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Supporting the Supporters: Health and Wellness for Probation Officers and Support Staff
SESSION INFO
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Session Type: Workshop
Probation Officers and Probation staff take on many roles and responsibilities leading to unique stressors and challenges faced in the profession (high caseloads, potentially dangerous individuals, emotional strain). Physical, emotional, and psychological effects of chronic stress on Probation Officers and staff can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and vicarious trauma. This workshop will highlight the impact of job stress, common mental health issues among probation staff, importance of mental health support, physical health considerations, work-life balance, wellness programs and resources, and coping strategies. The workshop will also provide ideas on how to create a supportive work environment and advocate for policies that prioritize officer health and wellness.
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SESSION PRESENTERS
Mr. Omar Gamez
Asst. Court Administrator, Edmonds Municipal Court
Omar Gamez (he/him) is an Assistant Court Administrator for the Edmonds Municipal Court. He has a Masters in Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. He has 20 years of experience in the field working with at-risk populations as a Social Worker, Case Manager, and Probation Officer. He currently serves as the President for the Washington Misdemeanant Probation Association. He teaches Motivational Interviewing to all newly hired Misdemeanant Probation Officers across the state. He serves as a member of his City’s Wellness, Safety, and Technology Committees. He volunteers for St. Vincent de Paul, teaches several cognitive behavioral therapy courses including MRT and DV MRT (in English and Spanish) and facilitates a Smart Recovery Support Group. He has previously presented at prior American Probation and Parole Association and WA State Association of Drug Court Professionals/WA Association of Drug Court Conferences. He resides in Edmonds with his partner Jason, brother Alex, and their two dogs Kevin and Marty.
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