Community & Incarcerated Family Engagement Specialist

State of Utah Office of the Governor•Draper, UT

8d•$29 - $48•Onsite

About The Position

This specialist role develops engagement, trust, and communication among key groups, including incarcerated individuals, their families, inmate advocates, and community organizations. The position ensures transparency, accessibility, and meaningful collaboration to improve corrections operations and outcomes. As a core function of the Stakeholder Experience Team, this position is critical because it prioritizes incarcerated families, builds trust, and improves collaboration by facilitating community awareness programs that bridge the gap between the department and the community.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field or equivalent experience.
Three or more years of experience in correctional programs, community outreach, social services, or stakeholder engagement.

Nice To Haves

Experience working directly with incarcerated populations and their families.
Demonstrated experience facilitating public forums, listening sessions, or stakeholder committees.
Strong understanding of restorative justice practices and principles.
Experience in policy development, constituent services, or program management.
Proven ability to foster cross-divisional collaboration and build external partnerships.

Responsibilities

Maintain open communication channels with incarcerated individuals, families, victim advocates, and community organizations.
Organize public forums, listening sessions, and stakeholder committees to address concerns and gather feedback.
Inform stakeholders regarding departmental policies, programs, and services.
Supervise the Constituent Services specialist to manage and resolve correspondence.
Plan and manage family and stakeholder-related projects and programs.
Prepare project plans, recommendations, and findings reports.
Oversee family engagement programs, ensuring accessibility to information on visitation, inmate services, and the grievance process.
Manage services for handling complaints regarding facility conditions.
Respond to family or constituent concerns.
Enhance family reunification efforts through improved visitation policies, parenting support programs, and virtual communication options.
Provide enrichment opportunities, including educational programs, vocational workshops, and creative initiatives.
Oversee the Incarcerated Individual Advisory Committees at correctional facilities; track issues, resolutions, and survey results.
Facilitate ongoing support and communication for both inmates and their families.
Plan and manage community programs such as the Citizens Academy and the High School Career Opportunity Program.
Develop initiatives that engage the community in the mission and work of the UDC.
Monitor contracts with affiliated community groups.
Coordinate events to foster community involvement.
Foster external partnerships with philanthropic organizations, professional athletes, and other influential figures to enhance and enrich the lives of the incarcerated individuals and contribute to the goals of successful reentry and support institutional safety.
Process and review documentation for accuracy, completeness, and policy compliance.
Draft professional correspondence, reports, and other written materials.
Collaborate cross-divisionally with directors and chiefs to ensure alignment on stakeholder initiatives.