Re-Entry Coordinator

A Washington, DC Government Agency is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Reentry Specialist to support justice-involved individuals as they transition from incarceration back into the community. Working as an integral member of a defense team alongside attorneys, mitigation specialists, and investigators, the Reentry Specialist will develop individualized reentry plans and provide case management and resource coordination to individuals seeking release under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA), Compassionate Release, and the Parole Commission .

This contracted position operates under the general supervision of the Division Chief. The successful candidate will work with individuals who are currently incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, or under parole or probation supervision, helping them identify and access the resources necessary to successfully reintegrate into the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain an assigned caseload of justice-involved clients and provide ongoing case management and reentry support.
• Research, develop, and prepare individualized reentry plans based on each client's needs, circumstances, strengths, and available resources.
• Support individuals seeking release through the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act, Compassionate Release, and the Parole Commission.
• Attend court proceedings and parole hearings, both virtually and in person, as needed.
• Identify and coordinate access to community-based services and resources, including:
  • Housing and transitional housing
  • Employment, job readiness, and job placement services
  • Education and vocational training
  • Public benefits and other essential supports
  • Substance abuse education and treatment resources
  • Life skills and community-based services
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, family members, attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, parole agents, probation officers, program staff, and community agencies.
• Communicate regularly with clients and relevant stakeholders regarding reentry needs, progress, barriers, and available resources.
• Conduct research and gather information necessary to support comprehensive and realistic reentry plans.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records and documentation.
• Track client progress, service referrals, outcomes, and follow-up needs.
• Advocate for clients in accessing appropriate community resources and services.
• Collaborate with members of the defense team to ensure reentry considerations are incorporated into release planning and advocacy.
• Participate in meetings, case conferences, hearings, trainings, and other activities as required.
• Travel to courts, correctional facilities, community agencies, client residences, and other locations as necessary.
• Perform other duties related to reentry planning and client support as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Social Work, Counseling, Social Justice, or a related field .
• At least two years of professional experience in reentry work , or
• At least one year of internship experience in a public defender's office handling major felony cases .
• Demonstrated understanding of the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from incarceration to the community.
• Strong case management, communication, organization, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
• Ability to establish trusting, professional relationships with clients and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accurate and confidential records.
• Ability to work independently while also functioning effectively as part of a defense team.
• Ability and willingness to travel as required by the position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with justice-involved, incarcerated, or formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Experience developing reentry, release, transition, or case management plans.
• Experience working with parole or probation systems.
• Familiarity with public benefits, housing programs, employment services, education programs, substance use resources, and other community-based services.
• Experience working in a public defender's office, legal services organization, corrections setting, social service agency, or community-based organization.
• Knowledge of local community resources and service providers.
• Experience collaborating with attorneys, mitigation specialists, investigators, parole agents, probation officers, and other justice-system professionals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Client-centered approach: Ability to build rapport, establish trust, and support clients with dignity and respect.
• Case management: Ability to manage multiple clients, deadlines, referrals, and service needs effectively.
• Reentry planning: Ability to identify barriers to successful community reintegration and develop practical, individualized solutions.
• Resource navigation: Knowledge of or ability to research and connect clients with appropriate community services.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams and a broad network of justice-system and community partners.
• Organization: Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate case documentation.
• Judgment and discretion: Ability to handle sensitive and confidential client information appropriately.
• Adaptability: Ability to respond effectively to changing client needs, court schedules, and case priorities.

Work Environment

This is a one-year contracted position within a government agency. The position involves a combination of office-based, virtual, and community-based work. Some travel is required , including travel to courts, correctional facilities, parole hearings, client meetings, and community service providers.

The Reentry Specialist must be comfortable working in environments involving justice-involved individuals and navigating complex legal, social service, and community systems.

Compensation & Contract Information

Position Type: Contract
Contract Term: One year
Travel: Some travel required
Compensation: $70K-$75K