Shawn Gainer

I formulate and write individual case plans for offenders. These plans include recommendations for participation in cognitive, mental health and substance abuse treatment programs. I also write recommendations to the Maryland Parole Commission and recommendations to administrators and headquarters staff concerning offender security levels and institutional job assignments. I interview offenders to explain the rationale for my recommendations and encourage them to desist from negative and violent behaviors. I am also responsible for editing the North Branch Correctional Institution Inmate Handbook.

I pitched and contributed feature articles to Allegany Magazine on a freelance basis. The articles focused on local people of interest and I was paid per word.

As a contractual service representative for the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, I guided participants through retirement account transactions. I also explained program regulations and addressed participant complaints.

I was responsible for daily coverage of municipal, county and state government issues. I also wrote feature stories.

I covered news items of all types and wrote columns and historical pieces as well. I was the Exponent-Telegram correspondent for the 2000 session of the West Virginia Legislature.

This was a full-time, paid internship. I contributed articles and police blotters on a daily basis. I often traveled with a photographer throughout the state to interview sources for feature stories.