Lead Case Manager - Inmate Reentry and Education

Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 2026-01304-E
Department: Detention Support Services Bureau
Opening Date: 05/28/2026
Closing Date: 6/12/2026 12:59 AM Central


POSITION OVERVIEW
The Lead Case Manager - Inmate Reentry and Education is responsible for overseeing day-to-day case management operations within the Inmate Reentry and Education program. This position provides direct supervision, coaching, support, and quality assurance for a team of four Case Managers and one Dignity staff member while also ensuring residents receive comprehensive, individualized, gender-responsive, trauma-informed, and reentry-focused services.

The Lead Case Manager supports the development and implementation of screening, assessment, care planning, in-jail service coordination, court navigation support, and structured transition planning. This position ensures case management services are delivered consistently, ethically, and in alignment with agency policies, jail procedures, PREA standards, confidentiality requirements, and program goals.

The Lead Case Manager works collaboratively with correctional staff, reentry staff, medical and behavioral health professionals, legal partners, courts, program providers, community agencies, and institutional leadership to promote safety, stability, dignity, rehabilitation, and successful reentry for residents.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Supervision

• Provide daily leadership, guidance, and support to a team of four Case Managers and one Dignity staff member.
• Assign, monitor, and balance caseloads to ensure equitable distribution of work and timely service delivery.
• Conduct regular individual and team check-ins to review resident needs, case progress, barriers, and service coordination.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development support to case management staff.
• Support staff in navigating complex cases, crises, court-related needs, and reentry barriers.
• Promote a team culture rooted in accountability, dignity, collaboration, professionalism, and resident-centered care.
• Assist leadership with onboarding, training, and orientation of new case management and dignity staff.

Program Coordination and Implementation

• Support the implementation of reentry, education, dignity, and stabilization initiatives within the jail setting.
• Coordinate daily case management workflows to ensure residents are screened, assessed, and connected to appropriate services.
• Help develop and maintain consistent procedures for intake, care planning, reentry planning, documentation, and warm handoffs.
• Identify gaps in services, barriers to implementation, and opportunities for program improvement.
• Collaborate with leadership to strengthen reentry pathways, educational opportunities, dignity-based supports, and community partnerships.
• Participate in program planning, evaluation, and quality improvement efforts.

Screening, Assessment, and Care Planning Oversight

• Ensure Case Managers conduct timely screenings and assessments to identify residents' strengths, needs, risk factors, protective factors, and goals.
• Review individualized care plans to ensure they are complete, appropriate, resident-centered, and responsive to identified needs.
• Ensure care plans address in-jail programming, behavioral health and medical needs, education and employment goals, legal and court-related needs, reentry planning, safety planning, and community stabilization.
• Guide staff on complex care planning needs, including relapse prevention, housing safety, family reunification, and victim safety considerations.
• Monitor whether care plans are reviewed and updated consistently in collaboration with residents.

Case Management Support

• Provide direct case management support as needed, particularly for high-need, complex, or priority cases.
• Support Case Managers in connecting residents to in-jail programs, treatment services, educational opportunities, vocational resources, and internal supports.
• Ensure residents receive consistent contact, follow-up, coaching, and support throughout incarceration and transition planning.
• Assist staff in resolving service access barriers and coordinating with internal and external partners.
• Support residents and staff in navigating behavioral health, medical, substance use, parenting, housing, employment, education, and stabilization needs.

Reentry and Transition Planning

• Ensure reentry planning begins at intake or as early as possible.
• Oversee the development of structured, individualized reentry plans that include housing stabilization, employment and education pathways, behavioral health and medical continuity of care, benefits navigation, family reunification when appropriate, and community-based treatment coordination.
• Coordinate and monitor warm handoffs to community providers before release.
• Support staff in preparing documentation for court, probation, parole, release planning, or supervision requirements.
• Assist with the coordination of reentry support groups, transition-focused programming, and skill-building workshops.
• Help strengthen partnerships with housing providers, workforce organizations, treatment providers, educational institutions, and community-based organizations.

