Lead Reentry Navigator

The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment General Summary: The Supportive Reentry Network Collaborative (SRNC) is a comprehensive reentry model that assists individuals returning from incarceration. The SRNC team of navigators addresses immediate needs while supporting long-term well-being in all aspects of a participant’s life. The lead reentry navigator provides direct support to reentry navigators under the supervision of the reentry navigator manager. They will manage a small caseload and lead care-coordination meetings with internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, the lead reentry navigator will conduct outreach at community events and serve as the primary point of contact to raise awareness of the SRNC. Satisfactorily pass all relevant screening and criminal background checks. Performance Results Description The Position is performed correctly when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values. Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity, and Evidence-Based Innovation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Stakeholder Interface and Service Run training sessions for Reentry Navigators focused on professional growth and improving client services. Regularly review participant files and data to ensure all documentation is accurate and meets program eligibility requirements. Step in to provide coverage for Reentry Navigators to ensure consistent service delivery across all programs. Support manager with monthly integrative staffing meetings, ensuring referral notes are updated in real-time and communicating updates clearly to the Navigator team. Use Salesforce (or other internal databases) to register participants, track community partner connections, and assist with data entry for monthly reports. Conduct initial assessments to identify a participant’s immediate and short-term needs. Ensure all new referrals are contacted and processed within 24-48 hours. Connect participants to medical care, behavioral health services, and emergency housing immediately upon their release. Maintain a reduced caseload, modeling the high standard of care expected from the entire Navigator team. Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment Collaborate with participants to develop personalized service plans, assisting them in navigating different systems of care and conducting monthly reviews to monitor progress. Help participants identify and overcome external obstacles that hinder their progress toward the goals in their service plans. Offer dedicated advocacy for individuals navigating reentry, especially those at high risk for community violence or homelessness. Manage the application process for Medicaid and SNAP and assist participants with coverage renewals or restoring lapsed benefits. Address emergent needs by linking participants to vital services, including healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and legal aid. Tracking, Documentation, and Reporting Collaborate with the operations team to oversee participant files and make sure all documentation is accurate, complete, and current in real-time. Track and record all staff training acknowledgments and professional certifications to keep the team up to date. Maintain strict compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and all other state and federal privacy laws to protect participant information. Make sure all contract requirements and reports are accurately completed and submitted on time. Follow all organizational standards, including achieving set productivity targets and service quality benchmarks. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Proven ability to oversee projects from beginning to end, including creating and leading workshops or educational programs. Initiative & Prioritization: Self-motivated leader capable of handling multiple assignments, meeting tight deadlines, and independently organizing workflows. Problem Solving: Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to troubleshoot issues and make sound decisions under pressure. Subject Matter Expertise: Thorough knowledge of reentry best practices, including the unique challenges faced by individuals returning from incarceration. Resource Knowledge: Familiarity with community resources for returning citizens and the public benefits landscape in Illinois (such as Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs). Experience navigating the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) website and using the "Manage My Case" functions. Communication & Relationship Building Ability to professionally represent the organization while establishing genuine rapport with participants from various backgrounds and cultures. Proficient in active listening and clearly communicating complex information to staff and external stakeholders. Strong cultural competency and ability to engage effectively with diverse personalities and organizations. Shows success in developing relationships and managing complex care systems for people facing systemic barriers. Skilled at keeping precise participant records and adhering to all documentation standards. Hands-on experience and self-sufficiency with Microsoft productivity tools, including Outlook (for email), Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and online collaboration tools (video conferencing, Zoom/Teams, messaging). Willingness to travel to various program locations and adapt to schedule changes, including providing evening or weekend support when needed. Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree in social work, Psychology, or a related field is required. A minimum of two years' experience in case management within a social service environment is required. A minimum of two years' experience working with justice-involved individuals, people impacted by the legal system, or residents of underserved communities. A minimum of one year of experience in behavioral health, mental health services, or health-related social services. Knowledge of trauma-informed care, substance use recovery supports, and health-related social needs. Licenses and/or Certifications: Not required. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship. Safer Pathways is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas, including H-1B, TN, E-3, or other employment-based visas. Additional Information: Safer Pathways Center is committed to fair chance employment and to considering applicants based on their qualifications and ability to perform the role. Certain positions, however, are subject to mandatory screening and eligibility requirements under state or federal law that may affect an individual’s eligibility for a particular role. Criminal history or other information identified through a required background screening does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Applicants will be informed of applicable screening requirements and will have an opportunity to review and address potentially disqualifying information before a final employment decision is made, consistent with applicable law. Work Location & Residency Requirement This is a hybrid position based out of our Chicago office, with a required in-office schedule. Employees in this role must live in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, or Michigan at the time of hire and keep their residency in one of these states throughout employment. Employees must also be able to report to the office location on all required in-office days. Safer Foundation is not set up to employ staff in other states, so we cannot consider candidates who live outside these four states. Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans No Phone Calls Please Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Safer Foundation