Activities-Based Resource 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 and parking reimbursement

Position Summary

Working with the Activity-Based Program Director and Activities Based Specialist, the Activity-Based Resource 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

• Organizing and coordinating resources for inmates to aid in their reintegration process.
• Establishing relationships with community organizations and potential employers.
• Update and maintain information and referral lists for community resources.
• 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 supplies, and notify the Activity-Based Program Director when additional equipment is needed.
• Connect participants to The Foundation of HOPE Reentry program and PIRC.
• Negotiate with external vendors and contractors for the procurement of necessary equipment and materials, ensuring cost-effectiveness and compliance with project budgets.
• 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 and 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.