Re-Entry Specialist - Pine Bluff, United States - Ambassadors For Christ

Description

Founded in 2006 as a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Ambassadors For Christ, Inc. is committed to providing multi-faceted mentoring and counseling programs to at-risk children and youth, and their families. AFC has touched the lives of more than 5,500 youth through its programs, giving them hope, encouragement, and better equipping them for success in life. AFC's mission is to inspire excellence and promote leadership to youth through mentoring, music and the performing arts in order to provoke positive change and enrichment in our community.

Because of our continued success and stability, AFC has become an employer of choice, offering our employees competitive salaries and a full array of benefits to include medical, dental, and life insurance, paid time-off, holiday pay, and a collaborative work environment.

We are presently seeking a full-time Reentry Support Specialist

Job Summary

The Reentry Support Specialist will provide intensive pre- and post-release case management services including intake, interviews and assessments of potential program participants, and orientation sessions to assure that participants are informed of activities and expectations to be provided while enrolled in the program.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• The Reentry Specialist will have the passion, knowledge and experience to implement and help grow the reentry team through peer support and case management for program graduates.
• Will provide intensive pre- and post-release case management services including intake, interviews and assessments of potential program participants, and orientation sessions to assure that participants are informed of activities and expectations to be provided while enrolled in the program; serving the same program participants pre- and post-release.
• Will develop IDP's and ensure that partner services linkages are provided that address barriers to employment, career exploration and planning, experience and skill matching counseling, assistance obtaining state identification required for employment, assistance with social services, and other services required to help participants transition back to their communities.
• Serve as a liaison between program participants, community organizations (i.e. transitional living facilities, parole officer) and family to ensure networks of support are communicating. Coordination will provide the best opportunity for success and lower the chance of recidivism.
• Build partnerships, utilize existing partnerships and serve as a liaison to other organizations and employers working on reentry efforts.
• Communicate with program participants to do wellness check-ins and progress updates on reentry and personal action plans.
• Facilitate classes focused on skills and topics necessary for successful re-entry (i.e. computer & internet basics, social media use, mindfulness, setting up banking accounts, etc).
• Collect and maintain accurate records in our database to monitor the progress of program participants which include case notes on well-being check-ins, reentry and personal action plans, milestone achievements, attendance records, class progress and employment verification.
• Participate in staff meetings to coordinate information on participants' release/parole dates, needs, and updates to the progress and well-being of participants.
• Performs other duties/responsibilities or special projects as necessary by supervisor

• Undergraduate degree in Social Work, Social Sciences, or related field of study; or equivalent work experience.
• Combination of training, education, or lived experience working/participating in a program or organization serving individuals who are system impacted
• Certified peer support specialist (preferred)
• Knowledge and/or experience of jail/prison environment and knowledge of the criminal justice system preferred
• Proficient in Salesforce (preferred)
• 2+ years of relevant work experience in the human services field (preferred)
• Entrepreneurial and innovative
• Demonstrate experience with the US job search process and the ability to effectively coach clients through the nuanced process of securing employment.
• Familiarity with the local job market is strongly preferred.
• Proven success in achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment.
• Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in Spanish is desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and online databases.
• Valid driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the willingness to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

• High School Diploma or GED required, Associates Degree preferred with coursework in Social Sciences, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology or related field
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Scrappy, adaptable,
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends