Pre-Release Reentry Navigator

The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment

General Summary: 

The Pre-Release Reentry Navigator is a member of the Supportive Reentry Network Collaborative (SRNC) team, a multi-disciplinary team engaged in outreach, referral response, brief screening referral and intervention, case management, and warm handoffs, concerning individuals released from jail or prison or who otherwise have an arrest and/or conviction record. The Pre-Release Reentry Navigator will be responsible for conducting a brief assessment with individuals who are in custody of Cook County Department of Corrections (CCDOC), Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), and IDOC Adult Transition Center (ATC’s) and assisting the potential client with identifying services upon their release. The Pre-Release Reentry Navigator will complete an assessment before a referral is made to start receiving services. The Pre-Release Reentry Navigator will respond to internal referrals within 24-48 business hours.  

This position is contingent upon being able to pass a background check to work in the CCDOC/IDOC and IDOC Adult Transit Center (ATC)

Performance Results Description

The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values.   

Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity, and Evidence Based Innovation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Stakeholder Interface

• Obtain clearance to work inside the CCDOC, IDOC, and IDOC ATC’s.
• Follow a schedule set by Employment Manager to meet the needs of the Pre-release clients.
• Respond to internal referrals within 24-48 hours. 
• Conduct intake assessments to identify immediate and short-term needs. 
• Utilize Salesforce and/or other database(s) to register clients. 
• Make referrals to medical, behavioral health, and housing, to assist participants with immediate needs upon their release.
• Create individualized service plans with client to provide cross-systems navigation. 
• Ensure monthly follow-ups are met and documented in Salesforce.
• Assist participants with identifying and addressing external barriers to achieving set goals listed in the service plan upon their release. 
• Assist with completing Medicaid and SNAP applications.

Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment

• Participate in any other duties assigned that are needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission, and abide by our organization's values.
• Works closely with Safer Foundation’s community network partners, hotline responders, SCWC staff members, clinical staff, reentry navigators/case managers, and other internal staff members to support program participants. 

Tracking, Document and Reporting

• Complete all client documentation in real time to ensure appropriate delivery service. 
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and other privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations for clients' protected information.  
• Participate in all internal and external meetings. 
• Adhere to all Safer standards, visions, goals and core values. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• An ability to represent Safer Foundation professionally while developing a rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds that are still incarcerated.
• Knowledge of common concepts, issues, and best practices concerning reentry populations. 
• Knowledge of computer-based and web-based applications (Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, etc.)
• Knowledge of Medicaid in the state of Illinois as well as other public benefits. 
• Knowledge about resources in the community for formerly incarcerated individuals. 
• Knowledge about housing resources and eligibility requirements for various housing types
• Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve. 
• Skilled in de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution 
• Telephone etiquette skills.
• Data entry skills

Education and Experience: 

• Associate degree or 3 years’ experience working as a case manager in a social service setting preferred.
• Individuals with direct lived experience welcomed. 
• Experience working with individuals recently released from jail/prisons is preferred. 
• Experience referring clients to a network of community-based providers and resources. 
• Experience completing applications for public benefits. 
• Experience in working on virtual platforms (salesforce, Teams, DocuSign, etc.). 
• Knowledge in leveraging the internet and computer applications to obtain information. 
• Experience using software/database to document services and progress notes. 

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance – Care for you and eligible family members
  • Choice of two (2) Medical Plan options from BlueCross BlueShield
  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)
• Dental Insurance – Offered by BCBS
  • Individual coverage 100% paid by Safer!
    • Eligible family coverage available
• Vision – “See” how Safer cares for your eye health 
  • Low-cost co-pays for in-network exam, frames & contacts

• Life Insurance – Protection for you & your family 
  • Basic Life (equal to 1.5 times your salary.)
  •  100% paid by Safer!

• 403b Retirement Plan – Helping you save for retirement 
  • Generous Company match to help you save more!

• Vacation & Holidays – Refresh, rewind, & enjoy at Safer!
  • Vacation days (non-manager)
  • Company Holidays (2025); more than industry standard
  • Paid Leave Days 
    
    
• Other Benefits & Perks -adding value to You!
  • Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
  • Benefits such as Pet Insurance, Critical Illness, & Travel

Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans

www.saferfoundation.org Opens a New Window

No Phone Calls Please