Offender Reentry Specialist

To assist persons under the supervision of the Department of Corrections who have barriers to employment to become and remain employed, by performing a variety of liaison functions with the client, employers and the State of Vermont, Agency of Human Services (HireAbility, Economic Services, Department of Corrections) within an assigned geographic area.

Provide direct assistance to job seekers:

· Interview and evaluate individuals to assess vocational skill and eligibility for job openings

· Arrange industry/skill specific training opportunities both for groups and individuals

· Assist in development of resumes, job seeking skills, and interviewing skills

· Arrange for interviews or furnish with job leads

· Check references

· Coordinate placement support such as trainers, interpreters and readers as appropriate

· Arrange assessment and networking interviews with employers

Serve as liaison with Dept of Corrections (DOC), HireAbility (HA) and other State agencies involved in direct assistance to people with barriers to employment: Provide information on employers’ hiring follow-up and job demands, coordinate job referrals, placement and follow up.

Prepare a variety of reports documenting activities of the job seekers and employers contacted on their behalf. Meet with the local DOC representative as needed to discuss job seeker and employer activities.

Participate in a variety of VABIR and inter-agency staff and committee meetings to plan, evaluate and coordinate programs, services, and activities.

Serve as a liaison with area employers:

· Develop and maintain contacts with community businesses in order to acquaint them with VABIR services, learn area hiring practices, job requirements, required skills/training, local business trends, special employment problems and communicate these back to job seekers and rehabilitation agencies

· Identify and assist in developing job opportunities for participants

· Arrange opportunities for employer led trainings for participants

· Refer job seekers to employers for job openings

· Follow-up job placements to assist employers in resolving problems they may encounter with VABIR referrals

· Participate as a member of the local workforce partner team

· Coordinate with community resources as appropriate.

Maintain a constant presence in the employment community by attending business functions such as those sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, by addressing business groups such as Rotary, and through direct correspondence and mailings. Initiate and implement workshops. When appropriate participate in arranging media coverage.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field, plus two years of relevant experience, or a combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills are acquired.

· Ability to network with a wide variety of people

· Good writing and speaking skills; good administrative and organizational skills

· Ability to deal effectively with the business community, people with barriers/backgrounds, and social service agency personnel in carrying out all functions, requiring high levels of initiative, diplomacy and sensitivity; public speaking skills desirable

· Familiarity with the problems and needs of offenders, including reentry into the workplace

Submit cover letter and resume.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $45,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Rutland, VT: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Rutland, VT