Criminal Justice Navigation and Advocacy

• Support staff in helping residents understand court processes, charges, supervision requirements, and release conditions within the appropriate scope and without providing legal advice.
• Coordinate with defense attorneys, prosecutors, probation/parole officers, court personnel, and other legal partners when appropriate.
• Review and support preparation of case summaries, service updates, or documentation to assist court-informed decision-making when appropriate.
• Advocate for appropriate service referrals, diversion opportunities, treatment pathways, and stabilization supports when available.

Dignity Services Oversight

• Supervise and support the Dignity staff member responsible for resident dignity, basic needs, and stabilization-related supports.
• Coordinate access to dignity-based resources such as clothing, hygiene, documentation support, family connection resources, release preparation items, and other approved supports.
• Ensure dignity services are integrated with case management and reentry planning.
• Promote respectful, humane, and trauma-informed interactions with residents.
• Identify recurring dignity-related needs and report trends to leadership for planning and resource development.

Documentation, Compliance, and Quality Assurance

• Review case documentation for accuracy, timeliness, completeness, HIPAA confidentiality, and compliance with agency expectations.
• Ensure Case Managers complete required assessments, care plans, progress notes, reports, referrals, and data tracking.
• Monitor adherence to jail policies, PREA standards, confidentiality laws, ethical guidelines, and program procedures.
• Track service delivery, resident outcomes, staff productivity, and program performance indicators as assigned.
• Prepare reports, summaries, and updates for leadership as needed.
• Identify documentation trends, training needs, or compliance concerns and address them promptly with staff and leadership.

Collaboration and Liaison Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary liaison between the case management team and correctional staff, behavioral health providers, medical staff, legal partners, courts, community-based organizations, housing providers, employment partners, and institutional leadership.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and ensure relevant updates are communicated to staff.
• Build and maintain partnerships that support resident rehabilitation, stabilization, dignity, and successful reentry.
• Represent the case management team in meetings, planning sessions, and collaborative initiatives as assigned.
• Promote clear communication, shared problem-solving, and coordinated service delivery across systems.

Counseling, Support, and Crisis Response

• Provide supportive counseling and coaching within the scope of practice.
• Guide staff in using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and gender-responsive approaches.
• Support the development of safety plans in response to risks such as self-harm, relapse, unsafe relationships, housing instability, or other identified concerns.
• Respond to crises in coordination with correctional, medical, and behavioral health staff.
• Assist with de-escalation, conflict resolution, and stabilization efforts when appropriate.

Institutional and Program Support

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, supervision, and leadership briefings.
• Support institutional efforts aligned with rehabilitation, education, reentry, dignity, and resident stability.
• Help ensure the case management team contributes to a safe, respectful, and professional jail environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Public Health, Counseling, Education, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in case management, behavioral health, corrections, reentry services, human services, community-based services, or related field.
• Knowledge of reentry systems, court processes, jail operations, behavioral health systems, public benefits, housing systems, and community resource networks.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team, manage competing priorities, and coordinate services in a correctional environment.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed, gender-responsive, strengths-based, and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to review documentation, monitor compliance, and support quality improvement efforts.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and respond calmly to high-stress situations.
• Ability to work effectively with correctional staff, residents, clinical providers, legal partners, community agencies, and leadership.

PREFERENCES
The following qualifications are not mandatory but may be given additional consideration:

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Public Administration, Education, Public Health, or related field.
• Licensed or license-eligible clinician, such as LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LCDC, or related credential, where applicable.
• Two years of lead, supervisory, coaching, training, or program coordination experience.
• Prior supervisory or lead worker experience.
• Experience working with vulnerable, justice-involved, incarcerated, or reentry populations.
• Experience developing or implementing reentry, diversion, education, behavioral health, dignity, or stabilization programs.
• Experience facilitating groups, staff training, or multidisciplinary meetings.
• Knowledge of benefits navigation, housing systems, workforce development, education pathways, and community-based treatment resources.
• Experience coordinating care across systems, including corrections, courts, behavioral health, housing, employment, and community services.
• Bilingual skills preferred.

