Re-Entry Program Specialist

ABOUT EMERGE

Our mission is to reveal the potential in people and communities through skill building, employment and economic opportunity. We envision a world where all people have an opportunity to emerge and thrive. At EMERGE, we are committed to revealing the potential in people and giving them the tools they need to not only gain employment but receive proper training to establish careers. 

EMERGE offers a generous benefits package including 3 medical plans, HSA w/agency contribution, dental, vision, earned wage access, 403b w/generous agency match/contributions, 12 paid holidays and 15 days PTO in first year, increasing to 20 days in year 2. This position offers some schedule flexibility and occasional WFH opportunities.

Position Summary

The Re-Entry Program Specialist is responsible for providing support and assistance to all Re-Entry staff in coordinating/providing employment services for Re-Entry Program participants. The Re-Entry Program Specialist will assist with all aspects of Workforce services and deliver those services pre- and post-release, either virtually or at Hennepin County ACF (Adult Correctional Facility), aka the workhouse and on site at the EMERGE’s Enterprise Center. The Re-Entry Program Specialist has high participant contact and engagement through the direct delivery of program services and activities.

Core Job Functions:

The Re-Entry Program Specialist performs a wide range of duties including but not limited to the following:

A. Re-Entry Responsibilities

§ Lead the intake process by assisting participants with completing program enrollment, providing assessments and engaging them in career exploration and work readiness activities, including completing Individual Employment Plans (IEP), to prepare them to make decisions about their career choices and education and training options.

§ Perform regular and consistent recruitment and outreach activities to promote reentry programs, resources and services by participating in information sessions, maintaining regular contact with Hennepin County case managers, attending community meetings and participating in collaborative activities with a variety of partner organizations.

§ Regularly and accurately complete all data entry requirements in a timely manner and effectively utilize external and internal databases (Workforce One, ClientTrack, Google Docs) and meet 100% of County requirements to maintain effective case notes and case file documents in accordance with County, State, and agency guidelines and prepare initial physical files

§ Serve as the first line of communication for participants while responding to all questions and concerns in a timely manner.

B. Coordination of pre-employment, job/education coaching, and job placement

§ Follow all HIPAA standards and ensure that client confidentiality is maintained in all settings.

§ In conjunction with other staff, plan and co-facilitate a reentry career fair and/or employer-of-the-day events and develop, schedule and facilitate Work Readiness/Job Club curriculum, Info Sessions and other classes/events for participants.

C. Integration of services and communication

§ Partner with Re-entry staff and other program case managers to ensure the overall promotion and integration with all Emerge programming/opportunities available to participants to maximize all program enrollments and support opportunities.

§ Work in coordination with Re-Entry Coaches and Re-Entry Supervisors to complete administrative tasks including but not limited to: Re-Entry Referrals, quarterly audits, ClientTrack/WF1 data entry and corrections as well transferring necessary data entry between databases.

§ Attend and participate in all program, site, and agency staff meetings.

§ Perform any other tasks and duties necessary in order for the agency to meet its mission

Position Requirements:

Education and Experience § AA degree is human services or related field or equivalent combination of related experience and post-secondary education

§ One year of work experience in employment & training, human services preferred.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

§ Demonstrated skills in Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Workforce1 and/or ClientTrack experience a plus.

§ Ability to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff reflect significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender, orientation, socio-economic status, nationality and religion.

§ Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.

§ Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.

§ Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

§ Ability to identify and analyze problems; develop and carry out effective courses of actions.

§ Ability to maintain client confidentiality.

§ Ability to retain a working knowledge of participant-specific needs related to limited English proficiency, basic needs, immigration, transportation, disability status, and career development.

§ Ability to navigate multiple internal and external databases.

§ Ability to travel between multiple agency locations.

Working Conditions and Environment:

Enterprises: Incumbent will have a private office/designated workspace in a typical office environment. The building is multiple floors and fully accessible and is smoke-free. Work will include regular local travel. Working hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8 am-5:00 pm, but will include occasional evening and weekend hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, sometimes loud.