Lead Human Services Worker Work Release Program

Lead Human Services Worker, Work Release Program, Hartford, CT

SALARY: $24.50 per hour ($50,960 annually)

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

One of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, Community Partners in Action (CPA) was founded nearly 150 years ago to champion criminal justice reform and advocate for preserving the dignity of those in and out of prison. Through our programs that include reentry and housing, youth initiatives, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration, we provide a long-term impact that positively transforms individuals and society at large. Annually serving over 4,000 individuals throughout Connecticut, our work is possible due to partnerships with and support from individuals, government, private funders, organizations, and businesses.

Join a mission-driven team working to advance equity, inclusion, systemic change, and criminal justice reform. We support our employees with comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off, and a workplace centered on well-being. Eligibility for the benefits below varies by work schedule.

• Health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees who work at least 25 hours per week; eligibility begins after 60 days of employment.
• Retirement: Eligibility to participate in the 401(k) plan after 60 days of employment.
• Employer-paid protection: Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage for employees who work at least 25 hours per week.
• Voluntary benefits: Critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance, prepaid legal services, personal accident insurance, supplemental short-term disability, and whole life insurance.
• Paid time off: Generous vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• Paid holidays: 13 paid holidays each year.
• Employee support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• Workplace culture: A supportive environment focused on employee health, wellness, and meaningful work.

CPA is guided by our BEDI ( B elonging, E quity, D iversity, and I nclusion) culture. WE ARE COMMITTED to building and maintaining an inclusive, equitable workplace and COMPELLED to have a constructive impact on criminal justice reform in CT that ends racial inequities and ensures the humanity and dignity of those interacting with the system. Read more about our BEDI culture at

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Our Work Release Program (WRP), currently funded by the CT Department of Correction (CT DOC/Department), provides residents with safe and secure housing, basic needs assistance, employment readiness and placement opportunities as well as the development of life and work skills essential to the promotion of self-reliance, responsibility, and accountability. 

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will have a High School diploma/GED, associate or bachelor's degree with three years of experience in human services; residential experience preferred. At least one year of experience supervising staff. Experience with justice involved clients with substance abuse, mental health or other behavior issues is also desirable. Ability to interact with multi-cultural populations; crisis management skills; shares the belief that people can change and individuals in need deserve quality services and an opportunity for recovery. Demonstrates trauma informed approaches and cultural responsiveness, models pro-social behavior. Must have a valid CT driver's license and reliable transportation. Ability to work weekends, holidays and additional hours as needed. Bilingual ability (Spanish/English) preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

• Commits to agency mission and program goals.
• Promote a culture of respect, empathy, mutual support, belonging and work to eliminate any unconscious bias or discrimination in our beliefs, rules and systems.
• Promote a culture of respect, empathy, mutual support, belonging and work to eliminate any unconscious bias or discrimination in our beliefs, rules and systems.
• Assists with orientation and training of new staff.
• In the absence of the Residential Manager, assumes the operational responsibilities of the program, including staff oversight.
• Relieves shift staff for breaks. Supervise and monitor resident activities in compliance with program policies, including morning wake-up and completion of resident chores. Ensure a safe and secure environment for all utilizing appropriate de-escalation and behavior motivation techniques.
• Serves as an advocate for all participants encouraging program participation and accountability.
• Proactively acts as a mediator when necessary to effectively resolve resident conflicts in a solution focused manner.
• Maintains professional boundaries with residents, staff, volunteers, family members/visitors and providers at all times.
• Serves as positive role model following program guidelines for professional conduct and code of ethics and maintain a professional image at all times when interacting with supervisors, staff, residents and visitors, or answering phones.
• Assists with meeting resident needs as necessary and appropriate.
• Possesses knowledge of and implements all agency/program policies and procedures governing facility operations including:
  • Key Controls
  • Hourly Rounds
  • Perimeter Searches
  • Random Room Searches
  • Monitoring of client locations and visitors
  • Emergency Procedures
  • Inspections
• Completes and/or ensures all Incident Reports are accurate and timely.
• Maintains shift log indicating incidents that occur, immediately reporting all incidents to Program Manager, Residential Manager or to on-call personnel. As required, complete incident reports.
• Ensure all visitors have proper identification prior to entering the facility.
• Searches all bags brought in or out of the facility, conducting pat and pocket searches on residential clients each time they enter the facility, unless escorted by staff.
• Conducts client intake/admission and orientation after hours.
• Conducts random drug testing and breathalyzers.
• Completes all necessary documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
• Must be familiar with universal precautions and related issues including risk of communicable diseases.
• Remains constantly alert during all shifts for any situation that may jeopardize the safety of residents, staff, visitors and/or the community.
• Engages in all staff meetings and trainings offered to enhance professional development (required/non-required).
• Regular, reliable attendance and timeliness are essential functions of this role.
• Performs all other duties as required.

An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Affirmative Action