Bonnie Obrien

About Bonnie Obrien

After 25 years as a HR subject matter expert in recruiting, selection, hiring, government contracting and job counseling, I have taken my knowledge skills and experience to create Transition Professionals, a 501(c)3 non profit working with and assisting ex-offenders reenter the community and avoid recidivism. In collaboration with the Bergen County Sheriff\'s Dept. we provide transition services to ex-offenders for shelter referrals, treatment for behavioral health, substance use disorder, employment, training and a vast array of support. Previously as an entrepreneur and leader in the staffing industry, I owned/managed businesses, served as a board member at non-profit organization\'s (March of Dimes, Girls Scouts, etc) received numerous awards and have been recognized by NJBIZ magazine in the \"Business Leaders Who’s Who\" for over 10 years. As PHR/SPHR Instructor with the North Jersey Chapter of SHRM for 20 yrs I taught dozens of workshops and training programs on job analysis; quality talent acquisition, creating job descriptions, and provided career counseling to job seekers for both private and public organizations. Prior to 2015: President of Placement Professionals Franchise owner of 2 Norrell Staffing offices Certified by the State of NJ WBE (Woman Business Enterprise) and SBE (Small Business Enterprise). Certified by Port Authority of NY & NJ SBE and WBE; NYC Dept. of Small Business; WBENC. President of the NJ Staffing Alliance (a statewide trade association)- 3 years Chair of the NJSA Legislative Committee - 10 years Expert witness in legal cases involving staffing and employment. Certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from SHRM; Temporary Specialist and Certified Personnel Consultant (CTS and CPC) from National Association of Personnel Services; Certified Staffing Professional - American Staffing Association. Graduated with honors - Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ)- BS - Business (Management & Marketing) and Paralegal Certification.

Experience

1. Re-entry Specialist Advocate

   Bergen County Sheriff\'s Office

   Aug 2009 — Present · Hackensack, NJ, US

   Since 2012 working on Housing Works Initiative with the Bergen County Jail, providing case management and support to former offenders. Assisted in the creation of a transition center to re-entry into the community for both men and women incarcerated at the county jail. Presented workshops in-house at the BCJ twice weekly for support with resume writing, interviewing, obtaining documents for ID purposes, job search skills, training and access to other public services required to prevent recidivism. Advocate/liaison to county agencies.

Education

• Fairleigh Dickinson University

  Paralegal, Paralegal

  2000 — 2001

• Fairleigh Dickinson University

  B.S., Business Management & Marketing

  1989