The Paragon Group, LLC

Experience

International Training School on Core Correctional Skills

Trainer

Trainer and coordinator behind the International Training School on Core Correctional Skills. Based on the training kit of the same name by Professor Ioan Durnescu of the University of Bucharest, the ITSCCS was established 2021. The Core Correctional Skills training kit focuses on developing five of the most important practices that are associated in literature with desistance or reduced reoffending: how to build up a working alliance; pro-social modelling; problem solving; motivational interviewing and cognitive restructuring.

American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies

Speaker and Expert Columnist

Part of a team of professionals who give continuing education presentations. Writes a quarterly Forensic Mental Health Insider as to Evidence Based Practices (EBP) in Corrections.

Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota

Adjunct Faculty

Designed and have thought several courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. These include Correctional ideals, Criminal Justice and the Media, Criminal Justice and Media Relations (Graduate Level), and Correctional Design in a Changing World(Graduate Level).

Metropolitan State University, St. Paul, Minnesota

Adjunct Faculty

Teach the course CSJ 300-Correction and Community Corrections.

Part of the team of faculty members teaching the Evidence Based Practices (EBP) Corrections Professional Certificate Program.

Experienced Corrections Practitioner since 1988

Planning Specialist

Develop comprehensive long and short-rage plans, projects and programs.

Develop recommendations on policies, procedures, and service specifically as to the implementation of Evidence Based Practices (EBP).

Analyze trends, research data and changes in laws, rules and regulations to determine the impact on the agency.

Master Trainer of the LSCMI (Level of Service/Case Management Inventory)

Executive Board Member-Criminal Justice Advisory Board

Concordia University-St. Paul, Minnesota

The Criminal Justice Advisory Board convenes to help guide the future of CJ programming at Concordia University.

Provide and share my insight, professional experience and organizational knowledge to help ensure that Concordia University continues to provide a responsive and relevant curriculum which will nurture future leaders in the Criminal Justice fields of service.

Mentor

Executive Board Member-Criminal Justice Advisory Board

Higher Ground Academy-St. Paul, Minnesota

Spoke monthly to a primarily East African student regarding Criminal Justice issues, so as to reduce misconceptions and foster a positive dialogue.

Many students were inspired to inquire as to future careers in the field of Criminal Justice.

Certifications

Trainer at the International Training School on Core correctional Skills

As organized by the Center for Legal Studies and Specialized Training, European Strategies Consulting, the Confederation of European Probation and the University of Barcelona.

Based on the training kit of the same name by Professor Ioan Durnescu of the University of Bucharest, the ITSCCS was established 2021. The Core Correctional Skills training kit focuses on developing five of the most important practices that are associated in literature with desistance or reduced reoffending: how to build up a working alliance; pro-social modelling; problem solving; motivational interviewing and cognitive restructuring.

Assessor of the DRAOR (Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Reentry)

Trainer at the International Training School on Core correctional Skills

The DRAOR contains dynamic stable, acute and protective factors that assist staff in identifying and responding to change in the risk of reoffending and desistance from crime.
The DRAOR is scored using information obtained from interviews with the individuals, their
families and partners, reports from treatment providers and other applicable persons such as the
police.
The total score for the DRAOR is calculated by adding the stable and acute scores and then subtracting the protective total.
The basis for this instrument is the ‘risk-needs-responsivity’ model, which categorizes interventions based on risk and changing needs.

Master Trainer of the LSCMI (Level of Service/Case Management Inventory)

Facilitator of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Offenders Seeking Employment

Click here for Full Certifications

Facilitator of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Offenders Seeking Employment

Cognitive-Behavioral Interventions for Employment (CBI-EMP) is designed for criminal and juvenile involved
individuals who are moderate to high need in the area of employment. The curriculum integrates cognitive-
behavioral interventions with more traditional employment approaches. The program teaches individuals how to
identify and manage high risk situations related to obtaining and maintaining employment.

Heavy emphasis is
placed on skill building activities to assist with cognitive, social, emotional, and coping skill development for the
work environment. Using a modified closed group format with multiple entry points, the curriculum is designed
to allow for flexibility across various service settings and intervention lengths.

About Us

Joe Arvidson | Executive Director

Education

Experience

Master Trainer of the LSCMI (Level of Service/Case Management Inventory)

Executive Board Member-Criminal Justice Advisory Board

Executive Board Member-Criminal Justice Advisory Board

Executive Board Member-Criminal Justice Advisory Board

Mentor

Executive Board Member-Criminal Justice Advisory Board

Executive Board Member-Criminal Justice Advisory Board

Certifications

Trainer at the International Training School on Core correctional Skills

Trainer at the International Training School on Core correctional Skills

Trainer at the International Training School on Core correctional Skills

Assessor of the DRAOR (Dynamic Risk Assessment for Offender Reentry)

Trainer at the International Training School on Core correctional Skills

Trainer at the International Training School on Core correctional Skills

Master Trainer of the LSCMI (Level of Service/Case Management Inventory)

Facilitator of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Offenders Seeking Employment

Facilitator of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Offenders Seeking Employment

Facilitator of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Offenders Seeking Employment

Facilitator of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Offenders Seeking Employment

Facilitator of Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Offenders Seeking Employment