Resource Specialist - Offender Success Program

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Offender Success Resource Specialist provides a variety of case management services to returning citizens on MDOC supervision in Region 6. This includes, but is not limited to employment readiness, coordination of social support services, and housing support services. The Resource Specialist will coordinate employment services with Michigan Works and other local services partners, recruit and retain new employers and maintain a working relationship with outside agencies who may assist returning citizens with various social supports, including housing. The position reports to the Region 6 Offender Success Community Coordinator and/or Program Manager.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Monitor the correct and timely submission of CFJ -140 referrals from parole agents.
• Facilitate monthly resource meetings throughout Region 6 (Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, Huron, Sanilac, Tuscola Counties) to meet new participants, gather information, and link participants to community resource and employment opportunities.
• Identify potential employers and employment opportunities for participants; match individuals with potential employers and assist in job retention.
• Maintain separate monthly tracking spreadsheet of job readiness participants, social supports and transitional housing roster.
• Communicate with contracted landlords and parole agents regarding intakes and discharges in transitional housing.
• Conduct case management activities to assist in referring participants to community resources and training opportunities; facilitate brief lessons in job readiness skills.
• Coordinate with Michigan Works staff to assist participants in registering for employment services and other training programs.
• Coordinate the purchase and distribution of bus passes to participants and parole agents; maintain accurate tracking of bus pass distribution for billing purposes.
• Secure payment for participants referred for state identification and other vital documents and assist participant in the process of obtaining the ID and documents.
• Coordinate the distribution of Goodwill vouchers used for clothing purchases and maintain accurate record of distribution.
• Coordinate with other Catholic Charities staff in obtaining clothing, personal hygiene and housing supplies for participants; reviews monthly reports from CCSGC staff to verify participants obtained approved items.
• Coordinate the purchase and distribution of work supplies (i.e. work boots, tools, etc.) authorized within OS Service Parameters.
• Act as an advocate for returning citizens when dealing with community resources, assisting them with the completion of forms, enrollment in programs, etc.
• Attend and facilitate In-Reach (transitional team) meetings with MDOC staff and participants.
• Assure completion of all State of Michigan required documents, records, and reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• Travel to Region 6 counties as needed to assist participants with social supports and employment needs.
• Participate in networking meetings such as job fairs, Chamber of Commerce, homeless coalitions, and other community activities to promote the Offender Success Program.
• Notifies the CEO or designee of any clients and/or families who are experiencing child abuse, neglect, and suicidal or homicidal symptoms. Files protective service, recipient rights, or due process reports to the appropriate agency in a timely manner.
• Attends staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed.

All duties and responsibilities are judged to be essential functions in the terms of the Americans With Disabilities Act or ADA.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Psychology, Social Work or related field. Equivalent experience and certifications (such as Career Development Facilitator or Business Solutions Professional) may be considered.
• Experience: Experience in the human services field including experience as a job coach, vocational counselor, housing specialist or similar roles. Experience working with justice involved clients preferred.
• Position requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills along with the ability to organize and prioritize work assignments. Must be able to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality. Position requires scheduling flexibility and ability to pass a State LEIN Clearance. Knowledge of resources and geography of Genesee, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Huron, Sanilac and Lapeer counties is also preferred.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Must be willing to work with the prison population and compassionately understand the needs of marginalized populations
• Knowledge of the Michigan Prison Reentry Initiative and/or other MDOC programming
• Ability to make appropriate assessments and recommendations
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment
• Ability to work as a cooperative team member
• Strong computer skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability to prepare reports, maintains records, and collect and evaluate client data
• Ability to be discreet with confidential records and sensitive information
• Ability to work with community organizations and use community resources to meet client needs
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to relate to diverse populations and cultures while communicating with clients and the public in a courteous and effective manner
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees and other agencies

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to talk and hear to effectively communicate with supervisor and clients in a timely manner.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time; walk low-moderate distances; sit for prolonged periods of time; use hands and fingers to handle, touch, and feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop or kneel; and/or crouch or crawl pending activity, event participation, and/or other work-related item within various environments.
• Must be able to lift/move up to 25 pounds for transporting program supply materials, if needed.
• Must be able to be flexible in various work environments and be able to drive low-moderate distances for programming, meeting, and community event activities.
• Must be able to work in an environment that has a moderate noise level, and may experience low-moderate interruptions throughout the day while in the office, and moderate-high interruptions while in the classroom/community.
• Must be able to tolerate changing weather conditions.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

• Staff must abide by all policies and procedures of Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, which includes the Agency’s stance on abortion, and the Agency’s Mission and Vision, and the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy outlined by the Catholic Church and Code of Ethics.
• Must pass all background and clearance checks including, but not limited to a criminal background check, DHHS central registry clearance check, and others as deemed applicable. Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and carry automobile insurance as travel in the Region 6 counties is required.
• Individual must be able to plan, and coordinate with other professional staff, have an overall general knowledge of computers and relevant software, and be willing to work irregular hours which includes evenings, holidays, and weekends, if needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $19.71 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 30 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $20