Re-Entry Success Specialist

Michigan Works! Region 7B’s (MWR7B) Re-Entry Success division is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Re-Entry Success Specialist to join our team serving mainly the Northeast counties of Michigan in Cheboygan, Otsego, Crawford, Presque Isle, Alpena and Montmorency. A Re-Entry Success Specialist works with subjects recently released from prison who are on parole, playing a crucial role in helping them navigate challenges as they transition back into society. There are many barriers justice impacted subjects will encounter. Some face more than others based on their support, type of offense, length of time served, goals, needs, work history, education level, mental health or substance use history, and mindset. We work together to address all these concerns based on priority. Common issues we assist with involve those associated with housing, employment, health and behavioral health and education. We also coordinate with community resources to meet immediate needs like access to food, hygiene, clothing, transportation and identification. During this challenging time for clients, and then as needed, the Re-Entry Success Specialist will provide case management and essential support and guidance to help individuals stay on path for success. It can be easy to relapse or fall into negativity when clients lack a positive influence in their lives. This position allows you to help fill that void.

This role requires collaborative case management strategies and a person-centered approach to empower individuals in rebuilding their lives and ensuring they have the necessary skills, resources and support to thrive post-incarceration. We work together using wrap-around services to help clients achieve their short- and long-term goals. Your efforts in this role are purposeful, impactful and life changing for many. Your work has a ripple effect on families, future generations, and the communities we serve and live in, contributing to their betterment, safety and unity. Ultimately, we work to promote and help clients achieve self-sufficiency, sustained success and happiness so they may become proud, responsible, and contributing members of society.

MWR7B has been a proud partner with Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) since this statewide initiative, Re-Entry Success, began in 2007. Programs like this, and our team’s efforts in the 19 counties we serve, have helped Michigan achieve the fourth lowest recidivism rate in the nation at 23.6 %. To learn more about Re-Enry Services, you can visit https://www.michigan.gov/corrections/our-operations/osa/reentry-services.

MWR7B is a great place to work and offers many great benefits. We care about our employees, our clients, and the employers and communities we serve through our duties offering personal, professional, well trained and courteous service. We are sincere and caring, dedicated to our mission, proud of the work we do and the impact we make on the lives we touch. You can learn more about our mission and the work we do at https://www.michworks4u.org/

If you are passionate about making a difference and supporting others in their journey toward success and personal growth in their reintegration after incarceration, we encourage you to apply. Be a part of something great and come join our team, our agency and the great partners we collaborate with, in our efforts to make a difference in lives now and in the future generations to come!

Please send your resume package to employment@michworks4u.org no later than Monday, April 28, 2025, at 8:00 A.M. You can also apply directly via really.com and Mitalent.com.

Candidates with lived experiences may be considered. A background check will be performed but a clear criminal history is not required. MWR7B reserves the right to reject any application. All factors will be considered in this decision.

Key Responsibilities:

• Case Management & Client Support:
• Provide one-on-one support to formerly incarcerated individuals, guiding them through the re-entry process.
• Develop individualized re-entry plans tailored to each client’s needs, strengths, and goals.
• Assist clients in overcoming barriers related to employment, housing, healthcare, legal issues, substance abuse, and mental health.
• Monitor clients' progress, offering guidance, encouragement, and crisis intervention when necessary.
• Provide emotional and social support, helping clients navigate challenges and stay motivated throughout their re-entry journey.
• Work in collaboration with Parole Agents, landlords, employers, partner agencies and wrap around services.
• Employment, Education and Skills Development:
• Help clients identify career interests, strengths, and skills that can assist in obtaining employment.
• Work closely with local employers and organizations to create job placement opportunities for re-entry clients.
• Offer training, resume building, interview coaching, and job search assistance to increase employability.
• Assist clients in achieving educational advancement and further personal development such as GED, Diploma, and beyond.
• Be knowledgeable of workforce development opportunities and initiatives through our agency and others, assisting clients with training opportunities for career placement and advancement.
• Provide career coaching and monitoring to assist clients with job retention.
• Housing Assistance:
• Identify available housing options and assist clients in securing stable and safe housing upon release.
• Advocate for supportive housing programs that understand the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Collaborate with housing agencies to ensure clients have access to necessary resources such as temporary shelters, public housing, or private rentals.
• Legal and Financial Support:
• Assist clients in understanding and navigating reintegrating into society while staying in compliance with post-release requirements and avoiding recidivism.
• Support clients in managing their finances, including setting up bank accounts, handling debt, and improving credit scores to facilitate long-term stability.
• Substance Misuse and Mental Health Services:
• Provide resources and referrals for clients dealing with addiction, mental health issues, or trauma.
• Coordinate with treatment programs, counselors, and mental health professionals to ensure clients have access to appropriate care and rehabilitation services.
• Community Integration and Social Support:
• Assist clients in rebuilding social connections by connecting them to community organizations, mentorship programs, and support groups.
• Promote community awareness and collaboration to reduce stigmatization of formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Encourage clients to engage in community-based activities that foster personal growth and empowerment.
• Monitoring and Reporting:
• Keep detailed records of client interactions, progress, and outcomes, ensuring compliance with organizational and funding requirements.
• Regularly assess and update the effectiveness of re-entry plans and modify strategies as needed.
• Collect and report data to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Perform housing reviews, inspections, employment verifications and required monthly reporting.

Qualifications:

• Preferred Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• High School diploma/GED required.
• Proven experience working with justice-involved individuals or in social services, case management, or re-entry programs.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, re-entry challenges, and community resources.
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of local community services, legal assistance programs, and treatment resources.
• Experience with trauma-informed care and cultural competency is a plus.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrate professionalism and be of good moral character.

Preferred:

• Certification or training in re-entry services, social work, recovery coaching or counseling.
• Experience working with individuals who have a history of substance misuse or mental health conditions.
• Familiarity with restorative justice principles and community reintegration programs.
• Full-time employee is preferred, will consider those seeking a part-time position if necessary.
• Training in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, Mental Health First Aid, Case Management, Housing Specialist, Homelessness prevention work, Suicide Awareness, De-Escalation training.

Work Environment:

• Position may require fieldwork, including home visits, parole office visits, and attendance at community meetings.
• Duties are performed mostly during normal business hours M-F.
• Position is not on call and does not require weekend or evening work unless emergency events arise.
• Expect some weekly/biweekly travel within assigned geographic area for case management duties using your personal vehicle.
• Home office to be determined based on residency and availability of office space.

Compensation:

• Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.
• Benefits package includes health insurance, life insurance, dental, vision, retirement, paid 1 hour lunch, paid time off, flex time, and professional development opportunities.
• Mileage is reimbursed at the state rate.
• Monthly cell phone stipend.
• Work laptop is provided.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $35,360.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $35,360