Reentry Case Manager

Job Title Are you seeking a position that allows you to have a meaningful impact? Are you a supporter of giving people second chances? Do you wish to contribute by offering resources and opportunities to those encountering challenges or facing barriers? Would you like to play a crucial part in enhancing someone's future? If the answer is yes, then this position is perfect for you! Primarily responsible for a caseload of clients returning to their community from prison, jail, and/or probation/parole, as well as individuals with a criminal history in need of services as they face barriers to their successful reentry. This position will assist clients in making a successful transition back into the community and will coordinate the delivery of services to support the client's reentry based on assessed needs. This position will also provide guidance and support, enhance client participation in the planning process, develop a plan of action, monitor client progress, and ensure the continuity of services before and after release. Work is performed under the general supervision of the Diversion & Advocacy Program Director with some leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work and in making decisions regarding client needs and requests. Essential Functions Meets with clients in prison, jail, or in the community; Ensures the client understands the role of the Case Manager and Council; Ensures the client is assessed for risks and needs with an evidence-based tool; Identifies and refers the client to resources in the community, including but not limited to, medical and mental health treatment, employment training, assistance and supplies, education needs, housing assistance, substance abuse treatment, and other appropriate supports; Schedules appointments with providers; Assists and verifies client attendance and participation; Works with other community and programming partners to assist the client; Develops a professional and supportive alliance with the client; Address identified concerns promptly; Documents case management contacts; Prioritizes referrals based on re-entry needs; Establishes goals and/or targets of change that are agreed upon by the client and those responsible for their treatment and transition; Inputs/tracks all client data and services provided utilizing files and automated systems as required by the county and NC Department of Public Safety; Establishes and maintains working professional relationships with previously incarcerated individuals, co-workers, reentry providers, and the Local Reentry Council members; Presents information, as needed, to the Local Reentry Council and community stakeholders; Adheres to the department's safety rules and regulations; Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, Microsoft Word, calendars, e-mail, and database software in performing work assignments; Performs other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Human Services, or a closely related field; or High School Diploma or GED and two years of work experience in the area of case management, peer support, or advocacy experience for individuals facing barriers to reentry or counseling for justice-involved populations. NC Peer Support Specialist Certification preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of techniques of supportive case management, counseling, and interviewing; Knowledge of correctional programs, criminal justice reform, and reentry issues and reentry supports; Knowledge of services available to individuals from the community and other public and private programs; Ability to gather, assess, and evaluate information from records and other sources to develop a social history; Ability to develop, implement, coordinate, and supervise a program within the framework of policies and procedures developed by the Local Reentry Council Coordinator and Criminal Justice Resource Department; Ability to make clear and concise reports, both written and oral; Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing; Ability to organize and consolidate information, maintain records, prepare reports, and complete assignments accurately and timely; Ability to relate well to others under stressful conditions; Ability to read and understand moderately complex written information; Ability to specialize in the use of office automation equipment (including software) and act as a resource to others; Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendars, e-mail, and database software; Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness, and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, law enforcement, court officials, department heads, peers, associates, and the general public. Physical Requirements This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, speaking, hearing and repetitive motions, frequently requires touching or feeling and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing, balancing, reaching, pushing, pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; work requires vocal communication to express or exchange ideas orally; work requires hearing to perceive information at normal spoken levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work is generally performed in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic). This work encounters emotional stress due to the nature of the interactions with clients or service providers. Irate clients and/or family members may be hostile, resistant, or violent. This position is safety-sensitive. Special Requirements Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license. Must demonstrate the willingness to advocate for individuals facing barriers to reentry and have an interest in reentry work and a commitment to supporting individuals who have been formerly incarcerated or face barriers due to criminal records. Chatham County is fully committed to equal employment opportunity (EEO) principles and issues this anti-discrimination/EEO compliance clause to support and maintain employee's rights and responsibilities relating to equal employment. The core of equal employment opportunity is the right to work and advance on the basis of merit, ability, and potential, free from prejudice or discrimination. In accordance with the applicable anti-discrimination statutes, executive orders, and other authorities, Chatham County protects employees against discrimination, to the fullest extent of law, on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, whistleblower activity, parental status, and military service (past, present, or future), and against retaliation for participation in EEO activity or opposition to discrimination.