Project Blue Transition Coordinator (Erie County)

Peaceprintswny; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Paid Time Off

Job summary

A local nonprofit organization in Buffalo seeks a Transition Coordinator to implement the Project Blue reentry program. The role involves providing holistic support to clients overcoming barriers due to criminal backgrounds, including job training, legal advocacy, and case management. Ideal candidates will have experience working with high-risk individuals and a passion for social justice. Generous PTO offered.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience working in programs serving high-risk individuals.
• Interest in social justice and legal advocacy.
• Ability to pass criminal background checks.

Responsibilities

• Implement the Project Blue reentry program and support clients.
• Administer assessments and assist with job training.
• Provide direct services through regular case management meetings.
• Coordinate with community resources for housing, benefits, training, and legal aid.
• Ensure data quality and comprehensive documentation of outcomes.
• Attend meetings and collaborate with the Project Blue team.
• Uphold safety, anti-discrimination, and inclusivity commitments.
• Manage referrals, progress tracking, and follow-up with clients.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication

Interpersonal skills

Data-driven program evaluation

Adaptability

Education

Experience serving high-risk individuals

Job description

The Transition Coordinator will have significant responsibility for the implementation of the Project Blue reentry program and will work closely with clients enrolled in the program. The Transition Coordinator will provide wrap-around services to support clients who experience barriers because of a criminal history. This includes administering risk and needs assessments, assisting clients with job training and job search, legal advocacy, housing assistance, navigating community supervision, accessing public benefits, and other case management needs. The Transition Coordinator will work closely with the entire Project Blue team to empower clients of the program to have the skills and confidence to thrive as active participants in the community.

Essential Functions

• Transition Coordinators have the vision and passion to support the development, implementation, and growth of all aspects of the Reentry Program.
• Provide the following services for clients of the Reentry Program:
  • Conduct in reach to recruit clients who are eligible and in need of reentry services.
  • Provide direct services to clients through regular case management meetings.
  • Assess clients’ needs, situations, personal strengths and support networks to determine their goals. Develop plans to increase clients’ well-being, productivity and stability.
  • Help clients navigate the challenges that come with having a criminal background: possible homelessness, unemployment, employment and housing discrimination, domestic abuse, recovery, family issues, probation issues, and legal difficulties.
  • Research and refer clients to community resources, such as occupational training, public benefits, healthcare, mental health services, support groups, etc.
  • Follow up with clients to ensure that their situations have improved.
  • Monitor and track milestones in client participation, such as employment acquisition, completion of certificates, increased wages, and avoiding recidivism.
  • Ensure data quality, accuracy of client files and records, complete paperwork and comprehensive outcomes tracking in the areas of housing, case management, goal setting and client progress, program intake and exit, meetings, support groups, referrals and other related activities and client interactions for internal and external purposes including coordination of services, program impact evaluation, billing, grant tracking, compliance, and legal considerations.
• Attend monthly staff meetings and weekly one-on-ones with supervisor (focused on Project Blue clients), and actively participates in “Program Development Meeting” and all-staff meetings.
• Provide support to other direct service staff and/or programs based on expertise or background.
• Ensure safety and security of Project Blue clients, staff, and volunteers. Ensure that all red flag incidents or concerns related to Project Blue clients are reported to the appropriate authority as well as the Project Director immediately and that the incident or concern is properly documented.
• Ensure that all clients are treated fairly and with respect and that Project Blue maintains an environment that is inclusive and safe for all people.
• Build partnerships with and serve as liaison to other community programs, employers, collaborative groups and government agencies relevant reentering citizens.
• Actively engage and energize staff members, volunteers, board members, committees, partnering organizations, donors, and grant funders.
• All other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• At least two years’ experience working in a program or organization serving high‑risk individuals.
• Interest in the social justice, legal advocacy, prisoner reentry, and/or Fair Chance Hiring.
• Experience with individuals and groups related to case management, therapy, counseling or life skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Unwavering commitment to quality programs and data‑driven program evaluation.

Strong written and verbal communication skills; the ideal candidate will be a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.

Action‑oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to planning.

Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.

Passion, idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission‑driven, and self‑directed

Must possess a valid driver’s license and vehicle to use in performance of job. Position requires some travel within the City of Buffalo.

Must be able to pass criminal background and child and adult maltreatment screens and a preemployment drug screen.

Physical Requirements

Generous Paid Time Off