Human Services Worker –Work Release Program

Community Partners in Action; Hartford (CT); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in criminal justice reform is seeking a Human Services Worker for their Work Release Program in Hartford, CT. The role involves supervising residents, advocating for their engagement, and ensuring a safe environment. Ideal candidates will have experience with justice-involved clients and possess crisis management skills. Bilingual skills are a plus, and the position requires working weekends and holidays.

Qualifications

• Experience with justice-involved clients preferred.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and monitor resident activities.
• Advocate for participants and encourage engagement.
• Conduct client intake and drug testing procedures.

Skills

Crisis Management

Multicultural Interaction

Belief in Capacity to Change

Education

High School diploma/GED

Associates degree

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Human Services Worker – Work Release Program, Hartford, CT

SHIFT & DAYS OFF: 2^nd shift (4:00 PM - 12:00 AM), Wednesday - Sunday

COMPENSATION: $19.00/hour

AGENCY DESCRIPTION: Community Partners in Action (CPA), one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, was founded nearly 150 years ago to champion criminal justice reform and advocate for preserving the dignity of those in and out of prison. Through programs including reentry and housing, youth initiatives, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration, CPA provides long-term impacts that positively transform individuals and society. Annually serving nearly 7,000 individuals across Connecticut, CPA's work is supported by partnerships with individuals, government, private funders, organizations, and businesses.

CPA is guided by our BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) culture. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive, equitable workplace and aim to impact criminal justice reform in CT by ending racial inequities and ensuring the dignity of all system interactions. Learn more about our BEDI culture at https://cpa-ct.org/our-bedi-journey/.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Work Release Program (WRP) is a transitional residence for clients released from DOC institutions on Community Release status. Clients learn about risk reduction, relapse prevention, and financial & life skills while rejoining the workforce. Clients pay rent and participate in a savings program to understand their responsibilities. Referred by the Department of Correction Community Enforcement office after approval by facility wardens. (Established 1991)

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The ideal candidate will have a High School diploma/GED, Associates, or Bachelor’s degree. Prior experience working with justice-involved clients with substance abuse, mental health, or behavioral issues is preferred. Ability to interact with multicultural populations, crisis management skills, belief in people's capacity to change, and a commitment to providing quality services are essential. Must have a valid CT driver’s license and reliable transportation. Ability to work weekends, holidays, and additional hours as needed. Bilingual (Spanish/English) skills are a plus.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES:

1. Supervise and monitor resident activities in compliance with program policies, ensuring a safe environment using de-escalation and motivation techniques.
2. Advocate for participants, encouraging engagement and accountability.
3. Mediate conflicts among residents in a solutions-focused manner.
4. Maintain professional boundaries with residents, staff, visitors, and providers.
5. Serve as a positive role model, adhering to professional conduct and ethics.
6. Assist with resident needs as appropriate.
7. Implement agency policies including key controls, head counts, facility rounds, monitoring, emergency procedures, and inspections.
8. Maintain shift logs, report incidents immediately, and complete incident reports as needed.
9. Verify visitor identification and conduct bag searches and pat-downs.
10. Conduct client intake, orientation, drug testing, and breathalyzer procedures.
11. Complete documentation accurately and timely.
12. Follow universal precautions to prevent communicable diseases.
13. Remain alert to safety concerns during shifts.
14. Attend staff meetings and trainings for professional development.
15. Perform other duties as required.

“An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Affirmative Action”