needed
- Maintain accurate case files
- Coordinate any social services that are needed
- Testify in court as needed
- Fully document all information discovered and present it to on-going caseworker
- Conducted thorough face-to-face interviews with employers, families, neighbors, friends, and suspects, and documented investigative findings.
- Maintain a professional tone.
Street Outreach (HIV)
MHMR or Tarrant County
07.2010 - 01.2011
- Facilitate educational group as various local non-profit substance abuse facilities
- Research and develop new educational materials regarding substance abuse and HIV/STD infections
- Attend community events to promote MHMR program
- Maintain accurate records or items distributed or individuals tested as required by State and Federal law
Detention Officer
Tarrant County Sheriff's Office
01.2003 - 01.2009
- Supervise and ensure the safety and security of up to 72 inmates and the facility which they are housed
- Escort inmates to and from court as needed
- Responded swiftly to emergency situations with appropriate use of force when necessary to protect both inmates'' well-being and facility security.
- Improved facility safety by performing thorough inspections of cells, common areas, and property for contraband or damage.
- Conducted physical searches of prisoners and premises in search of weapons and contraband.
- Transported prisoners throughout facility and off-site to medical appointments and court appearances.
- Wrote daily reports and maintained logs of inmate activities and behaviors.
- Created and maintained positive relationships with inmates to build rapport and trust.
- Enhanced inmate security by conducting regular cell checks and monitoring daily activities.
United States Marine - Petroleum Supply Specialist
United States Marine Corps
07.1996 - 07.2004
- Gather daily fuel samples for testing and quality control
- Record accurate data on all fuel issued daily
- Issue fuel as needed to various types of aircraft
- Research topics monthly and present information for continuing education purposes
- Ensured continuity of operations by meticulously maintaining records, reports, and documentation related to all aspects of the unit''s activities.
- Developed junior Marines into future leaders through consistent mentorship and professional development opportunities.
- Increased operational capabilities through the regular maintenance of vehicles, weapons systems, and other essential equipment.
- Demonstrated resilience under pressure by consistently performing at a high level despite challenging conditions or unforeseen obstacles.
- Upheld code of conduct and maintained professionalism in stressful situations.
- Maintained required level of proficiency in use of firearms.
- Coordinated with unit leadership and direct superiors for taskings and managed subordinates to execute.
- Worked in dirty and uncomfortable conditions, sometimes in dangerous, deployed locations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies, Criminal Justice
Columbia College
Ft. Worth/Columbia Missouri10.2010
Associate of Applied Science -
Tarrant County College
Ft. Worth12.2006
High School Diploma -
Springfield Southeast High School
Springfield, Illinois01.1996
Skills
- Courtroom etiquette
- Legal research
- Legal writing
- Case analysis
- Ethical behavior
- Client representation
- Document filing
- Document review
Timeline
Court Advocate
Sojourn Shelter and Services
11.2022 - Current
Suicide Prevention Program Manager
ILARNG/Dystech
07.2019 - Current
Probation Officer
Sangamon County Probation
11.2017 - 07.2019
Social Security Adjudicator
State of Illinois
06.2016 - 11.2017
QIDP
Brother James Court
01.2016 - 07.2016
Probation Officer
Community Supervision Officer
03.2015 - 01.2016
Ophthalmic Technician
Cheyne Eye Center
03.2013 - 03.2015
Investigator II
Child Protective Services
01.2011 - 07.2012
Street Outreach (HIV)
MHMR or Tarrant County
07.2010 - 01.2011
Detention Officer
Tarrant County Sheriff's Office
01.2003 - 01.2009
United States Marine - Petroleum Supply Specialist
United States Marine Corps
07.1996 - 07.2004
High School Diploma -
Springfield Southeast High School
Bachelor of Arts - General Studies, Criminal Justice
Columbia College
Associate of Applied Science -
Tarrant County College
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