Community Support Specialist

Overview

At Community Resources for Justice we change lives and strengthen communities by advancing policy and delivering individualized services that promote safety, justice, and inclusion.

CRJ is a unique, 140 year old Boston-based nonprofit organization that provides direct care as well as research/consulting services within the areas of the Mental Health and the Criminial Justice field. Our three divisions, Social Justice Services, Community Strategies, and the Crime and Justice Institute are recognized for their effectiveness and contributions to this important work. 

Within Social Justice Services (SJS) we support men and women leaving incarceration and young adults with complex clinical needs to make positive, and sustainable life transitions. SJS provides residential and non-residential services and programming in addition to staff development opportunities for our workforce. As we aim on expanding our workforce as well as services to our clients we are hiring multiple Community Support Specialist's in our Boston programs all located within Boston proper. 

CRJ offers competetive pay and excellent benefits (Flexible scheduling, 401K with match, Tuition Reimbursement/Remission, Paid Time off (Vacation/Sick), Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HRA, Employee Perks, and much more.)

Responsibilities

The Community Support Specialist is responsible for ensuring resident accountability, guidance, and connections to community resources through various site checks and assisting residents to navigate in the community.

Functional Responsibilities:

• Provides guidance to residents on community maps, public transportation, and walking routes to appointments.
• Facilitates community tours for new residents.
• Organizes and facilitates community engagement and prosocial recreation for residents.
• Maintains contact with community programs with specific support services for women and elderly residents and maintains up-to-date log of available community resources
• Researches and develops community resources and programs according to each individual residents skills, interests, and experiences
• Completes on-site employment checks on residents and conducts and documents random car searches for contraband.
• Enforce all program and agency rules fairly and consistently. Document and report all incidents and report as required. Share information with other staff about assigned residents’ progress as appropriate.
• Attends staff meetings, trainings, and provides selected monthly reports and adhoc reports.

Qualifications

• AA/AS degree preferred, or minimum of six months relevant experience in corrections or human service setting.
• Experience working with elderly individuals, particularly those with early symptoms of Alzheimer’s and related diseases and symptoms such as dementia.
• Knowledge of FBOP Statement of Work as it relates to residents whose checks must be made.