REENTRY PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas•Springdale, AR

1d•$21 - $0

About The Position

The Reentry Program Specialist assists people facing disadvantages, particularly justice-involved people and veterans, in becoming self-sufficient through services intended to create solutions and support successful reintegration. The role works with participants in the reentry and Transition Employment Opportunity (TEO) Program, a 16-week paid program for people with military service and felony backgrounds. The specialist helps participants build soft skills and gain on-the-job experience, with the goal of obtaining gainful employment. The specialist provides intensive case management, teaches relevant curricula, conducts individual meetings, and supports participants throughout the program. The role also involves coordinating with an interdisciplinary team and community service providers, developing Individual Service Plans, facilitating training and referrals, maintaining required documentation, and supporting participants through transitions and crises. The position requires travel throughout the designated region and access to Department of Corrections facilities or military installations as required.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in public service or social services.
Education and experience equivalent to four years of high school, specialized training equal to two years of college, and three years of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination.
Valid driver’s license, acceptable 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 from groups and individuals.
Intermediate skills in alphanumeric data entry, contact management, databases, payroll systems, presentation software, spreadsheets, and word processing/typing.
Willingness to learn about and respect the needs of people with mental illness or disabilities.
Good organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize.
Good written and oral communication skills and the ability to speak effectively before groups.
Ability to work effectively with people from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, including justice-involved people, 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 and access Department of Corrections facilities or military installations as required.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Provide intensive case management with an interdisciplinary team to help participants identify and pursue social, vocational, and life-skills goals that support community reintegration.
Design and facilitate pre- and post-transition education and training tailored to participants’ needs, including life skills, financial management, public assistance eligibility, socialization, parenting, career development, occupational skills, and personal safety.
Facilitate intake for new referrals; complete needs assessments and interest inventories; develop Individual Service Plans; and conduct financial analyses and plans supporting participants’ paths to self-sufficiency.
Provide information and referrals for services not offered by the agency, maintaining professional and ethical boundaries with participants and community stakeholders.
Build knowledge of and relationships with community service providers, including collaborating agencies, probation and parole, courts, human services, child support, substance abuse 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 requirements, and accreditation requirements such as CARF.
Facilitate discharge planning and follow-up when transferring participants to other agencies and 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, help participants develop responsible behaviors, and provide ongoing support to encourage engagement with services in their Individual Service Plans.
Perform other related duties as required or assigned.