Re-entry Service Navigator

Position: Re-entry Service Navigator

Department: Mission Services

Reports to: Re-entry Program Coordinator

Status: Non-Exempt

Goodwill Keystone Area is committed to creating a culture of belonging where all people feel respected and valued. This is because we celebrate the diversity of thought, the richness of the human experience and the desire to reflect the communities we serve.

Summary

Responsible for assisting in preparing inmates at three federal prisons within the Goodwill Keystone Area (GKA) territory for reentrance to the community through pre-release planning, training for employment, and other supportive services. The Re-entry Service Navigator will provide identified services, advocacy, and program referrals, and collaborate with community partners to locate other needed services to assist re-entrants in overcoming barriers to successful reentry.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assumes responsibility as service provider and advocates for any federal re-entrant releasing to any community within the GKA territory.
• Assists the Re-entry Education Manager in the development of an individualized pre-release plan for each re-entrant within GKA's territory by identifying specific resources in the community that meet the service needs as outlined in the plan.
• Secures and verifies information regarding the re-entrant's support system, family relationships, work history, and other pertinent personal, societal, and social factors prior to release.
• Assists with barrier remediation before and after the re-entrant release including employment, housing and transportation needs, securing identity documents, financial planning, technological literacy, supportive services, and referral needs.
• Demonstrates competency in delivering PA DOC's Pathway to Success curriculum, digital literacy, and other curriculum as assigned to the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) reentrants. Demonstrates ability to make necessary adaptations to fit the population being served. Delivers job readiness and job retention instruction in a variety of basic methods to appeal to varying learning styles and abilities. Provides services in large-group, small-group, and one-on-one instruction.
• Works with RRC staff to assist with determination of eligibility for enrollment into the reSTARt Initiative. Facilitates the needs assessment system with RRC staff and implements needs assessments with participants. Develops individual service plans in collaboration with RRC staff for those eligible for the reSTARt initiative based on completed assessments. Provides support and stabilization services as prescribed by the individual service plan to participants.
• Implements activities related to the pre-release plan to ensure successful reentry into the community. Provides, or refers re-entrant to supportive services in all phases of re-entry, including but not limited to employment, healthcare, mental health treatment, housing, transportation, childcare, work attire, work-related tools, school supplies, education, training, and legal aid services, as needed.
• Delivers job readiness and job retention instruction in large groups, small groups, or one-on-one settings.
• Acts as a job coach and advocates while assisting re-entrant during job search, the hiring process, and employment; counsels re-entrants regarding work-related issues.
• Ensures the re-entrant's participation in the job club until attaining employment.
• Maintains open communication with team members to ensure wrap around support and awareness of issues with re-entrants. Meets with staff to assist in implementing the work readiness curriculum.
• Monitors ongoing re-entrant progress post-release.
• Maintains compliance with project regulations, requirements, and performance outcomes and provides the required documentation to appropriate staff, agencies, and funding sources for all services and activities provided.
• Completes data input into a management information system and timely completion of all reporting requirements.
• Adheres to safety guidelines, policies, and security protocols established by the Bureau of Prisons and GKA and ensuring program re-entrants do the same.
• Willingness to work in various corrections facilities.
• Promotes an environment of workplace safety by training and informing others regarding safety standards/precautions. Monitors safety and takes corrective action. Ensures that regulatory safety requirements are adhered to.
• Communicates progress, problems, and concerns to Re-entry Program Coordinator.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services, Social Services, Criminal Justice or related field; or a combination of education and experience to enable the individual to meet the standards and expectations of the position.

Skills/Abilities/Qualifications

• Ability to administer assessments that will inform reentry planning.
• Ability to be trained in mental health first aid, motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care
• Ability to make public presentations.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evening hours and weekends.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; comfortable with public speaking.
• Basic computer literacy including Microsoft and Google programs.
• Ability to independently organize work to completion.
• Must have a valid driver's license, reliable vehicle, and satisfactorily complete a motor vehicle check on an annual basis.
• Must be able to obtain acceptable results from required background checks, including Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal History Check, Department of Human Services - FBI Fingerprints, and Bureau of Prison background investigation.

Goodwill Keystone Area is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws that prohibit discrimination in employment. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to disability or status as a protected veteran.