REENTRY PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas•Bentonville, AR

1d•$21 - $0

About The Position

The Reentry Program Specialist helps people facing disadvantages, particularly justice-involved individuals and veterans, become self-sufficient through services that support successful community reintegration. The role supports participants in the 16-week, paid Reentry and Transition Employment Opportunity (TEO) Program, helping them build soft skills and gain on-the-job experience with the goal of finding gainful employment. The specialist provides intensive case management, teaches relevant curriculum, conducts individual meetings, and supports participants throughout the program. The position works with an interdisciplinary team and community providers to help participants identify and pursue social, vocational, and life-skills goals. It also includes intake and needs assessments, service planning, referrals, discharge planning, crisis intervention, and required case documentation. The role maintains participant privacy and complies with HIPAA, funding, and accreditation requirements.

Requirements

Education and experience equivalent to four years of high school, specialized training equivalent to two years of college, and three years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination.
At least three years of experience in public service or social services.
Valid driver's license, motor vehicle record (MVR), and cleared background.
Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and policy or procedure manuals, and to present information effectively and respond to questions.
Intermediate skills in alphanumeric data entry, contact management, databases, payroll systems, presentation software, spreadsheets, and word processing or typing.
Willingness to learn about and respect the needs of people with mental illness or disabilities.
Good organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills.
Good written and oral communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively before groups.
Ability to work effectively with people from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, including justice-involved individuals, veterans, and public officials.
Knowledge of client privacy rights and HIPAA requirements.
Ability to accept and follow oral and written instructions and materials.
Awareness of confidentiality, professional ethics, and codes of conduct.
Ability to travel throughout the designated region as required.
Ability to access Department of Corrections facilities or military installations throughout the designated region as required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree.
Knowledge of the criminal justice system or experience working with formerly incarcerated people or people in addiction recovery.
Knowledge of veteran support services or experience working with veterans.

Responsibilities

Provide intensive case management as part of an interdisciplinary team, helping participants identify and make choices about social, vocational, and life-skills goals that support community reintegration.
Design and facilitate pre- and post-transition educational and training programs, including life skills, financial management, public assistance eligibility, socialization, parenting, career development, occupational skills, and personal safety.
Facilitate participant intake, complete needs assessments and interest inventories, develop Individual Service Plans, and complete financial analyses to support paths to self-sufficiency.
Provide information and referrals for services not provided by the agency, while maintaining professional and ethical boundaries.
Develop knowledge of and relationships with community service providers, including collaborating agencies, probation and parole, courts, human services, child support, substance-use and mental-health agencies, housing providers, legal aid, schools, and faith-based groups.
Maintain relationships with family members, residential providers, funders, and other internal and external contacts to ensure resources are available to participants.
Protect client privacy and comply with HIPAA, funding, and accreditation requirements, including CARF.
Facilitate discharge planning and follow-up when participants transfer to other agencies or community programs.
Facilitate or coordinate staff in-service training and related support services when needed, including involving successful program participants as presenters and mentors.
Complete required daily and weekly case notes and other progress reports.
Provide crisis intervention, support responsible behavior, and encourage participant engagement in services outlined in Individual Service Plans.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.