Reentry Specialist

POSITION TITLE: Reentry Specialist (Austin & West Garfield Park)

REPORTS TO: Supervisor, Reentry

Exempt Status: Exempt

The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago’s mission is to end the cycle of violence using Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principles and teachings of nonviolence. Informed by a philosophy of nonviolence, Nonviolence Chicago will establish caring and sustained relationships with participants engaged in the cycle of violence. We will emphasize partnerships with community members, leaders, social service providers, and local law enforcement to reduce community levels of violence. We will help create a safer, healthier environment for young adults, youth, and their families. These general approaches will be specifically addressed using for major methods: Community Violence Intervention (CVI) / Street Outreach, Individualized Service Provision, Victim Support Services, and Nonviolence Training.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Reentry Specialist works with a caseload of participants to assist them in their journey towards becoming a productive, active member of the Beloved Community. The Reentry Specialist will collaborate with individuals who are returning citizens from IDOC, Cook County DOC, and/or are involved with Probation and Parole, and will participate actively and have a demonstrated interest in taking action for change. Reentry Specialists will provide case management services for our participants which includes, but is not limited to, support related to employment and education, life skills training, crisis intervention, relationship training, advocacy, and support with involvement with justice system, and assessment and referrals to needed resources. Services will be provided in individual, family, and group contexts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Initiate contact, establish rapport, and communicate effectively with returning citizens referred to the program.

• Establish partnerships with partners in the criminal justice system (e.g., Probation and Parole, Criminal Courts) and other community partners that provide services to re-entering citizens.

• Maintain an active list of partner resources to utilize as a referral source to address the barriers of re-entering citizens.

• Develop a service/employment plan with participants.

• Assist re-entering citizens with navigating through the service delivery system to ensure that they remain engaged in the system until their goals are obtained.

• Participate in data collection and other evaluation processes and procedures, as necessary.

• Participate in service integration related training, including cross-training.

• Engages participants in interviews to assess needs and determine the need for additional services and referrals.

• Coordinates internal and external services being provided to participant; identifies and arranges resources.

• Monitors cases by verifying participants' attendance; observing and evaluating activities and responses; advocating for needed services; identifying and connecting to additional resources; intervening in crises; and providing personal support.

• Supports and teaches as necessary various job readiness workshops to individuals and groups, including computer skills, communication, critical thinking, self-awareness, conflict mediation, financial literacy, job search and application techniques, resume and cover letter development, interview skills, etc.

• Maintains participants' records by inputting case notes, assessments, and events daily in online data system. Maintain accurate case files in accordance with professional standards and funder’s requirements.

• Communicates participants' progress by engaging in weekly interdisciplinary meetings and evaluations, disseminating results and obstacles to team and family, and identifying program influences.

• Prepares participants' exit strategy by reviewing goals and individualized plans, coordinating discharge and post-discharge requirements, orienting, and training family members, and providing resources.

• Develops partnerships with resources that will strengthen support for participants and holds partners accountable as needed.

• Reentry Specialists are mandated reporters and are expected to work at high level of team engagement.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Flexible schedule - This position is full-time and requires night and weekend hours.

• At least 3 years’ experience supporting and working with returning citizens and/or at-risk individuals.

• Must have a thorough understanding of challenges and barriers faced by returning citizens.

• At least 3 years’ experience collaborating with people from various ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds both as colleagues and as clientele.

• Experience developing and retaining relationships with other service providers.

• High level of interpersonal skills and conflict resolution skills and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.

• Crisis intervention training or knowledge.

• Knowledge of Chicago and communities with histories of violence.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and comfortable using computer programs to track participant engagement.

• Ability and commitment to maintain high level of confidentiality.

• Ability to understand and follow safety/security practices and work in high pressure situations.

• BS in a Human Services field (i.e.: Sociology, Urban Studies, Social Work) or equivalent experience.

• No pending criminal cases.

• Candidate must have their own vehicle, valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance and good driving record; and feel comfortable engaging in community-based services.

• Nonviolence Chicago is a drug free and safe workplace, passing a drug screening and background check is required prior to being hired.

SALARY RANGE:

Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $45,000

BENEFITS:

The Institute puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package.

• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of IL Medical Coverage options that support all levels of staff (including Part-Time): HMO, PPO, and HSA (PPO).
• ZERO: A free benefit for BCBS PPO members that helps find the least expensive option for medical
• MFS will contribute $2,000 to individual and $4,000 to family HSA Accounts through our HSA coverage, all front-loaded at the start of the year, or the start of your HSA enrollment.
• Teladoc services provided to all employees: A no-cost benefit providing general medicine and behavioral health services, no insurance
• Dental HMO and PPO options through Guardian
• VSP vision insurance with one of the largest networks in the Chicago-land
• Company-paid individual life insurance policy of $100,000, with a wide range of additional, employee-cost
• Company-paid individual Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Five Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options ranging from Health to Contribute your pre-tax dollars where you need them the most.
• Ascensus 401K Plan with up to a 4% Match, vested at 100% on day one of
• 12 paid holidays
• Starting with 15 days of PTO, maxing at 30 days after 3 years of service.
• Training and Professional Development Plan
• Pet Insurance options for your furry (or non-furry) friends.
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free Will preparation services.
• On-staff notaries available to eligible employees.
• ALEX, AI-powered assistance that will make your benefit decisions

To apply, please send a cover letter along with your resume to hiring@nonviolencechicago.org.

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago -- EEO Statement

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location where the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.