ESSENCE JONES
Brooklyn Center
Summary
With over 23 years of federal service at the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Veteran Affairs, this candidate has gained valuable experience and expertise. Throughout their career, they have worked alongside the Federal Secret Service on numerous detail assignments. Their skills and abilities encompass a range of areas, including supervisory, management, training, development, workplace violence prevention, and human services. They have a proven track record in delivering comprehensive training programs and optimizing instructional strategies to enhance learning and development. Additionally, they have successfully fostered team collaboration and consistently achieved training milestones.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) Training Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2015 - Current
- Responsible for maintaining specialized knowledge of PMDB education, and training and provides training and re-training of PMDB skills to the entire Minneapolis facility as well as reviewing new programs, films, and/or curricula for possible inclusion in education and training inventory
- Evaluated training effectiveness using feedback surveys and assessments, making continuous improvements as needed.
- Assisted in developing workplace violence prevention programs that informed employees of warning signs for potentially dangerous situations and appropriate response techniques.
- Promoted safety awareness among staff through ongoing training sessions and educational materials on relevant topics such as workplace violence prevention or active shooter scenarios.
- Promoted a culture of safety among staff members by offering guidance on best practices related to workplace violence prevention and emergency response.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
12.2023 - 01.2025
- Functions as a change agent, and is responsible for the overall development, management, and implementation of MVAHCS DEI strategy throughout the health system
- Serves as the principal advisor to the Medical Center Director (MCD) and acts as the spokesperson for the organization in the area of DEI
- Directs the DEI Program, to include planning, evaluation, advisory, training, consultative and reporting functions for the full health system
- Streamlined communication channels between departments, enhancing overall organizational workflow efficiency as it pertains to the execution of assigned projects.
- Facilitated cross-functional team collaborations, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation.
Detailed Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) Program Analyst
Department Of Veteran Affairs-Veterans Health Administration
04.2021 - 06.2023
- Responsible for maintaining specialized knowledge of PMDB education, training and provides training and re-training of PMDB skills to staff seeking to become Facility Trainers and assessment Master Trainers in Training Nationwide, as well as reviewing new programs, films, and/or curricula for possible inclusion in education and training inventory
- Responsible for drafting email requests on behalf of the National Director of the PMDB Director as well as send email update information about National PMDB Train the Trainers and Facility Trainer Recertification Assessment Courses
- Updates PMDB trainer listservs for MTs and MTITs based on national roster
- Updates trainer documents in internal folders (advancements, nominations, etc.)
- Monitored program performance against established benchmarks, taking corrective action as needed to realign with desired outcomes.
- Developed detailed project plans outlining tasks, timelines, dependencies, and resource requirements for successful execution of complex initiatives.
Behavior Detection Analysis (BDA) Manager
Department Of Homeland Security, TSA
04.2013 - 07.2015
- Managed Screening Passengers by Observation Technique (SPOT) Team
- Performed passive observation and engage in voluntary encounters with the public to determine whether elevated behaviors indicate that the individual may be involved in harmful activities against transportation systems
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by resolving disputes promptly, maintaining open lines of communication, and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
Master Security Training Instructor/National Evaluator
Department Of Homeland Security, TSA
02.2008 - 04.2013
- Performed training instruction within established guidelines and standards in support of nationally developed training programs
- Supported recurrent training needs and conducted return to duty and remediation training
- Collaborated with fellow instructors to create cohesive lesson plans, ensuring consistency in training quality.
- Mentored new instructors, aiding their transition into the role and ensuring effective delivery of course content.
- Promoted an inclusive learning environment by accommodating diverse backgrounds and learning preferences, leading to increased overall satisfaction among trainees.
- Maintained compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and quality goals.
Supervisory Transportation Security Officer
Department Of Homeland Security, TSA
11.2007 - 03.2008
- Overseeing screening checkpoint(s) on a day-to-day basis to include equipment, personnel, scheduling and rotation of personnel
- Directing work of subordinate employees to include setting priorities, assigning tasks; monitoring and evaluating performance, coaching and developing employee capabilities; approving leave; preparing performance evaluations, and taking or recommending corrective disciplinary actions up to and including dismissal, as appropriate
- Preparing various types of communications such as morning briefings, checkpoint logs, reports, and documents that are germane to the work performed
- Developing incident information and reports for Law Enforcement Officers (LEOs) and superiors
- Collaborated closely with airport stakeholders to maintain clear lines of communication regarding ongoing operations or emerging concerns.
- Reduced security breaches by conducting thorough investigations and implementing effective corrective measures.
