Special Services Representative

Reports to:      Chief Executive Officer         

Employee Type:         Full-Time, Monday through Friday

Location:       Newark, New Jersey

Salary:            $75,000.00

Job Summary:

The Special Services Representative position is responsible for the development and implementation of a new Pre-Release Educational Program (PREP), an innovative instructor-led in-prison financial and workforce readiness program servicing incarcerated persons within 365 days of release at two (2) northern New Jersey state correctional facility locations. The PREP program provides pre-release case management services, evidence-based financial literacy training, and addresses the workforce readiness needs of incarcerated persons preparing for release, in order to strengthen and increase successful reintegration opportunities for returning citizens. The Special Services Representative will also aid in the delivery of college-level self-paced business development online certificate program courses to incarcerated persons within the PREP program. This position performs all day-to-day operations associated with the program, including: case management, participant service and curriculum delivery, quality control/fidelity to program mission, collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, development of community partnerships, and monitoring/reporting program outcomes. PREP program services, may include, but are not limited to: evidence-based financial literacy education and training, financial skills training, workforce readiness development and planning, pre-release business supplies assistance, access to self-paced college-level online business certificate program courses, case management, educational/vocational counseling, discharge planning, community referrals, continued education referrals to local, affordable, state programs, and educational/vocational aptitude assessment testing. The Special Services Representative is responsible for ensuring that the program adheres to organizational policies and procedures and serves as the primary point of contact for all PREP 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 Special Services Representative position may also require various screening processes in order to provide in-person program services in correctional facility settings.

Supervisory Relationships: The Special Services Representative reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer, in addition to all EHCA Corporate Executive Staff.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop, facilitate, and document day-to-day activities associated with the Pre-Release Educational Program (PREP), including, but not limited to: case management, program 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 in-classroom instructor and liaison for PREP program evidence-based curriculum.
• Meet with PREP participants one-on-one and in cohort focus-group correctional facility settings to provide educational instruction and training, college-level online business certificate program courses, workforce readiness development and planning, educational/vocational counseling, case management, pre-release business supplies assistance, and continuing education/community resource referrals.
• Obtain intake and program information for each PREP participant and maintain individualized confidential case files.
• Conduct educational/vocational aptitude assessment testing with program participants.
• Review, process, and track PREP program performance, applications, and/or requests for resources.
• Develop discharge continuity and continuing education 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 as needed.
• Collaborate and coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to implement the PREP program and attend scheduled monthly meetings/events at reentry and/or correctional facilities throughout New Jersey, as required.
• Meet with EHCA leadership staff a minimum of once per week to review grant activities throughout the performance period.
• Develop collaborative relationships in providing community resources related to continued housing, transportation, social services, medical/behavioral health providers, substance use disorder providers, for currently incarcerated individuals.
• Establish and manage a community/educational resource referral system. Ensure an up-to-date list of all community partners in various service delivery areas is maintained.
• 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:

Bachelor’s degree required. Minimum of one (1) year experience in project management, grant management, or government contract service delivery in a supervisory position. Knowledge/experience in reentry/criminal-justice involved case management and/or educational background preferred. 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. Ability to troubleshoot online/internet self-paced educational courses.

Working Conditions:

The working environment is generally favorable and requires travel to designated state correctional facilities on a set weekly schedule, in addition to local travel throughout the New Jersey/New York Metropolitan Area (as needed) throughout the grant period. The Special Services Representative may be on-call at times, and/or be expected to participate in community activities outside of regular working hours. Be advised that while this position location generally consists of work in the Newark, NJ area, travel to the EHCA corporate office in Wall Township, NJ will be required a minimum of once per week.

Physical Demands:

Position requires intermittent sitting and standing; in-classroom instruction in group settings; 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.