GENERAL INFORMATION
Work Environment

• Work is performed in a secure jail environment.
• Regular interaction with incarcerated individuals.
• Frequent collaboration with correctional officers, medical and behavioral health providers, legal partners, community agencies, and institutional leadership.
• May involve exposure to high-stress situations, crisis intervention needs, and complex resident circumstances.
• Must be able to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and composure in a correctional setting.

Physical Demands

This role is sedentary; however, the ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds is required to move files and/or boxes of documents, etc.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary based on the department's business needs.

Equal Opportunity Statement
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
BENEFITS

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as a defined benefit retirement plan.
The following list of benefits is offered only to employees in regular (full-time) positions:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Life Insurance
• Long-term disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year for the first five (5) years of service. Accrual rates increase based on years of service.
• 10 county holidays plus one (1) floating holiday
• Paid Parental Leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are also available to regular (full-time) employment and may be available to part-time employees:

• Retirement pension (TCDRS)
  • Flexible schedules (varies by department)
    • Transportation Assistance (Metro RideSponsor Program)

In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, Group Health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County benefits website:
01


What is the highest level of education you have completed in a specific field related to the area of assignment as it pertains to this position? Please select from below.

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Public Health, Counseling, Education, or related field.
• Not Applicable

02


Which of the following best describes your years of progressively responsible experience in case management, behavioral health, corrections, reentry services, human services, community-based services, or related field?

• Five (5) years, but less than six (6) years
• Six (6) years, but less than seven (7) years
• Seven (7) years or more
• Not Applicable

03


Do any of the following pertain to you as it relates to this position?Select all that apply.

• Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Public Administration, Education, Public Health, or related field.
• Licensed or license-eligible clinician, such as LCSW, LPC, LMFT, LCDC, or related credential, where applicable.
• Prior supervisory or lead worker experience.
• Two years of lead, supervisory, coaching, training, or program coordination experience.
• Experience developing or implementing reentry, diversion, education, behavioral health, dignity, or stabilization programs.
• Experience facilitating groups, staff training, or multidisciplinary meetings.
• Knowledge of benefits navigation, housing systems, workforce development, education pathways, and community-based treatment resources.
• Experience coordinating care across systems, including corrections, courts, behavioral health, housing, employment, and community services.
• Bilingual skills.
• Experience working with vulnerable, justice-involved, incarcerated, or reentry populations.
• Not Applicable

04


Employees of the Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) are exposed to confidential and law enforcement sensitive information. A thorough background investigation is required to properly evaluate the suitability of applicants for employment. For this reason, it is essential that you provide accurate information in all aspects of the process. The process will end for applicants who fail to provide truthful information. The following questions address information required to start the pre-qualifying requirements of the recruitment process. All information obtained herein will be used for purposes of initiating a background investigation only. Additional questionnaires will be required at later stages of the application process. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin or disability.

• I have read the above statement and understand that by submitting this application I agree to be subject to a background investigation including but not limited to education, employment, driving record, criminal history, financial responsibility, or any such areas of investigation deemed reasonable and justifiable for purpose of employment with the HCSO.

05


Please provide your full name (Last Name, First Name, Middle Name (no initials)
06


Please provide your date of birth. (MM/DD/YYYY)
07


Please select your age range below. (As of today)

• 21 years or older
• 18 to 20 years old
• 17 or younger

08


Please Provide your Social Security Number (SSN)
09


Which of the following citizenship status apply to you?

• United States Citizen (Born or Naturalized)
• Permanent Resident (Legally authorized to live and work in the United States)
• None of the above

10


Please provide your place of birth (city, county, state, and country)
11


Do you have a valid driver's license? NOTE: A Texas issued driver's license is required prior to start date.

• Valid driver's license
• State issued ID card
• None of the above

12


Please provide your current driver's license or state-issued ID number, state, and expiration date. If you do not have a driver's license please enter N/A.
13


Have you ever been employed with a law enforcement agency or correctional facility in any position?

