Reentry Navigator

Kane County; Illinois; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental plans

Vision coverage

Pension (IMRF)

Tuition reimbursement

Paid holidays, sick days, vacation

Job summary

Kane County's Adult Justice Center seeks a Reentry Navigator to provide evidence-based support to individuals preparing for release and reintegration into the community. This onsite role conducts assessments, coordinates services, and ensures clients have access to resources that promote stability and reduce recidivism.

The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, fluency in English and Spanish, and the ability to work inside a secure jail facility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, criminal justice, psychology, or related field.
• Experience in correctional settings or reentry programs preferred.
• Fluency in English and Spanish (written and spoken).

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-jail intake assessments to guide service planning.
• Develop individualized reentry plans addressing housing, employment, and behavioral health.
• Provide pre-release programming and coaching while in jail.
• Facilitate jail-based reentry classes for community reintegration.
• Coordinate referrals for post-release services including treatment and workforce programs.
• Assist detainees with applications, identification and benefits materials.
• Maintain accurate case notes and documentation per policies.
• Collaborate with correctional staff, mental health, and community agencies.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish

Case management

Interpersonal skills

Documentation

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, criminal justice, psychology, or related field

Tools

Case management software

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Reentry Navigator works onsite within the Kane County Adult Justice Center and provides structured, evidence-based support to individuals preparing for release and transitioning back into the community. This position conducts assessments, coordinates services, and ensures clients have access to necessary resources that promote stability and reduce the risk of recidivism. This role requires ongoing collaboration with correctional staff, community agencies, and justice partners to support successful reintegration.

Work schedule (requires flexibility to adjust work hours): Monday through Friday 9:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Duties:

• Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
• Conduct in-jail intake assessments to gather information on detainee’s needs, strengths, and barriers in order to guide service planning and reentry support.
• Develop individualized reentry plans that address housing, employment, behavioral health, and support areas linked to recidivism reduction.
• Provides pre-release programming, coaching, and guidance while clients are still housed within the county jail.
• Facilitate reentry-focused classes within the jail setting to support detainee’s transition back into the community.
• Assist detainees and individuals referred to the Sheriff’s Office with completing employment-related applications, including job applications, resumes, and required documentation.
• Coordinate referrals and schedule reentry services that continue post-release, including treatment, workforce development, social services, and mentoring programs.
• Assist clients in obtaining identification, benefits applications, and essential documentation prior to release.
• Conduct post-release follow-ups, as applicable, to support continuity of care.
• Work closely with correctional officers, jail administration, mental health staff, medical providers, probation/parole officers, and community-based agencies.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings within the jail.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community organizations, housing providers, employers, and educational institutions to support reintegration.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, assessments, and program documentation in accordance with jail policies, agency standards, and grant requirements.
• Follow confidentiality laws and federal/state guidelines (HIPPA and PREA compliance).
• Track client progress and outcomes related to reentry and recidivism reduction.
• Prepare reports for supervisors, jail leadership, and external stakeholders as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, criminal justice, psychology, or a related field.
• Experience working in a correctional environment, reentry program, case management setting, or with justice-involved individuals, preferred.
• Ability to speak, read, and write fluently in English and Spanish.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Understanding of jail operations, correctional protocols, and safety procedures.
• Knowledge of reentry principles, recidivism risk factors, and effective intervention strategies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work effectively with incarcerated individuals and correctional staff.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate documentation, and work both independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and case management software.
• In-person position based inside a secure jail facility; remote work is not available.
• Requires movement throughout housing units, program areas, and administrative offices.
• May involve exposure to high-stress or unpredictable situations.
• Must pass background checks and complete required security training.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods.
• Ability to respond quickly during emergencies or movement calls.
• Must be able to carry program materials (up to 20 lbs.).

Benefits:

• BCBS PPO, High Deductible PPO with HSA, HMOI, or Blue Advantage HMO, vision insurance included with medical election, two Dental plans, and generous employee/employer shared premium costs. Medical Reimbursement Plan (MERP - medical insurance is available through spouse or parents). Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Pension, Deferred Compensation Plan (457(b)), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Tuition Reimbursement, 14 holidays, sick days, and vacation.

Application Deadline: Resumes and applications will be accepted until the end of the day Friday, November 6, 2026.