Client Advocate – Reentry – F/T August 21, 2023

We are seeking a Client Advocate to join Reentry team in the Second Chance Act program. The candidate will provide reentry case management services to individuals returning from incarceration for the Second Chance Act program to ensure that all participants are receiving the appropriate services that will help in reducing recidivism.  This position will provide direct client service.  Hours may vary including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities Include:

• Ensure a thorough intake on all participants is done prior to them being admitted to the program, per admission criteria.  This includes developing a self-sufficiency plan as well as a discharge plan.
• Meet with participants once weekly or as needed for case management sessions to provide support, referrals and to ensure their accountability and program compliance.
• Work closely with the Program Coordinator, Second Chance Act Grant, Director of Reentry Services, applicable agencies, and all reentry staff to ensure issues with program participants are effectively coordinated.
• Assist the Program Coordinator, Second Chance Act Grant on an as needed basis with facilitation of CoSA Project and/or all other SCA program needs.
• Advocate on behalf of the participants for other services within the community.  This includes coordinating with substance abuse providers, life skill classes, job skill assessment and training, off-site counseling services, and any other services deemed necessary to resolve a participant’s homelessness.
• Collect and provide all necessary documentation for reporting and audit purposes.
• Track all participants’ services for the purpose of measuring the success of the program in accordance with program goals and objectives, grant compliance and government regulations.
• Attend Reentry meetings with other community partners as requested.
• Observe and protect confidentiality requirements with all cases.
• Provide assessments and conduct screenings to identify individuals that meet the qualifications of the program.
• Receive and review referrals for new participants in the SCA Reentry program
• Meet with individual participants, administer and/or review the Level of Service Inventory – Revised (LSI-R) assessment and assess participant’s criminogenic needs.
• Identify the assets and barriers of participants through observation, interviews, case notes, collateral contacts, and other means.
• Assist participants in developing natural support systems to increase housing stability and improve their transition back into society.
• Complete LSI-R for all assigned participants according to schedule, policy and procedure.
• Collaborate and communicate with employment consultant, job coach and/or community partners, if appropriate. Participate in the job search when relevant. Participate in and provide skill development opportunities in resume development, completion of job application, transportation arrangements, practice interviews, and other pre-employment skills and activities.
• Facilitate support and/or therapeutic groups. Plan and research appropriate/relevant topics, provide materials, schedule workshops and special events, and engage speakers. Motivate participants to attend and actively participate.
• Plan and facilitate pro-social outings and/or activities with and for participants. Motivate participants to attend and actively participate.
• Complete case note documentation and file reviews ensuring notes are detailed, comprehensive and ensure a case note is completed for every contact made with the participant as well as for every contact made on behalf of a participant.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings providing clinical input, insight and feedback utilizing a solution oriented approach.
• Interact and work collaboratively with city leaders, law enforcement, Department of Corrections (DOC), the Justice System and other community partners to facilitate systematic changes in the Criminal Justice System in Palm Beach County.
• Collaborate with members of the criminal justice community through participation in task force groups and committees to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specified level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements and policies.
• Develop an individualized self-sufficiency plan in collaboration with the participant, with a focus of moving toward self-sufficiency; define the process for attainment of goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Program Coordinator, Second Chance Act Grant, Director of Reentry Services according to business needs.

Requirements Include:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology or mental health counseling required.
• Degree in social work or related field preferred.
• Previous experience working with returning citizens preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer skill, including a working knowledge of Office 97 or higher required.
• Requires ability to operate business equipment used daily within the organization.
• Requires ability to learn and use whatever documentation system appropriate to their program, including electronic databases to document case notes.
• Requires completion of certification training within the first 90 days of employment.
• May require safely lifting up to 15 lbs.
• Maintain a valid Florida State drivers’ license with a satisfactory driving record and eligibility for coverage under any applicable Company insurance.