Reentry Specialist
The State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) is seeking to hire one full-time Reentry Specialist or two part-time Reentry Specialists to assist indigent individuals appealing their convictions and sentences.
Background
Reentry back into the community for any formerly incarcerated person can be difficult. It is especially difficult for individuals who spend lengthy prison terms behind bars. Individuals coming home from prison need assistance with reentry planning, finding reliable transportation, obtaining a driver’s license, applying for public benefits, finding employment and housing, identifying community support, learning how to use technology, developing skills to manage finances, and much more. Individuals going through the parole process also need assistance preparing for the parole process and the return home.
The Reentry Specialist would provide reentry planning and parole preparation support to indigent individuals on direct appeal and to juvenile lifers represented by court-appointed attorneys outside of SADO’s office. Reentry plans developed by the Reentry Specialist would be used in litigation at resentencing hearings and after discharge from incarceration.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Conduct needs assessments through in-person and/or video visits with clients
• Develop individualized Comprehensive Reentry Plans (CRPs) and Parole Preparation Plans (PPPs)
• Process referrals received from attorneys, prioritize referrals by deadline, track assignments and case status
• Interview and coordinate with members of the client’s support network
• Provide post-incarceration support to individuals coming home from incarceration, which includes locating and connecting clients to direct-service providers
• Attend community meetings relating to reentry and criminal justice issues to establish connections with service providers and community members
• Collaborate with outside agencies and service providers to build relationships and provide effective interagency referral services
• Develop post-incarceration case management plans and services for clients coming home from prison
• Inform and develop strategies that will sustain and support the mission of the reentry project
• Assist individuals in preparing for parole board interviews
• Attend parole hearings on behalf of clients
• Assist attorneys representing clients against prosecutor parole appeals, which includes thoroughly reviewing and analyzing institutional records
• Seamlessly integrate with SADO’s Project Reentry to develop and maintain projects (workshops, newsletters, and guidebooks) to assist the general public on reentry issues
• Responsible for all necessary clerical duties for individual work
Education and Experience
• Strong preference will be given to candidates who have been formerly incarcerated in the Michigan Department of Corrections and have experience assisting others with reentry back into the community.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and excellent communication and organizational skills are required.
• Knowledge of Michigan Department of Corrections processes and procedures is strongly preferred.
Salary and Benefit Information
This is a temporary federally funded 10-month grant project, ending on September 30, 2020, with potential for continuation. Salary is dependent on experience and may range from $21-$31/hour. Interested candidates may have the option of full-time or part-time employment and fringe benefits including health, dental, vision, and life are available for those working at least 30 hours a week.
Apply by November 8, 2019
Submit your resume and cover letter to Wendy Dealca at [email protected] by November 8, 2019. The cover letter should include a statement of interest and a description of the intent and abilities to meet the responsibilities above.
Must be able to start by November 18, 2019.
NLADA Mutual Insurance Co., RRG
