Location: Waukegan,IL, USA
Are you looking for a challenging role within an organization that provides rewarding compensation, an excellent benefit 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 with 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 group that address ex-offender needs; set 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 works closely and effectively with other Correctional and support staff to encourage inmate's 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, assists with development of goals and action plans, and makes 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 in order to assess their needs for successful reintegration.
* Assist inmates to develop 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 plans 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 inmate's participation in structured jail treatment programs. Provide inmates with a list of community agencies which 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 group 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 six months of related experience including 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 confidentialities; 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 and, 2-4 years of experience. Individuals should have a working knowledge of course work in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or 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); 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.
We also offer flexible working hours, and a comprehensive wellness and training program. Visit our Prospective Employee page to get additional information on why you should work for Lake County!
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of an extensive background screening, polygraph, psychological evaluation and drug and alcohol testing.
Lake County is committed to being a diverse and inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).