"This is my dream job because not only am I able to help guide the lives of others toward a more positive journey, but it has also given me a positive journey. Having worked as a corrections officer for 13 years and corrections case manager for almost 6 years, I have been able to interact with literally thousands on both sides of the fence. I have made friends and family with staff members and have gotten to talk to the incarcerated population on a level where I could express to them that their current situation doesn't have to be what their future holds. I have gone from a young man who was unwise about the world to someone who can share experiences and try to be the best role model possible to new staff. It has given me a career, and more so it has given me a purpose to follow in my life that I never thought possible. Thank you for the opportunity to share the good of this career not only with whoever reads this, but with myself. Some days, that reminder makes everything possible." - Charles D. Parrott Corrections Case Manager II, Fulton Reception & Diagnostic Center, PACT, CIT & CNT, DAI
What Makes this my dream job? "This is my dream job because I not only get to help those who have made a mistake to have second chance at turning their life around, but I also get to train/mentor/coach new staff on how to effectively help these individuals. In doing so, I build relationships not only with the staff, but also with all the courts, community partners, etc. Seeing your staff and the clients they supervise is the most rewarding part."
What is my favorite part about the week? "My favorite part of any week is when I get to mentor staff, so they can help their clients be successful."
How is your job helping you meet you career goals? "I knew from a young age I wanted to do something in the Criminal Justice field, so when I graduated from high school, I went to college to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and was also hired by the P&P Command Center. After working in P&P I knew I wanted to move up the career ladder and be a PPO. I continued to work hard and eventually was promoted to a US and then the DA." - Jamie Heinrich, District Administrator, District #27, ACC & JCCC, P&P
"I love the work I do and knowing that I am a small part of the greater organization.
I enjoy learning how technology can assist in the day-to-day operations of every position within the agency. I am excited to partner with many state agencies and external entities to offer solutions that help educate and prepare offenders for release and success in the community; offer access to technologies to help offenders maintain family/friend relationships during incarceration; provide access to programs that help ease the burden and increase security to staff within the secure perimeter and to officers in the community; and help leadership strategize for the future technology needs of the organization.
After over 20+ years supporting the Missouri Department of Corrections, I am continually honored to be a part of this team. There is something new and unique to every day." - Amy M. Bell, CISSP, Director of Information Technology, DHS
“I am so grateful that I came to work at Algoa Correctional Center. I enjoy the work that I do in the Maintenance Department. I have learned so much in this position. My supervisor and other co-workers encouraged me to attend twelve weeks of training through State Technical College of Missouri, in which I learned a lot about HVAC, electrical, electronics, tools, safety, and other maintenance fields. Each day that I create work orders, I understand more of what needs done and which maintenance area needs to perform the tasks. Additionally, the people I work with here keep a positive attitude about coming to work each day. Thank you for allowing me to share my experience.” - LaDonna Petershagen, OSA, Algoa Correctional Center, Maintenance Department, DAI
“Being a Crisis Intervention Coordinator is truly a DREAM JOB, especially for an amiable like me who genuinely cares about others and has a lot of feelings.
As a CIT Coordinator, I have the fantastic opportunity to support and assist DOC staff and offenders going through challenging situations. I can lend a compassionate ear, offer guidance, and connect them to resources. I get to be a lifeline during difficult moments and make a positive impact on others. Each day, I can make a tangible difference in someone’s life, helping them find hope, build resilience, and collaborate on solutions.
In this role, I connect with mental health professionals, law enforcement officers, and DOC staff from all over Missouri. I have the honor of teaching and helping others develop crisis management skills and teaching various crisis responses for mental health, trauma, addiction, and more. This position allows me to be a part of a dedicated team with a common goal of helping others and giving our staff the tools to grow professionally and personally.
When started in the DOC, as a COI, I had no fundamental communication skills, and I could have never predicted this career path or that such opportunities even existed for someone like me. But because of some amazing mentors and fantastic programs offered by the DOC like PACT, TCW, CNT, and CIT, I was able to learn, grow, and promote. Now, I feel like I have a real sense of purpose, and that naturally motivates me to continuously improve my communication skills, acquire new knowledge, and seek challenges that help me progress professionally and personally." - Sarah Jensen, MODOC Crisis Intervention Teams Coordinator, DAI
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