Employment Specialist - DRC and Re-Entry Employment Direct Service Case Manager

Wisconsin Community Services; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated DRC Case Manager/Employment Specialist to provide case management and employment services for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. This role emphasizes collaboration with various stakeholders, including law enforcement and community resources, to support participants in their reintegration process. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a solid understanding of the criminal justice system, and a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for under- or unemployed individuals. Join a team that values professionalism and community impact while making a difference in the lives of others.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field required.
• Strong communication skills and knowledge of community resources are essential.

Responsibilities

• Manage case duties and provide support for program participants.
• Coordinate employment services and monitor community-based services.
• Ensure compliance with program protocols and maintain documentation.

Skills

Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations

Good organizational skills

Sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues

Good judgment

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice or Social Work

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Summary:
DRC Case Manager/Employment Specialist: Case management with intensive support, supervision and monitoring of released Waukesha County Jail (WCJ) Electronic Monitoring (EM) inmates, and others as determined by court officials, for participating in the Day Report Center (DRC), an alternative to incarceration for adult offenders eligible for release with electronic monitoring. This position places an emphasis on employment services to DRC participants who are under- or unemployed. Work as a team with all staff and daily operations to ensure protocol is followed, reporting directly to the Day Report Center and Re-Entry Employment Supervisor.

Re-Entry Employment Specialist: Responsible for all program coordination and daily operations, including new program referrals, case management, collaboration with the Sheriff’s Department staff, and program reporting.

Essential Functions:

1. Responsible for a range of case management duties, providing structure, accountability, and support for successful compliance while in the community.
2. Make referrals and monitor community-based services including treatment, employment, education, and other supportive services.
3. Assist in determining sanctions and incentives as may be appropriate for individual program participants – with final approval by the DRC Supervisor.
4. Produce accurate and high-quality written and electronic files and internal and external system communications.
5. Conduct timely and complete data entry.
6. Assist Administrator with developing appropriate employment assessment tools to evaluate the needs of program participants.
7. Follow the Day Report Center’s supervision model and its core elements, including agreed upon risk and need assessment tools.
8. Assist and contribute to a DRC Team staffing to determine the level of monitoring and release for inmates/DRC program participants.
9. Work with DOC in regard to DRC program participants’ treatment follow-through and other conditions of probation.
10. Coordinate with Waukesha County Jail EM staff for new and current Re-Entry Employment participants.
11. Conduct alcohol breath tests.
12. Assist WCJ EM staff with utilization of the DOC Electronic Monitoring Systems and assist in monitoring participants as needed.
13. Collaborate with other WCS Waukesha programs to obtain participants’ pretrial compliance record.
14. Assist to train new staff (cross-training for the employment programs and assisting teammates in the DRC), ensuring all program protocol is followed.
15. Must adhere to confidentiality with all personnel issues and ensure that a professional environment is adhered to.
16. Coordinates all aspects of the daily operations of the Re-Entry Employment Program and DRC employment services, including new referrals and ongoing case management (job readiness, job placement, job retention).
17. Responsible for all necessary coordination and documentation regarding collateral contacts for job placement or verifications for DRC and Re-Entry Employment (may include driving to work sites for verification with employers).
18. Responsible for reporting all program concerns directly to the Supervisor or the Program Director, in the Supervisor’s absence.
19. Coordinating activities with the Sheriff’s Department staff.
20. Responsible for tracking and reporting on all DRC Employment Services and Re-Entry Employment Program activity, (including the development and ongoing management of Excel reporting documents for Re-Entry and DRC Employment Services), assisting the Supervisor and Program Director with monthly report statistics, as well as quarterly reports.
21. Weekend drug and preliminary breath testing as scheduled on Saturdays from 7:00-10:00am.
22. Attend and volunteer during at least one Victim Impact Panel per year.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Maintain flexible schedule to provide coverage in the Center as necessary.
• Other job-related duties may be necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position.

Job Qualifications:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System
• Knowledge of local treatment programs and community resources to include housing, education, public transportation
• Knowledge of the Circuit Court Access Program (CCAP) and jail data systems
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to respond appropriately in crisis situations
• Sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues
• Good organizational, computer and typing skills
• Ability to read and understand drug and alcohol testing results
• Good judgment
• Must be trained in all WCS required Evidenced-Based Principals within 90 days of hire and follow models for fidelity.

Minimal Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work or other related field; consideration of students working on degree
• Ability to work with criminal justice system and Huber Facility staff
• Possess a valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and insured auto
• Must pass criminal background check.

Work Relationship and Scope:

Reports directly to the DRC Supervisor for daily operations, and interacts with the Program Director for personnel matters, as well as the Director of Waukesha and Jefferson Court Services when necessary. Has contact with a wide variety of individuals to include criminal offenders, law enforcement, WCJ staff, treatment and other service providers, Probation/Parole staff, other criminal justice agencies, other WCS staff, and family members of participants.

Personal Attributes:

Follow the agency Code of Conduct; adhere to established policies and procedures of the agency; ability to adapt to required program changes – whether program growth (new staff, participant population served, etc.) or changes to protocol; casual yet professional workplace appearance; reliability in reporting to work regularly and on time; accuracy and attention to detail when documenting participant contacts; maintain professional and respectful communication with co-workers, program participants, courthouse personnel, and all external persons and agencies involved with service provision; sensitivity toward cultural, ethnic and disability issues; demonstrate commitment to agency values and mission.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed at the WCS Waukesha office and at times, may involve working evening hours, monitoring participants on the SCRAM bracelet, as well as administering Preliminary Breath Tests to program participants. Participants may exhibit disruptive behavior at times.

Physical Demands:

Duties require good hearing and the ability to communicate verbally; hand and finger dexterity for data entry and typing; involves some driving in Waukesha County to verify requirements of the employment program (driving to employer sites) and conducting home visits.