Caseworker (Re-Entry)

Lancaster County•Lancaster, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Reentry Caseworker is responsible for working cooperatively with County government agencies that include, Lancaster County Court of Common Please, Adult Probation and Parole Services (APPS), and Prison Records in addition to a variety of community-based organizations to coordinate services for inmate returning to their communities. This position will work closely with security and treatment departments to provide a variety of case management services to improve inmate reentry success both in the Prison and in the community. The Reentry Case Worker is responsible to work cooperatively with assigned inmates in the development of detailed individualized reentry plans to address criminogenic factors that impact future incarceration.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in criminology, Criminal Justice or a field directly related to criminal corrections, OR A bachelor’s degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, social welfare, psychology, human services or other related behavioral/social sciences and one year of relevant professional casework/counseling experience with a public or private social services provider: OR, Any equivalent combination of education, experience and training, equaling five 5 years, which includes 12 college credits in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, social welfare, psychology, human services or other related behavioral/social sciences that provides the required knowledge, skills and ability to perform essential functions of this job.
Pass pre-employment drug screening.
Pass criminal background checks.
Pass Pennsylvania Childline clearance
PREA background check
Valid PA State Driver’s License
Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the day, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting and reaching as necessary to carry out job duties, throughout a correctional high-rise facility.
Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; and torso as necessary to carry out job duties.
Medium work with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of 25 pounds.
Must be able to cope with the physical, mental and emotional stress of the job.
Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
Maintain emotional stability during stressful situations.
Must be able to work in an environment that is not climate controlled.
Must be comfortable working with a diverse inmate population.

Nice To Haves

one (1) year or more of experience working in the correctional/criminal justice system is preferred.
Ability to work under normal conditions of the job.
Does not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of the individual or others in the workplace.
Ability to work with minimum supervision.
Ability to quickly learn new skills as required.
Other qualifications to the above that may be found acceptable and appropriate.
Use of a computer using software such as Jail Management systems and Microsoft Office to complete required daily responsibilities.

Responsibilities

Ability to build relationships, share information and work cooperatively with a variety of outside organizations with the goal of coordinating reentry services for inmates pre and post release.
Work cooperatively with Inmates, Treatment, Records, APPS Staff and Security to gain information which may assist in facilitating compliance with court ordered parole plans.
Be familiar with community resources to include eligibility criteria and assist service providers in the orientation/evaluation process of inmates.
Work with prison Administrations and service providers to establish programming goals; assist in maintaining computerized tracking tools to measure success of both internal and external programming.
Assist, as directed, using motivational interviewing techniques to draft reports related to inmate issues while maintaining the integrity of any/all investigations.
Complete all required follow up activities to include written reports when Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) related incidents are identified.
Forward all documentation to appropriate staff and administration.
Use basic case management/counseling techniques to assist inmates during orientation and acceptance into the LCP Reentry Program.
Perform, complete standardized inmate assessments as directed.
Follow all prison safety and security procedures.
Maintain institutional security and rehabilitative standards through classification guidelines.
Assist inmates, on assigned housing unit, with internal issues and those outside the institution that influence incarceration to include serving as liaison between inmates and a wide range of community volunteer programming and outside agencies such as Probation & Parole, Children & Youth, Public Defenders, private attorneys, etc.
Maintain communication between Prison, Probation & Parole, and community social service agencies by attending meetings and coordinating Individual Reentry Plans.
Encourage inmates on assigned caseload to participate in institutional and community-based self-improvement programs for the purpose of reentry into the community.
Provide instruction for programming related to treatment and/or reentry to increase inmate’s success when returning to the community.
Complete and maintain accurate records and reports regarding inmate's history, progress, and services provided.
Review and maintain accurate files of inmate behavioral history, update inmate behavioral, disciplinary, and program records using in-house computerized inmate management system.
Be accessible to inmates after release by scheduling days and times to meet with individuals at Probation & Parole, CareerLink or other locations as determined appropriate and necessary by prison administration.
Knowledge/usage of relevant equipment related to the security/law enforcement field including, but not limited to handcuffs, shackles, security belt, spit protective shield/net, metal detection devices, computer/mainstream computer software, weapons (lethal/less lethal), etc.… as approved by Administration.
Ability to use case management/counseling techniques to assist inmates with problem resolution.
Extensive interaction with inmate population required.
Assist other departments by supervising/coordinating additional programs as needed.
Attend all mandatory training (CPR, Suicide Prevention, etc.)
Serve as backup to other Inmate Services Department positions when vacancies occur due to vacation or medical leave.
Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
The percentage of time spent on essential duties will vary as the needs of the job require.
Must be able to escort inmates to all areas of the prison when required.
Comprehensive report writing skills required.