Characteristics and Skills

Texas Department of Criminal Justice: Guidance Counselor

Thomas Warren Brow

16 March, 2014

HSM/210

Sheryl Lela Thelen

To: Whom it may concern

Cc: Guidance Counselor Position

My name is Thomas Warren Brow, and I am currently enrolled in the University of Phoenix. I am still very early in my studies, and my goal upon completion is to be a counselor. I am writing this letter to you because I have always been interested in working with offenders, and helping them cope with life after being away for an extended period of time. I have little to no experience professionally in helping them, but the experiences I have had mentoring people at my local church shows me that I am capable of performing the tasks that are required by a position that may be available.

I noticed on your web-site that one of the most important things was organization, and working well with others. I have had numerous jobs where I had to keep accurate numbers, and paperwork for which I was very articulate in keeping them up to date as well as neatly organized. I work well with others, and am able to take criticism so as to learn to the task at hand better. I have always felt that working with others builds friendships, and helps us all work together to achieve the ultimate goal.

I was also drawn to the fact that safety, as well as security were a big factor in the requirements for the job. I have 10 years of experience working with prisoners while serving in the United States Air Force. I understand that maintaining regulations with the prisoners to keep them safe as well as maintaining a safe environment for myself is vital. It is my experience that when dealing with prisoners you should treat them as people, but always maintain a professional demeanor so that we may be able to work together.

The last, and most important, is my ability to listen. I can listen to what a person has to say, and begin to understand how they feel about what has happened so that I may begin...