Reentry Employment Specialist

GOODWILL CENTRAL COAST•Watsonville, CA

5d•$26 - $29

About The Position

The primary objective of this role is to empower individuals to obtain and retain employment while equipping them with the resources and knowledge necessary for long-term stability and self-sufficiency. The RES will work closely with clients, employers, and community organizations to create pathways to successful employment to reduce recidivism by providing comprehensive employment services, job placement assistance, and support services to justice-involved individuals in collaboration with the Santa Cruz County Probation Department and conduct in-custody instruction and facilitation of job readiness workshops inside of Santa Cruz County correctional facilities and throughout Santa Cruz County at designated locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in behavioral science or related field, or equivalent.
Valid California Class C driver’s license.
Three years’ experience working with the justice-involved population and/or working in coordination with courts, probation/parole.
Must be able to pass a background check and clearance into all correctional facilities.
Understanding of barriers faced by justice-involved participants.
Familiarity with Goodwill’s mission, general Company policies, and procedures (this may be learned on-the-job).
Thorough knowledge of and demonstrated proficiency in computer technology, including advanced recordkeeping software, state-of-the-art Internet job search techniques, and software programs.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
Ability to understand and comply with the protocols and state and federal program requirements related to workforce development and social services programs.
Ability to understand and follow Goodwill Central Coast’s Standard Operating Procedures.
Ability to understand and follow Goodwill Central Coast’s Code of Ethics.
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of individual clients in terms of cultural diversity, physical limitations, economic hardship, learning disabilities, or any other areas of difference or barriers to employment that participants may have.
Ability to demonstrate understanding of the entire operations of the One Stop center and ability to work across functions as needed to ensure both the optimal delivery of services to the public and a supportive work environment.
Ability to demonstrate flexibility in service delivery times, including being available to attend community events or offer services during the evenings and weekends as determined to be in the best interest of serving the needs of the community.
Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Ability to understand others’ feelings and personal viewpoints.
Ability to organize and utilize time effectively to coordinate client schedules, staffing, and report writing duties.
Ability to reason, make generalizations, evaluations, and decisions based on both sensory/judgmental and measurable/verifiable criteria.
Ability to understand and follow program-specific policies and procedures.
Ability to drive a vehicle in the transaction of company business. This requires a good driving record and may require the ability to provide evidence of personal vehicle liability insurance.
Ability to adhere to safe work practices as documented in Company policies; ability to report safety hazards/accidents promptly to supervisor or safety committee member.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Ability to communicate in basic Spanish desirable.

Responsibilities

Contact program referrals to determine an individual’s interest in the program.
Facilitate job readiness workshops in-custody and support post-release with job search, such as resume writing, job search techniques, and mock interviews.
Prepare teaching materials for each workshop session.
Provide group instruction in a way that allows everyone to be engaged and productive.
Develop and implement individualized vocational services assessments, employment plans, and program referrals for each client, tailored to their unique needs and circumstances.
Provide in-person and remote career counseling, offering guidance on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation.
Assist clients in job placement opportunities post-release, leveraging partnerships with local employers and community organizations.
Identify and cultivate relationships with potential employers who are open to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds.
Provide ongoing support and follow-up with both clients and employers to ensure successful job placements and retention.
Advocate for clients’ needs and facilitate connection to other community resources and/or internal programs when appropriate.
Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of workshop attendance, client interactions, progress, and services provided.
Generate and distribute case management status reports to Probation when needed.
Maintain close contact with referring agents and facilitate communication regarding participant progress.
Assists in the preparation of grant reports and accounts for expenditure of funds.
Ensure compliance with all funding and program requirements.