Re-entry Specialist

Lake County, IL; Waukegan (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake County Government is seeking a Re-Entry Specialist to assess inmate needs, develop goal-oriented action plans, and connect offenders with community services for successful reintegration.

The role involves coordinating with the Inmate Program Manager, maintaining records, and following Sheriff’s Office procedures to support ex-offender rehabilitation in Lake County.

Qualifications

• Requires significant experience with adult education, interviewing, and workforce development within corrections.
• Knowledge of modern correctional operations and Direct Supervision Management.
• Understanding criminal and addictive thinking and inmate personalities.
• Ability to work with a wide range of individuals in stressful environments; maintain confidentiality; document notes clearly.
• Must be certified/trained under PREA within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews with inmates to assess needs for successful reintegration.
• Assist inmates in developing action plans addressing housing, job, social, behavioural, educational, and financial needs.
• Encourage inmates' participation in structured jail treatment programs with community resources.
• Provide inmates with a list of community agencies to address ex-offender needs.
• Develop and maintain linkages with community agencies; set appointments with agencies and mentors.
• Work with correctional and support staff; maintain accurate records of contacts and referrals.
• Perform timely follow-ups to track inmate progress and success.
• Follow all policies and directives of the Sheriff’s Office.

Skills

Adult education

Interviewing

Workforce development

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree or 3-5 years in re-entry field

Social work/psychology/criminal justice coursework

Job description

Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefits package, and career growth opportunities? If so, Lake County Government is the place for you. Comprised of nearly 3,000 employees, it is our goal to positively serve the residents of Lake County while working with a purpose. We believe our employees should take pride in the work they accomplish while truly respecting a collaborative work environment.

Becoming a Re-Entry Specialist would allow you to be involved in the assessment of inmates to develop specific goals and action plans and link them with community social services agencies. The Inmate Program Manager and the Re-Entry Specialist work together to present programs that allow inmates to obtain insight and skills that will increase the chances of them not returning to the jail. The Specialist cultivates and maintains working relationships with community agencies and support groups that address ex-offender needs; sets appointments, as appropriate, with agencies, support groups, and community mentors; evaluates and maintains the inmate education curriculum. Assist with and/or coordinate the completion of the General Education Diploma (GED) Program and work closely and effectively with other Correctional and support staff to encourage inmates' participation in structured jail treatment programs. Maintain accurate records of inmate contacts, referrals, and other workload factors. Your day will consist of assessing individual needs of inmates, assisting with development of goals and action plans, and making appropriate referrals for jail programs and contacts to appropriate services available in the community. Perform timely follow-ups to track inmate progress and success. Follow all established policies, procedures, and directives of the Sheriff's Office.

• Conduct interviews with applicable inmates to assess their needs for successful reintegration.
• Assist inmates in developing an action plan to address both pre- and post-release needs and services.
• Assist inmates in developing an action plan addressing specific goals and action steps and linking with community social services. Ensure each action plan addresses housing, job, social, behavioral, educational, and financial needs.
• Ensure each action plan addresses housing, job, social, behavioral, educational, and financial needs.
• Encourage inmates' participation in structured jail treatment programs. Provide inmates with a list of community agencies that are available to address ex-offender needs.
• Issue community resource information pertinent to each inmate's needs/goals. Make referrals to community resources and agencies that can help meet these needs after release.
• Develop and maintain linkages with community agencies and support groups that address ex-offender needs. Set appointments, as appropriate, with agencies, support groups, and community mentors.
• Work closely and effectively with other correctional and support staff.
• Maintain accurate records of inmate contacts, referrals, and other workload factors.
• Perform timely follow-ups to track inmate progress and success.
• Follow all established policies, procedures, and directives of the Sheriff's Office.
• All other related duties as assigned.

• Requires significant experience with adult education, interviewing, and workforce development within the field of corrections.
• Requires knowledge of modern correctional operations and practices, and of Direct Supervision Management and Inmate Reentry Services.
• Requires an understanding of criminal and addictive thinking and personality traits of inmates.
• Requires the ability to: work with a wide range of individuals and in stressful environments; listen closely to others and quickly assess their needs; make public presentations as a positive representative of the Sheriff and Lake County; keep accurate notes of interview details; maintain confidentiality; identify and resolve problems in a timely manner; use a computer to include word processing, email, and spreadsheet functions.

Education and/or Other Requirements

• In order to be successful in this role, you should have a bachelor's degree or 3-5 years of experience in the re-entry field. Individuals should have a working knowledge of coursework in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Significant experience with adult education, interviewing, workforce development within the field of corrections, and experience with inmates in detention facilities.
• Familiarity with ServicePoint Referral Network is preferred.
• Must also be certified/trained under PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act); (within 30 days of hire) possess the ability to effectively problem solve and have the ability to work both individually and in a team atmosphere.
• All other related duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Requires light work involving standing or walking some of the time, exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a regular basis, and moderate dexterity in operating machinery, tools, or office equipment.

Candidate must possess attention to detail, strong communication and organizational skills, and have technological proficiency using modern software tools.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam.

Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!