Re-entry Service Navigator

About the Role

Responsible for assisting in preparing inmates at three federal prisons within the Goodwill Keystone Area (GKA) territory for reentrance to the community through pre-release planning, training for employment, and other supportive services. The Re-entry Service Navigator will provide identified services, advocacy, and program referrals, and collaborate with community partners to locate other needed services to assist re-entrants in overcoming barriers to successful reentry.

Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility as service provider and advocate for any federal re-entrant releasing to any community within the GKA territory.
• Assists the Re-entry Education Manager in the development of an individualized pre-release plan for each re-entrant within GKA's territory by identifying specific resources in the community that meet the service needs as outlined in the plan.
• Secures and verifies information regarding the re-entrant's support system, family relationships, work history, and other pertinent personal, societal, and social factors prior to release.
• Assists with barrier remediation before and after the re-entrant release including employment, housing and transportation needs, securing identity documents, financial planning, technological literacy, supportive services, and referral needs.
• Demonstrates competency in delivering PA DOC's Pathway to Success curriculum, digital literacy, and other curriculum as assigned to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) reentrants.
• Demonstrates ability to make necessary adaptations to fit the population being served.
• Delivers job readiness and job retention instruction in a variety of basic methods to appeal to varying learning styles and abilities.
• Provides services in large-group, small-group, and one-on-one instruction.
• Works with RRC staff to assist with determination of eligibility for enrollment into the reSTARt Initiative.
• Facilitates the needs assessment system with RRC staff and implements needs assessments with participants.
• Develops individual service plans in collaboration with RRC staff for those eligible for the reSTARt initiative based on completed assessments.
• Provides support and stabilization services as prescribed by the individual service plan to participants.
• Implements activities related to the pre-release plan to ensure successful reentry into the community.
• Provides, or refers re-entrant to supportive services in all phases of re-entry, including but not limited to employment, healthcare, mental health treatment, housing, transportation, childcare, work attire, work-related tools, school supplies, education, training, and legal aid services, as needed.
• Delivers job readiness and job retention instruction in large groups, small groups, or one-on-one settings.
• Acts as a job coach and advocate while assisting re-entrant during job search, the hiring process, and employment; counsels re-entrants regarding work-related issues.
• Ensures the re-entrant's participation in the job club until attaining employment.
• Maintains open communication with team members to ensure wrap-around support and awareness of issues with re-entrants.
• Meets with staff to assist in implementing the work readiness curriculum.
• Monitors ongoing re-entrant progress post-release.
• Maintains compliance with project regulations, requirements, and performance outcomes and provides the required documentation to appropriate staff, agencies, and funding sources for all services and activities provided.
• Completes data input into a management information system and timely completion of all reporting requirements.
• Adheres to safety guidelines, policies, and security protocols established by the Bureau of Prisons and GKA and ensures program re-entrants do the same.
• Willingness to work in various corrections facilities.
• Promotes an environment of workplace safety by training and informing others regarding safety standards/precautions.
• Monitors safety and takes corrective action.
• Ensures that regulatory safety requirements are adhered to.
• Communicates progress, problems, and concerns to Re-entry Program Coordinator.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Services, Criminal Justice or related field; or a combination of education and experience to enable the individual to meet the standards and expectations of the position.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to administer assessments that will inform reentry planning.
• Ability to be trained in mental health first aid, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care.
• Ability to make public presentations.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening hours and weekends.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; comfortable with public speaking.
• Basic computer literacy including Microsoft and Google programs.
• Ability to independently organize work to completion.
• Must have a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and satisfactorily complete a motor vehicle check on an annual basis.
• Must be able to obtain acceptable results from required background checks, including Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal History Check, Department of Human Services - FBI Fingerprints, and Bureau of Prison background investigation.