This past Wednesday, I received some awesome news! While working my usual post, Housing Unit 2CD
Control, one of the Unit Managers came into my ‘office.’ He proceeded to inform me that I had been
recommended for promotion to Case Worker, if I still wanted the job. Needless to say, I said, “Yes, I definitely
am!”
At this point, I probably need to clarify some things. For the last 11+ years, I have worked for the
Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) at the same institution. And, for this entire time, I have been
working as Custody Staff. (Some people
would call us, in a derogatory manner, ‘cage kickers.’ This is far from the truth!) Although part of my role is to role model
appropriate behavior and responses to stress, my primary role is enforcing
rules. Well, in a prison, all staff have
an obligation to enforce rules. However,
as Custody Staff, that is approximately 80% of my job. While I do have occasional opportunities to
mentor Inmates, teach staff CPR/First Aid, mentor new staff, etc., that is a
much lesser role than enforcing the rules.
Over the years, I have always felt out of place with
this role. As an INFJ, I am not using my
natural gifts and personality very much.
In fact, functioning in this role often leaves me extremely drained
emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
This is often compounded significantly due to the stress of working in
an extremely dangerous environment (the Inmates at my institution are Medium or
Maximum Security, many of whom have a violent to very violent background). Unfortunately, this less very little
emotional and physical energy to take care of my family, take care of things
around the house, etc.
The amount of draining does depends greatly upon the
place that I am working. If I am in the
Clinic, Skilled Nursing Facility, or working in the Gatehouse, I usually am not
as adversely affected. However, if I am
working in a Housing Unit Control Center (most days), working on a gallery in
the Special Management Unit (SMU), working in the Kitchen, etc., this is
usually the case.
Since last October, I have had the opportunity to work
as acting Case Worker. Although I have
had a few rough days in the role, my work has not affected me nearly as bad has
working as Custody Staff. Just like when
I have worked as acting Religious Coordinator, I always felt like I had
accomplished a lot and greatly impacted other peoples’ lives in a positive
manner. This was even after a long,
rough day. Whether as an acting
Religious Coordinator or as an acting Case Worker, I seemed to draw upon my
natural gifts and talents, as well as my Spiritual Gifts and ministry
training. So much so that I might be
tired when I get home, but not ‘absolutely wiped out!’
Something else that I have noticed is that that
Inmates seem to have adjusted to me working as an acting Case Worker very
positively. Most have not had a problem
at all. I am sure that a lot of it has to
do with the positive rapport that I have with many of them. And, having been there for so long, most of
the Inmates know what to expect from me.
Needless to say, I was extremely excited and shared
this news with several co-workers. One
co-worker, who is a Case Worker that I have worked with, made an interesting comment. She said, “I would wish you luck, but I know
you don’t need it.” Yes, that definitely
did get my attention. When I was leaving
work, I texted my wife, “I got it, praise God!”
Yes, she immediately knew what I meant, and was overjoyed!
So, I will start my new position early next
month. Not only will I still be on first
shift (which is what I am working now), I will (finally) have Saturdays and
Sundays off! Which means my family and I
will finally be able to do things, as a family, on the weekend. And, I will be able to attend church on a
regular basis. Yes, I am very, very
excited about this!
My eventual goal is to become a Case Manager. Case Managers do a lot more with an Inmate’s
programming, work positions, room assignments, etc. But, actual Case Worker experience will be
extremely helpful in preparing me for becoming one. We shall see what happens. It’s all in God’s hands.
In Christ,
RC
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