Reentry Support Specialist

Reports to:      Chief Executive Officer         

Employee Type:         Full-Time, Monday through Friday

Location:        Wall Township, New Jersey

Salary:            $75,000.00

Job Summary:

The Reentry Support Specialist position is responsible for the development and implementation of a new community-based Emergency Rapid Re-Housing Assistance (ERRA) Program, providing short-term emergency housing assistance resources and services to currently and recently incarcerated individuals in the Newark, New Jersey Metro Area, including Essex, Morris, Hudson, and Union Counties. Short-term emergency housing assistance services will be focused on the first 90 days of release from incarceration to strengthen and increase successful reintegration opportunities for returning citizens in the Newark Metro Area. This position performs all day-to-day operations within the program, including: case management, participant service delivery, quality control/fidelity to program mission, collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, development of community partnerships, and monitoring/reporting on program outcomes. ERRA program services, may include, but are not limited to: emergency hotel stays/vouchers, financial assistance for temporary emergency housing, short-term rental assistance, housing utility deposits, moving cost assistance, transportation costs to search for housing, temporary storage costs, essential home furnishing assistance, case management, discharge planning, community referrals, etc. The Reentry Support Specialist is responsible for ensuring that the program adheres to EHCA organizational policies and procedures and serves as the primary point of contact for all Emergency Rapid Re-Housing Assistance program matters, serves as a liaison in the reentry community, and is expected to perform in an exemplary, role modeling manner towards program staff, community partners, local, state, and federal agencies, and program clients at all times.

This is a grant funded initiative position. Employment and/or continued employment is dependent upon grant funding availability. The Reentry Support Specialist position may also require various screening processes in order to provide in-person program services in correctional facility settings.

Supervisory Relationships: The Reentry Support Specialist reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer, in addition to all EHCA Corporate Executive Staff.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop, perform, and document day-to-day activities associated with the Emergency Rapid Re-Housing Assistance (ERRA) program, including, but not limited to: case management, program participant services and processes, program materials, community-based collaboration efforts, resolution of participant or program issues, program reporting, and any inter-agency communication and/or strategic marketing related to the program.
• Serve as the lead advocate and liaison for the ERRA program with program participants, contract and governmental agencies, and other service providers.
• Establish a reentry housing assistance network of collaborative local, state, and non-governmental organizations, landlords, real estate agencies, LLC’s, etc., spanning the New Jersey Metro Area.
• Meet with ERRA program participants in correctional facility settings and in the community.
• Obtain intake and service application information from each program participant and maintain confidential case files.
• Conduct need-assessment reviews with program participants to determine barriers to community reintegration and viable service solutions.
• Review, process, and track participant applications and/or requests for resources.
• Develop discharge continuity plans with program participants to ensure a continuum of care in the community.
• Ensure quality services are delivered to program participants at all times.
• Conduct and engage in community outreach/engagement activities.
• Collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to implement the program and attend scheduled monthly meetings/events at reentry and/or correctional facilities throughout New Jersey.
• Meet with EHCA leadership staff a minimum of once per week to review grant activities, case consultation, and clinical supervision throughout the performance period.
• Contact prospective community partners and initiatives by phone, mail, and in-person, to describe ERRA program objectives and develop collaborative relationships in providing community resources related to continued housing, transportation, social services, medical/behavioral health providers, substance use disorder providers, for formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Establish and manage a community referral/resource system. Ensure an up-to-date list of all community partners in various service delivery areas is maintained.
• Develop and maintain an Emergency Rapid Re-Housing Resource Guide.
• Process and resolve program participant issues or grievances.
• Collect program data and complete monthly/annual reports.
• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and procedures.
• Adhere to attendance policy; work overtime as required; take appropriate corrective action to ensure work is performed in an accurate and timely manner; communicates effectively with all levels of staff in a manner that promotes a team spirit and a sense of cooperation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

A High School Diploma or GED equivalency is required. Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree preferred. Knowledge/experience in reentry/criminal-justice involved case management and/or reentry housing assistance preferred. Minimum of one (1) year experience in project management, grant management, or government contract service delivery in a supervisory position. Outstanding public speaking skills, communication skills, organization skills, attention to detail, and must be task oriented. Must be able to work independently and must have initiative. Ability to use computers and Microsoft Office suite. Must possess a valid Driver’s License. EHCA maintains a drug-free workplace and is an equal opportunity employer.

Equipment and Applications:

Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including word processing and spreadsheet software.

Working Conditions:

The working environment is generally favorable; ability to travel locally and throughout New Jersey/New York Metropolitan Area (as needed). The Reentry Support Specialist may be on-call at times, and/or be expected to participate in community activities outside of regular working hours.

Physical Demands:

Position requires intermittent sitting and standing; and the use of a computer (typing), and the ability to travel to different service locations and/or public events.

Benefits:

• Paid Time Off
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance

Specifications:

The general nature and level of work being performed are contained in this job description.  This job description should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.  This job description does not state or imply that the duties described herein are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent.  Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor.

This job description does not constitute a contract of employment or promise nor does it create an implied duty or contractual obligation. It is simply an overview of the job responsibilities to be performed. All employment at Education and Health Centers of America (EHCA) is “at will.” This means that either the employee or EHCA has the right to terminate the employment relationship with or without cause and with or without notice.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.