Lead Transportation Officer
Department Of Homeland Security, TSA
10.2006 - 11.2007
- Provided input to supervisors and managers concerning a variety of human resources matters relating to employees led
- Trained team members, monitoring and reporting on the status and progress of work, and representing the team in communications with the supervisor or manager for the purpose of obtaining resources
- Assumed all Supervisory duties when Supervisor was not present
- Established a positive work environment through strong leadership skills and open communication channels among team members.
- Managed team of trained security professionals engaged in anti-terrorism activities.
Transportation Security Officer (TSO)
Department Of Homeland Security, TSA
10.2002 - 10.2006
- Performed Screening of persons, including tasks such as: hand-wanding (which includes the requirement to reach and wand the individual from the floor to overhead), pat-down searches, and monitoring walk-through metal detector screening equipment
- Performed screening of property, including the operation of x-ray machines to identify dangerous objects in baggage, cargo and on passengers; and preventing those objects from being transported onto aircraft
- Enhanced passenger safety by conducting thorough security screenings and inspections of luggage, vehicles, and individuals.
- Assisted passengers with special needs or disabilities during the security screening process, ensuring their comfort and dignity were maintained at all times.
- Detected potential threats by utilizing advanced screening technology, such as X-ray machines and metal detectors.
- Stayed current on evolving security protocols by participating in ongoing training programs and workshops regularly.
Education
Master of Arts - Human Services
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY SAINT PAUL
SAINT PAUL, MN08.2025
Bachelor of Arts - PSYCHOLOGY
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY SAINT PAUL
SAINT PAUL, MN08-2020
Completed Some Course Work - Psychology
ARGOSY UNIVERSITY TWIN CITIES
EAGAN, MN04.2014
Continuous Education Program/TSA Education to Pathways Homeland Security Associates Program-Certified -
MINNEAPOLIS COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
MINNEAPOLIS, MN01.2005
Skills
- Supervisory
- Management
- Training
- Development
- Workplace Violence Prevention
- Human Services
- Learning management systems
- E-learning platforms
- Training program development
- Training evaluation
- Virtual training
- Classroom expertise
Leadership Experience
- First Vice President- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated- Iota Zeta Zeta Graduate Chapter
- LED by Truth Board Member-Secretary
- NAMI Minnesota Volunteer
- High Reliability Leadership Academy Graduate- Minneapolis VAHCS
- Resilience Team Member and Trainer-Minneapolis VA Medical Center
- PMDB Master Trainer- Department of Veteran Affairs
- Workplace Violence Prevention Program-Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team-PMDB
- National PMDB Advisory Board-VHA Workplace Violence Prevention Program Office
- Federal Women Special Emphasis Program Manager-Diversity Advisory Committee-Minneapolis VA
- Minneapolis VAMC Disruptive Behavior Committee Member
- Minneapolis VAMC Workplace Violence Prevention Committee
Affiliations
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorportated- Iota Zeta Zeta Chapter
- LED by Truth
- Saint Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN)
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars
- Concordia University- St. Paul Alumni
Certification
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)
- CPR/AED Certification
- First Aid Certification
- High Reliability Leadership Academy (HRLA)
Awards
- National Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) Indigitation Award-2024
- Civil Servant Award 2021- Federal Minnesota Civil Servant Award
- Employee of the Month-MVAHCS- 2021
- Volunteer of the Year Award-St. Paul Neighborhood Network (SPNN)-2019
Timeline
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Program Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
12.2023 - 01.2025
Detailed Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) Program Analyst
Department Of Veteran Affairs-Veterans Health Administration
04.2021 - 06.2023
Prevention and Management of Disruptive Behavior (PMDB) Training Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
07.2015 - Current
Behavior Detection Analysis (BDA) Manager
Department Of Homeland Security, TSA
04.2013 - 07.2015
Master Security Training Instructor/National Evaluator
Department Of Homeland Security, TSA
02.2008 - 04.2013
Supervisory Transportation Security Officer
Department Of Homeland Security, TSA
11.2007 - 03.2008
Lead Transportation Officer
Department Of Homeland Security, TSA
10.2006 - 11.2007
Transportation Security Officer (TSO)
Department Of Homeland Security, TSA
10.2002 - 10.2006
Completed Some Course Work - Psychology
ARGOSY UNIVERSITY TWIN CITIES
Master of Arts - Human Services
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY SAINT PAUL
Bachelor of Arts - PSYCHOLOGY
CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY SAINT PAUL
Continuous Education Program/TSA Education to Pathways Homeland Security Associates Program-Certified -
MINNEAPOLIS COMMUNITY AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
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