Returning Citizens Initiative (RCI) Re-entry Specialist

Lead4Life, Inc.; Lake Shore (MD); On-site; USD 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Lead4Life, Inc. on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore seeks a Returning Citizens Initiative (RCI) Re-entry Specialist to provide person-centered case management, mentorship, and community-based support.

This full-time, in-person role conducts intake and assessments, develops individualized re-entry plans, addresses barriers to employment and housing, and coordinates services with probation, providers, and internal teams to aid reintegration.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience with justice-involved individuals or in community-based case management.
• Lived experience with reentry and reintegration is highly valued.
• Strong knowledge of community resources related to employment, housing, healthcare, education, and behavioral health.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation for community-based work.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate intake and assessment for new participants, evaluating needs, eligibility, risks, and strengths.
• Develop individualized, goal-oriented re-entry plans focused on employment, housing, education, life skills, and reintegration.
• Provide education, counseling, advocacy, and support to ensure participants obtain identification, benefits, and entitlements.
• Monitor participant progress through regular engagement, evaluate outcomes, and adjust case plans as needed.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation in SharedVillage and other designated case management systems.

Skills

Communication

Organization

Problem-solving

Valid driver's license

Reliable transportation

Interpersonal skills

Education

Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related field

Tools

SharedVillage

Job description

Job Title: Returning Citizens Initiative (RCI) Re-entry Specialist

Salary/Hourly Rate: $25-26 per hour

Reports To: Executive Director / Senior Director of Programs

Direct Reports: None

Position Status: Full Time W-2

Location: Maryland Lower Eastern Shore

Position Overview

The RCI Re-Entry Specialist provides comprehensive, person-centered case management, mentorship, and community-based support to individuals reentering the community following incarceration. This role works directly with returning citizens to conduct intake and assessments, develop and implement individualized re-entry plans, and address barriers related to employment, housing, education, benefits access, and successful community reintegration.

Through consistent one-on-one engagement, peer mentorship, life skills development, and coordinated service delivery, the Re-Entry Specialist supports participants in building stability, positive competency skills, self-sufficiency, and long-term success. This position also plays a critical role in documentation, compliance, program coordination, and collaboration with internal teams, probation and parole, and community partners. The role is primarily in-person and community-based and requires strong relationship-building skills, professionalism, and flexibility.

Key Responsibilities (Including But Not Limited To)

Intake, Assessment and Case Planning

• Facilitate intake and assessment for new participants, ensuring accurate evaluation of needs, eligibility, risks, and strengths.
• Collaborate with participants to develop individualized, goal-oriented re-entry plans focused on employment, housing, education, life skills, and community reintegration.
• Provide education, counseling, advocacy, and support to ensure participants obtain identification, benefits, and entitlements necessary for stability and goal achievement.
• Monitor participant progress through regular engagement, evaluate outcomes, and adjust case plans as needed to address barriers and improve functioning.

Direct Support and Mentorship

• Provide one-on-one, peer-to-peer, person-centered mentorship and coaching to promote accountability, resilience, and sustained progress.
• Plan and implement life skills, social development, and competency-based learning opportunities focused on decision-making, communication, problem-solving, and independent living.
• Support participants with job applications, resume development, interview preparation, and enrollment in education or vocational programs.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Serve as a liaison to probation and parole officers, discharge planning staff, service providers, and community partners to support compliance and coordinated care.
• Assist with coordinating transportation, appointments, and group support sessions to promote consistent engagement and participation.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed documentation in SharedVillage and other designated case management systems for each participant interaction.
• Track referrals, services, participant progress, and outcomes to support program monitoring, compliance, and performance reporting.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, documentation standards, audits, and quality assurance reviews.

Program Support & Team Collaboration

• Attend required trainings, supervision sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in team meetings and collaborate with staff to support coordinated program operations and service delivery.
• Represent Lead4Life's mission, values, and professionalism in all interactions with participants, partners, and community stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related field (OR equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with justice-involved individuals or in community-based case management.
• Lived experience with reentry and successful reintegration is highly valued.
• Strong knowledge of community resources related to employment, housing, healthcare, education, and behavioral health.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation for community-based work.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience facilitating peer support, motivational, or life skills groups within correctional or reentry settings.
• Knowledge of reentry challenges, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices.
• Experience using electronic case management systems or databases.
• Ability to de-escalate conflict, build trust, and maintain professional boundaries.
• Familiarity with Maryland’s reentry systems and probation/parole processes.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required as other functions may be assigned.

This is a Non-Exempt Position Under The Fair Labor Standards Act.

Lead4Life, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Lead4Life is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a workplace that values professionalism, respect, fairness, and inclusion. Employment decisions are made in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and based on organizational needs, qualifications, performance, and other legitimate employment considerations.