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Career Navigator, WE RISE Together, Waterbury Reentry Welcome Center

COMPENSATION: $25.72/hour ($53,500 annual)

AGENCY DESCRIPTION:

One of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, Community Partners in Action (CPA) was founded nearly 150 years ago to champion criminal justice reform and advocate for preserving the dignity of those in and out of prison. Through our programs that include reentry and housing, youth initiatives, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration, we provide a long-term impact that positively transforms individuals and society at large. Annually serving nearly 7,000 individuals throughout Connecticut, our work is possible due to partnerships with and support from individuals, government, private funders, organizations, and businesses.

CPA is guided by our BEDI ( B elonging, E quity, D iversity, and I nclusion) culture. WE ARE COMMITTED to building and maintaining an inclusive, equitable workplace and COMPELLED to have a constructive impact on criminal justice reform in CT that ends racial inequities and ensures the humanity and dignity of those interacting with the system. Read more about our BEDI culture at https://cpa-ct.org/our-bedi-journey/

PROGRAM DESCRPTION:

The Workforce Education and Reintegration Services for Employment Program (WE RISE Together) is a statewide initiative that brings together Connecticut ' s Reentry Welcome Centers in Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven and Waterbury and Project Employment Reintegration Program in New London [collectively the RWCs] and Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) in an innovative partnership focused on expanding employment opportunities by removing barriers and improving supports for the reentry population and other justice-involved communities. WE RISE Together will build on the strengths of the RWC network, leverage existing resources, share best practices, and fill in gaps in service delivery to reskill and upskill justice-involved individuals for access to employment in high-quality career pathways in in-demand industry sectors. The WE RISE Together program will serve the justice-involved community, including returning citizens, justice-involved young adults ages 18-24, and individuals who have been on parole, probation or had felony convictions over the past five years.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Four-year degree, preferably in Criminal Justice or Social Services and at least two years of experience providing career navigation services. Experience may be considered in lieu of education. Prior work with justice-involved individuals a plus. Must have strong emotional intelligence and written and verbal communication skills; knowledge of community providers that offer services to the justice-involved population; ability to interact with a multi-cultural population and crisis management skills. Ability to build and maintain relationships and partnerships with diverse stakeholders. Understanding of the Greater Waterbury and Hartford job markets and adult education and vocational training programs. A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required. Bi-lingual capacity (English/Spanish) preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES:

1. Commit to Reentry Welcome Center mission and goals.
2. Work one on one with each participant to identify career goals and determine the best pathway to achieve those goals. This includes career exploration, overcoming barriers, accessing trainings, building soft skills for career advancement, and making a connection between the participants and employers.
3. Complete Individualized Career Development Plan with each participant to assess skills, along with career and educational goals.
4. Coordinate activities, experiences, and workshops around career fields of interest such as career days, panels, job shadowing.
5. Connect participants to ESL, GED, or other relevant trainings needed for participants to achieve career advancement or to be eligible for a certification program.
6. Refer participants to workforce development programs to access training and resources.
7. Connect participants to relevant certification programs needed for upskilling.
8. Input all necessary data into the program's case management and reporting system.
9. Collaborate with Reentry Welcome Center Evaluator.
10. Communicate and coordinate with identified Parole and Probation Officers to ensure there is a cohesive plan for each participant who is under their supervision.
11. Facilitate/coordinate any necessary referrals to community partners as needed.
12. Provide on-going communication with staff at the Center regarding each participant through emails, phone calls and case conference meetings to ensure needs of participants are met.
13. Develop and maintain a strong network of community providers that can assist participants.
14. Participate in community groups, committees and meetings.
15. Educate, advocate, and promote social justice and social change on behalf of all program participants.
16. Submit program reports to supervisor as prescribed.
17. Function as a team-player assisting with all program participants and staff.
18. Serve as a role model to participants and staff modeling pro-social behaviors.
19. Establish and maintain professional boundaries with participants and community providers.
20. Other duties as required for smooth operation of the program.

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An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Affirmative Action