Reentry Transition Specialist

Position Description

Under the supervision of the Reentry Program Manager, the person filling this position will be responsible for providing transition services for the HOPE Prerelease Program participants at the Allegheny County Jail (ACJ), paroled, probation, or incarcerated individuals returning to their communities; and provide record-keeping, instructional assistance, and interaction and communication with HOPE Prerelease staff, clients, parole agents, probation officers, and other agencies.

*This position will work inside the Allegheny County Jail and in the community. Allegheny County Jail Clearances are required before start of position.

Reports to: Reentry Program Manager

Status: Full-time

Location: 540 Suismon St., Pittsburgh PA 15212.

Primary Job Duties

• Collaborate with Pre-release Director and staff to connect HOPE Pod clients with the Foundation of HOPE’s community Reentry Program.

• Connect with HOPE Pod clients to educate and bring awareness of FOH’s reentry supportive services.

• Provide one-on-one and group instruction in HOPE Re-entry Program areas.

• Act as liaison for clients, families, and other related agencies involved in the transition process.

• Provide information and support; and assist clients in completing various forms and obtaining documents for transition, training, education, and employment.

• Conduct a variety of risk/needs assessments with clients; assist in developing client’s Individual Service Plan (ISP).

• Participate in collaborative meetings with staff and agencies to provide information and recommendations.

• Maintain accurate records and reports including attendance records, case notes, and daily charts of client progress.

• Communicate with clients, parole agents, probation officers, Allegheny County Jail staff, and other agencies as directed by the Reentry Program Manager or other HOPE staff at the ACJ.

• Develop and maintain a professional rapport with the HOPE Pre-Release and Chaplaincy Program staff; and demonstrate sensitivity to needs of clients, families, staff, parole agents, and probation officers.

• Utilize trauma-informed, housing-first, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction approaches in service delivery.

• Prepare and submit accurate monthly reports to review participant’s progress

• Collaborate with HOPE Reentry Case Managers every 3-6 months.

• Demonstrate a clear knowledge of the agency’s established policies and procedures, objectives, and quality assurance as measured by case and file reviews with the supervisor.

• Complete all required training within three months of hire.

Quality Assurance & Compliance

To assure adherence to quality standards and compliance with best practices, the Reentry Transition Specialist will comply with the Foundation of HOPE standards:

• Exemplify the values of the program and its mission
• Complete all paperwork in a timely and professional manner
• Maintain flexibility and creativity in working a non-traditional schedule

Professional Development

To assure continuous professional growth and development, the Reentry Transition Specialist will:

• actively participate in individual and/or group supervision and staff meetings

• attend and participate in all required and other professional trainings

• independently seek out resources and learning opportunities to foster ongoing professional growth

Essential Qualifications

• Obtain Allegheny County Jail clearances

• Bachelor’s degree in human or social services or related field preferred

• At least two years of supervised experience in case management or a related field working with high-risk youth and/or young adult populations. Must have knowledge of the nonprofit and human service landscape and referral networks, and must be culturally competent.

• Must be able to obtain all applicable clearances.       

• Valid state driver’s license and insurance