• Currently Employed
• Previously Employed
• Never been employed at a law enforcement agency or correctional facility

14


If yes, please list of ALL Law Enforcement and/or Correctional facilities where you have worked (provide the name of the facility, address and years employed). Type "N/A" if not applicable
15


If you have worked at a law enforcement agency or correctional facility, have you ever been terminated, resigned in lieu of termination, or resigned while under investigation?

• Yes
• No
• Not Applicable

16


If yes, please explain (provide details): Type "N/A" if not applicable
17


Have you ever....? Please select all that apply.

• Been Convicted of a felony
• Been accused/charged with a felony that was dismissed, received deferred adjudication and/or probation
• Been convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, or the equivalent
• Been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, or the equivalent within the last 10 years
• Been convicted of a Class B misdemeanor, or the equivalent over 10 years ago from today's date
• Been accused/charged with a Class B misdemeanor or equivalent that was dismissed, received deferred adjudication and/or probation
• Been dishonorably discharged from the United States armed forces
• None of the above

18


Please explain your answer below. Include the type of offense, date charged and date of discharge.Type "N/A" if not applicable
19


The Harris County Sheriff's Office has a strict policy on drug usage. If selected you will be required to take a pre-employment drug screening. All HCSO employees are also subject to random drug testing during the course of their employment. Please answer the following drug use related questions truthfully, the admittance of past drug use will not necessarily prevent you from future employment with the HCSO.

• I acknowledge the HCSO has a strict drug use policy and that I will be subjected to a drug screening at some point in the recruitment process.

20


Have you ever sold/distributed illegal substances? (e.g. marijuana, prescription drugs, crack, meth, etc.)

• Yes
• Never

21


If you answered yes, please explain what kind of illegal substance you sold/distributed and the date you last did. If you answered "never", please type N/A.
22


In the last year, May 2025 - May 2026, have you used any form of marijuana?

• Yes
• No

23


How many times have you used a prescription drug not prescribed to you?

• Once
• 2 or 3 times
• 4 or 5 times
• 6 or 7 times
• 8 or 9 times
• 10 or more times
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Never

24


When was the last possible date that you used a prescription drug not prescribed to you? Provide a specific date or at least month and year Type "N/A" if not applicable
25


Have you ever used any of the following drugs? (Select all that apply)

• Speed (Crystal meth, meth, crank, etc.)
• Cocaine
• LSD
• X.T.C. (Ecstasy)
• Heroine
• Steroids
• Opium
• Other illegal substances
• None of the above

26


If yes, please list the substance used and last possible date (day, month, year) you used any form of illegal drugs. Type "N/A" if not applicable
27


Have you ever been an officer, a member or made a contribution to an organization that advocates or practices the commission of acts of force or violence to discourage others from exercising their rights under the United States Constitution or rights granted by law?

• Yes
• No

28


If yes, please explain your involvement and provide the name of the organization, location, your position and how long you have been/were a member of the organization. Type "N/A" if not applicable
29


An Applicant must be willing to accept any assignment or shift within the Sheriff's Office, to include working on weekends and holidays, as well as additional shifts as needed. Are you willing to work any shift or hours assigned to you?

• Yes
• No

30


Submitting a complete application is the key to successful recruitment. Please read the following requirements carefully and ensure you have provided/documented all required information. 1) Complete employment history is required to be eligible for consideration. Your application's "Employment History" section must include all work history for the past 7 years or all available work history if you have been working for less than 7 years. Begin with your current (or most recent) job. Include full-time, part-time, temporary, seasonal, military assignments and unpaid internships. Periods of unemployment between jobs should also be listed. Type "Unemployed" in the employer's box and list the dates you were unemployed. 2) Complete education history is required. The "Education History" section must list all High Schools attended, as well as all Colleges or Universities if applicable. List name of the school, location (city and state), and dates attended. SUBMITTING AN INCOMPLETE APPLICATION WILL CAUSE DELAYS IN PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION OR EVEN DISQUALIFICATION.

• I have reviewed my application and verified I have completed all required "Employment History" on this application.
• I have reviewed my application and verified I have completed all required "Education History" on this application.

Required Question