Re-Entry Ambassador - Community Passageways : Job Details

Job Description Summary of Position Reporting to the Program Director, the Re-Entry Program Ambassador's duties include assessing participant's needs, listening to concerns, inspiring motivation, problem-solving, information giving, referrals to community agencies, and coordination of care with providers. Ambassadors work with participants to build empathetic relationships and formulate supportive plans and provide community support that best serves the unique goals and needs of the individual, centering on principles of restorative justice and healing. This position is part-time, non-exempt, up to 29 hours a week. Essential Responsibilities Assist participants in navigating the following systems:

• Community Connection
• Development of and referral to different community support groups, depending on the participant's social needs.
• Assisting people with connecting to leisure and recreation activities, meet-ups, social groups, etc.
• Engaging participants in relationships and providing guidance on building positive support networks.
• Provide any referrals to mental health providers, substance use treatment, or other mental health programs as requested by participants.
• Education
• Assist individuals with the processes of engaging in education (GED programming, higher education).
• Assistance navigating FAFSA and other financial and educational needs.
• Housing
• Assist participants with the entire housing process - from transitional to permanent housing.
• Provide referrals and connection to transitional housing as needed.
• Provide assistance with rent and other housing related needs.
• Provide assistance with connection to permanent housing, including connecting to property management, assistance with rental applications, and security and application deposits.
• Assistance with connection to housing assistance programs.
• Providing assistance and support with eviction and other housing issues as needed.
• Provide connection to community resources for housing advocacy or legal services as needed.
• Basic Needs
• Assist participants with housing items, clothing, hygiene, furniture, including referrals to Habitat for Humanity, groceries, childcare, etc.
• Assistance navigating Department of Licensing - obtaining license, testing, paying fines
• Connecting people with agencies to help with LFO's or other debt.
• Assistance navigating healthcare systems, food stamps, WIC, and other county programs.
• Legal Services
• Providing letters of support to the Courts for participants as needed.
• Provide assistance as needed with navigating probation and probation conditions
• Speak publicly and represent participants in hearings (Including clemency hearings, re-sentencing hearings, board hearings, and family and custody hearings).
• Employment
• Assistance with resume and cover letter writing.
• Provide connection to employers and assist with the process of job application.
• Outreach to employers to advocate for interviews and employment for program participants
• Conduct mock interviews
• Assist with writing and speaking about conviction(s)
• Referrals to apprenticeship programs, training programs, and assistance with payment.

Requirements Desired qualifications for this position:

• Lived experience with the criminal legal system - policing, jail, state supervision. We believe in a peer-led model and value the lived experience of those most impacted by the system.
• Case management experience
• Connected to resources in the community
• Experience navigating and/or working with or in the criminal legal system
• Certification in CPR and First Aid
• Driver's License, a personal vehicle, and car insurance. Travel throughout the community and to visit participants in person is required for this position

Preferred competencies:

• Ability to prioritize workload and daily activities and complete tasks in a timely manner.
• Ability to set boundaries, resolve conflicts, and de-escalate issues.
• Ability to work under pressure, receptive to change, willing to learn, with a cooperative approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, participants, and outside contacts.
• Commit to understand deeply and seek to dismantle the systems of oppression impacting communities of color
• Value the intrinsic worth of young people and their unlimited potential
• Maintain a restorative justice orientation in relationship to staff, partners and participants
• Be a self-aware (know your strengths and weaknesses), engaged and adaptable team player
• Take ownership of projects, be self-motivated, and practice independent problem solving
• Be flexible about changing priorities and manage competing deadlines
• Observe the highest level of discretion in protecting confidential information and preserving database security
• Practice excellent oral and written communication, especially proactive communication
• Exercise a willingness and ability to execute routine administrative procedures and tasks
• Basic knowledge of mainstream office software such as G Suite, email and calendar scheduling tools

Benefits Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Employee Assistance Program