At the Gate Reintegration Caseworker

The Reintegration Caseworker will engage individuals during their incarceration to develop comprehensive pre-release plans and offer essential support during the critical transition period post-release.

Title: At the Gate Reintegration Caseworker

Hours: Full-time Hours (75 Hours, Bi-weekly)
1 year Contract until April 2026- with possibility of renewal

About the environment: Employees at JHS Ottawa say the organizational culture is supportive, innovative, and focused on creating a caring environment for both clients and staff. At JHS Ottawa, you will find an employer that celebrates the uniqueness of each of its staff members and is committed to promoting an engaging working culture where all employees are encouraged to live their strengths and realize their potential. JHS Ottawa will provide permanent new employees access to a benefit plan, four weeks vacation annually, a Defined Contribution Pension Plan after eligibility waiting period, and opportunities for continual learning and development.

About who we support: Our employees are supporting a diverse client group including youth and adults, all genders, from a wide cross-section of social, ethnic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds who are representative of our broader community. We are accountable to the people we serve by providing the highest quality of service with integrity through the delivery of responsive, innovative, and evidence-informed approaches.

About diversity at JHS Ottawa: The John Howard Society of Ottawa is committed to reflecting and responding to the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is seeking that diversity in applicants for this position. We welcome candidates from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+, and all candidates who contribute to furthering the diversity of ideas. We also recognize that people from diverse groups have different needs and require different solutions to gain equal opportunity for success in the hiring process. If you require any accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.

About the Role:

We are excited to announce an opportunity for an At the Gate Reintegration Caseworker. The At the Gate program enhances reintegration experiences through supportive relationships and individualized reintegration planning. We engage individuals during their incarceration to develop comprehensive pre-release plans and offer essential support during the critical transition period post-release. Our goal is to facilitate access to health and social services, increase the likelihood of successful reintegration, and reduce recidivism. Using a team-based approach, you will be supporting clients and other members of the team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct client-centered interviews within provincial institutions and over the phone to assess reintegration needs.
• Develop and implement personalized reintegration plans.
• Collaborate with a broader housing and reintegration team while maintaining independence in daily responsibilities.
• Promote recidivism prevention through tailored support and relationship-building with clients, landlords, and community partners.
• Provide light case management focused on stabilization and referrals to internal and external supports.
• Meet clients at the detention center gate upon release.
• Assist with transportation, basic needs, and acquiring safe housing.
• Support clients in obtaining medication and medication management.
• Assist with applications for benefits and permanent housing, including supportive housing options.
• Facilitate referrals for mental health and addiction supports.
• Connect clients with the JHS Day Reporting Centre for intensive case management services.

Qualifications:

• Education: College/university degree in Social Services or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years working with vulnerable populations, particularly individuals at risk or involved with the justice system.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to foster relationships with clients and community partners.
• Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with Ottawa’s housing sectors, harm reduction models, substance and addiction issues, and mental health resources at local, provincial, and federal levels.
• Policy & Framework Knowledge: Understanding of the Housing First model, Criminal Justice issues, and assessment tools such as SPDAT and HIFIS.
• Access Requirements: Eligibility to obtain clearance for federal and provincial correctional facilities.

You’re a fit with our organizational culture, if you mirror our values in the way you work:

• You are committed to providing the highest quality of care for your clients, through responsive, innovative, and evidence-informed approaches.
• Driven by curiosity, you adapt to achieve the best results for clients/communities you serve.
• Celebrating the uniqueness and lived experience of every person is part of your nature, and this conviction creates a sense of belonging, safety, and better outcomes for all.
• As a leader, you lead in a way that helps employees live their strengths and reach their potential.
• Lead with compassion and care for others, and help JHS build a culture of listening, mutual support, and meaningful connections.
• You are dedicated to providing services that prevent crime, reduce poverty, and build self-sufficiency.

We sincerely thank all applicants who express interest in JHS and this position - only those selected for an interview will be contacted.