Re-Entry Case Worker

JOB SUMMARY: The Reentry Services Case Manager is part of the multi-disciplinary team at the CJSC who is responsible for conducting in-reach to Massachusetts Correctional Institutions and County House of Corrections to publicize, enroll and case manage clients in services available at the CJSC through the Ralph Gants Reentry Services Program (RGRSP). Services include education, career counseling, treatment, housing support and community based referrals. The Reentry Services Case Manager will build rapport, demonstrate empathy, set appropriate professional boundaries and deliver support needed to ensure that those returning from incarceration find positive change. S/he will display and encourage the character traits of honesty, respect, caring and responsibility in the fulfillment of his/her job duties.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program/Department Responsibility:

• Conduct in-reach to Massachusetts Correctional Institutions and County Houses of Corrections and Jails to
  • Publicize the services available at CJSC through the Ralph Gants Reentry Services Program (RGRSP) such as: education, career counseling, treatment, housing support, and community-based referrals, etc.
  • Develop rapport with individual people returning to the community after a period of incarceration so that they can meet with the same person they met while incarcerated at the CJSC. This facilitates a “warm-handoff” wherein the person returning home from incarceration can meet with someone that they have met previously rather than begin their reentry by making a cold contact with someone they must “get to know”.
• Greet those returning from prison at the CJSC to welcome them home from incarceration as part of the “warm-handoff”.
• Develop a case file for each client participating in the RGRSP including demographic information collected at intake, educational/vocational assessments, reentry plans from correctional institutions, and any risk/need assessment if the participant volunteered to undertake such assessment.
• Manage the caseload of all individuals participating in the RGRSP at the CJSC.
• Work with the multi-disciplinary team at the CJSC to engage RGRSP clients in appropriate services and coordinate with the CJSC Public Benefits Case Manager to establish essential public benefits and refer the client to community-based resources to address needs.
• Maintain contact with the client monthly for 18-months.
• Provide information about mentoring training to community-based programs that are interested in volunteer opportunities to support those returning from incarceration.
• Coordinate with community-based mentoring programs to establish a mentoring connection for the client if the client desires such.
• Cross-train in actuarial assessment tools for risk/need, treatment planning and contingency management protocols as needed.
• Facilitate aftercare or alumni groups for CJSC clients.
• Perform other job responsibilities as directed by the supervisor(s).

Supervision of Personnel: NONE

Fiscal Responsibility: Adhere to all fiscal policies and procedures such as purchase orders, vouchers and employee expenses as requested.

Facility/Housekeeping Responsibility: Ensure that the Case Manager's office meets the highest standards of cleanliness and maintenance.

Education/Experience/Physical Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree or lived-in experience and some record of educational development (i.e. certificate, college credit) and intention to continue education towards bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of two (2) years' experience working with justice involved individuals.
• Must be willing to work with high risk populations including substance abusers, justice involved individuals, and trauma survivors.
• Strong oral, written, and presentation skills.
• Computer proficiency that includes MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams).
• Organization and case management skills (case notes, filing, tracking client progress)
• Working knowledge of community resources (housing, healthcare, food, etc.)
• Some evening availability required.
• Some traveling required for meetings and trainings.
• Must have a valid driver's license in good standing.
• Must submit and pass drug testing upon hire.
• Must be able to sit, stand, bend and walk during the work day.