Project Blue Lead Community Coordinator

Position Summary: The Lead Transition Coordinator will have significant responsibility for the implementation of the Project Blue reentry program and will work closely with community clients enrolled in the program. Project Blue provides wrap-around services to support clients who experience barriers because of a criminal history. This includes administering risk and needs assessments, assisting clients with job training and job search, legal advocacy, housing assistance, navigating community supervision, accessing public benefits, and other case management needs. The Lead Transition Coordinator will also work closely with the entire Project Blue team to serve as an advocate for staff, providing case conferencing to team members with a caseload.

Essential Functions:

• Lead Transition Coordinators have the vision and passion to support the development, implementation, and growth of all aspects of Project Blue.
• Provide the following services for clients of the Reentry Program:
• Carry a caseload of no more than 15 clients.
• Provide direct services to clients through regular case management meetings.
• Assess clients’ needs, situations, personal strengths and support networks to determine their goals. Develop plans to increase clients’ well-being, productivity and stability.
• Help clients navigate the challenges that come with having a criminal background: possible homelessness, unemployment, employment and housing discrimination, domestic abuse, recovery, family issues, probation issues, and legal difficulties.
• Research and refer clients to community resources, such as occupational training, public benefits, healthcare, mental health services, support groups, etc.
• Follow up with clients to ensure that their situations have improved.
• Ensure data quality, accuracy of client files and records, complete paperwork and comprehensive outcomes tracking in the areas of housing, case management, goal setting and client progress, program intake and exit, meetings, support groups, referrals and other related activities and client interactions.
• Provide weekly case conferencing to Transition Coordinators to assist with clients who are facing extreme challenges or are considered high risk.
• Facilitate and lead all referrals into the program
• Complete all necessary discharge paperwork when a client completes the program.
• Co-facilitate monthly “Staffing Meeting” (focused on Project Blue clients), weekly one-on-one with supervisor, and actively participates in “Program Development Meeting” and all-staff meetings.
• Provide support to other direct service staff and/or programs based on expertise or background.
• Ensure safety and security of Project Blue clients, staff and volunteers. Ensure that all red flag incidents or concerns related to Project Blue clients are reported to the appropriate authority as well as the Director of Project Blue immediately and that the incident or concern is properly documented.
• Ensure that all clients are treated fairly and with respect and that Project Blue maintains an environment that is inclusive and safe for all people.
• Build partnerships with and serve as liaison to other community programs, employers, collaborative groups, and government agencies relevant reentering citizens.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Minimum of a B.A. degree.
• At least two years’ experience working in a program or organization serving reentry clients.
• Interest in social justice, legal advocacy, prisoner reentry, and/or Fair Chance Hiring.
• Experience with individuals and groups related to case management, therapy, or counseling.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data-driven program evaluation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; the ideal candidate will be a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to planning.
• Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
• Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle to use in performance of job. Position requires some travel within the City of Buffalo.
• Must be able to pass criminal background and child and adult maltreatment screens and a preemployment drug screen.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work time may be evenly split between office settings or outside meetings. Limited local travel is required. Light physical effort in an office environment
• Frequent computer use
• Primarily sedentary work with occasional bending and reaching
• Maintain a high energy level, comfortable performing multi-faceted projects in conjunction with day-to-day activities
• Regularly required to speak clearly and hear the spoken word as well
• Regularly required to read and write clearly

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $56,500.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Compensation Package:

• Yearly pay

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $56,500