On October 1st, Joseph (“JK”) Williams, Senior Manager of Operations at Kintock’s Erie Avenue program, was honored as a recipient of the Community Corrections Association of Pennsylvania’s Professional of the Year at the association’s annual fall conference and award ceremony. Each year, CCAPA accepts nominations from industry providers and awards one individual from a State Agency, a County Agency, and a Private Agency.

With over 25 years of experience in the corrections field, JK joined Kintock in 2012, as a Resident Supervisor and was quickly promoted to Operations Manager, where he trained and led front-line staff. Subsequently, Mr. Williams transitioned to the role of Group Facilitator, leading Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) courses for Kintock’s Parole Violator and Bucks County programs. In 2022, JK was promoted to Senior Operations Manager and has continued to enhance his experience, and contribute to the growth our organization.

“JK is known for his consistency and no-nonsense demeanor. The reentry populations we service treat him with the upmost respect, and the staff under his direction follow his leadership and guidance in staff development,” says Corey Davis, Corporate Director of Facility Operations.

Before joining Kintock, JK began his career as a Counselor Assistant at John F. Kennedy Hospital, where he facilitated groups and individual sessions, monitored client compliance, set goals, and established treatment plans. He later gained valuable experience working for the Delaware County Public Defense as a Case Aide and Legal Investigator. Over the next 8 years, he worked as an Inpatient Counselor, AOD Counselor, and Outpatient Counselor at Gaudenzia DRC, CEC SCI-Chester and Minsec Treatment Center in Pennsylvania. Those roles prepared him for his current career at Kintock.

JK says he initially joined Kintock to assist with violence prevention classes because he knew many reentrants, after completing their programs, couldn't be immediately released due to a lack of available placements in community-based programs. This often led to them being housed in general population settings, increasing their risk of relapse. JK believed he could help by facilitating additional classes to support these individuals.

“One of JK’s most notable traits is his commitment to ensuring that the resident population’s needs are met while still holding them accountable for their actions,” according to Mr. Davis.

“Just as important, JK committed to Kintock’s goals and mission. He readily volunteers to work double shifts, off hours, and weekends to ensure the facility’s safety and the residents’ well-being. The staff knows that they can count of JK for support, making him a valuable asset to the company. It has been a pleasure working with him over the last 13 years,” adds Mr. Davis.

“Mr. Williams is one of the most adaptable staff members at Kintock Philadelphia. From conducting programming for Parole Violator reentrants to overseeing the Operations Department as a Senior Manager and conducting CPR certification for staff, he’s always at the forefront of facility projects,” says Frank Guyon, Site Administrator of the Erie Avenue facility. “Mr. Williams regularly meets with reentrants struggling with adjustment, using his years of counseling experience to help them navigate this challenging time . He is a valuable asset to the Kintock Philadelphia team and well-deserving of his Community Corrections Professional of the Year award,” added Mr. Guyon.

When asked about his favorite part of working at Kintock, JK mentioned the supportive company culture. He appreciates employees on all levels, from frontline staff, to senior staff and the corporate leadership, who are always ready to help.

JK further explained, “The supportive team I have makes working here enjoyable. We share a common goal of inspiring and growing the community,” says JK.

Outside of work, JK enjoys spending quality time with family, friends, and loved ones. He also enjoys traveling, exercising, as well as deep sea fishing.

Congratulations to JK for his much-deserved award!