Activities-Based Program Specialist

Position Description

Reports to: The Activity-Based Program Director

Employment type: Full-time/Exempt Office

Location: Allegheny County Jail, 950 Second Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Benefits: Competitive Salary, paid vacation, generous PTO schedule, 401k retirement plan, various training/certificate/professional development opportunities, mileage & parking reimbursement

Position Summary

Working with the Activity-Based Program Director, the Activity-Based Program Specialist will offer meaningful engagements during scheduled out-of-cell time and help individuals develop prosocial ways to relieve stress and become actively involved in the community.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Implement the schedule of activities across the ACJ housing units that offer at least one activity on each housing unit per day, that is appropriate for the individuals in that housing unit and consistent with ACJ security protocol.
• Assist external facilitators and/or facilitate activities for residents of ACJ’s housing units according to the predetermined schedule.
• Collaborate with ACJ staff to ensure that activities are offered in accordance with established policies.
• Work with the Activity-Based Program Director and ACJ to advertise and encourage participation in scheduled activities.
• Collect regular feedback from participants and staff to gauge the success of interventions, to make improvements, and to determine future activities.
• Maintain organization of the ACJ library and deliver approved materials to incarcerated individuals.
• Maintain records of recreational equipment distributed to housing units.
• Account for recreational equipment and notify the Activity-Based Program Director when additional equipment is needed.
• Connect participants to the Foundation of HOPE Reentry Program and PIRC.
• Regular attendance at meetings within the jail and HOPE meetings outside of the jail, and assist with and attend other special events or training that come up.
• Must be comfortable working in the jail setting and with the inmate population.
• Other Duties as assigned by the Activity-Based Program Director.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills/Experience

Knowledge of:

• The Foundation of HOPE mission
• Rules and Regulation at the ACJ
• Ethical practices

Abilities

• Adhere to quality standards and comply with best practices.
• Comply with Foundation of HOPE standards and policies.
• Remain culturally competent and sensitive to all individuals and their practices.
• Complete all paperwork/reports in a timely and professional manner.
• Commit to professional development.

Skills & Experience

• Compassion, empathy and patience.
• Welcoming demeanor that respects the dignity and life experiences of others.
• Genuine recognition of the dignity of all people regardless of their history and/or mistakes.
• Bachelor’s degree in human or social services or related field (masters preferred)
• At least 3 years’ experience in case management
• Ability to communicate with individuals from a diverse cultural background.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong public speaking and facilitation skills.
• Excellent organizational & time management skills
• Must be able to obtain all Allegheny County Jail, PA Department of Corrections and Act 33 Clearances.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to climb several flights of stairs.
• Must be able to stand for up to and/or 1 hour.
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs. to the height of 3-4 feet.
• Must be able to load cart and move audio equipment.