Family and Release Planning Coordinator

The Sherburne County Family and Release Planning Coordinator will work with eligible adult offenders helping them access community support services through Release Advance Planning (RAP) and facilitate the Parenting Inside Out (PIO) curriculum, preparing them for successful community reintegration and family reunification.  The Family and Release Planning Coordinator will be the primary liaison to several government departments (DOC, Probation, Health and Human Services, Veterans Services), coordinating communications and action strategies for the inmate, facilitating classes to enhance family relationships; develop an inmate discharge summary and be responsible for following up with the inmate post-discharge.Qualification Requirements
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The following duties are normal for this position.  These duties are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.   Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Screen and assess inmates for Family and Release Planning Coordination utilizing Parenting Inside Out (PIO) and RAP assessment tool. Develop transitional material and resources for inmates preparing to be released and/or enroll eligible inmates into PIO curriculum.
• Help inmates understand both essential life and parenting skills needed to be successful outside of incarceration based on individual and family needs. Work with inmates to connect with community resources while incarcerated and develop an individualized plan to be implemented upon release. Resources will include employment, housing, financial services, community supports, sober living/chemical dependency programs, mental health services, child support, and re-entry services
• Utilize knowledge of community resources to offer resources most appropriate to meet client needs and assist client to access services. Assist client with medical assistance applications and deliver to appropriate agency and/or assist with application for Rule 25/consolidated treatment funds through county residency.
• Develop partnerships and coordinate appropriate community connections with organizations and agencies that will help transition inmates from incarceration into community upon release, specific to Sherburne County and surrounding areas. Handle any contractual agreements. Supply re-entry supports (phone cards, programming costs, personal hygiene products).
• Develop and update resource directories and information, useful specifically towards offenders needing supportive services, like housing, and for those on government assistance. Provide combined application form or other necessary documents for general assistance, SNAP, or emergency assistance.
• Facilitate Parenting Inside Out (PIO) curriculum within Sherburne County Jail, an evidence-based parenting skills training program developed for criminal justice involved parents for eligible inmates, coaching inmates to provide parenting skills and improve family relationships; Coordinate with applicable agencies particularly Child Protection Services (CPS). 
• Help inmate identify and access community supports and resources to live independently out in the community promoting family consistency and self-sufficiency. 
• Utilize counseling and crisis intervention skills as needed to assist clients to resolve issues and to maintain positive relationships in their family and within the community.
• Communicate on a weekly basis with the RAP team. Coordinate and facilitate weekly meetings and manage participation and logistics.
• Provide documentation to probation, public defender, prosecutor, and judges as requested, and attend court when necessary. 
• Document and follow up with RAP team members regarding coordination of services, appointments, etc. 
• Evaluate Program goals and objectives, tracking inmates, and recidivism levels. Draft quarterly and annual RAP evaluations. Present to stakeholders as requested. Provide necessary data to as needed for PIO evaluations and quarterly analysis.
• Schedule and refer mental health and chemical dependency assessments, supply appropriate referral documentation/applications, communicate with programs to ensure all requirements for admission are met. Secure admission date and transportation prior to release.
• Assist with court ordered programming, child support obligations and complete appropriate paperwork or court dates associated with them. 
• Assist with parental communicate and visitation to incarcerated mothers and fathers.
• Provide chemical dependency assessments and re-entry resources for other inmates ineligible for the full RAP program.
• Develop and maintain respectful and cooperative working relationships.
• Regular and reliable attendance according to the department's work schedule.

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of local government organization and departmental operating requirements.
• Ability to negotiate and calculate funding for various re-entry supports.
• Ability to determine reduction in recidivism.
• Ability to determine medical assistance status and determine funding sources for referrals and services.
• Ability to screen pre-sentence inmates and assist with downward departures for legal proceedings.
• Skilled in critical thinking and problem solving.
• Ability to remain flexible while managing diverse caseload with respect to individual needs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to effectively work with clients, supervisors,  department heads and other internal customers. 
• Ability to determine costs of programming and assist with prioritizing personal and legal commitments for clients.
• Ability to make sound and timely decisions based on analysis, experience in the field, and good judgement.  
• Ability to effectively manage and analyze data to drive business decisions.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to use software including Microsoft Office, Outlook and other specialized software packages.

An individual must meet the minimum qualifications as stated below to qualify for this position.

Must possess a BA/BS in Social Work or closely related field, minimum two years college experience or equivalent human services work experience, and 1-3 years social work or community corrections experience or equivalent education plus work experience.  Training or experience with Parenting Inside Out curriculum is preferred and is required within 6 months of hire.
 
Familiarity/experience with Motivational Interview strategies to assist with offender change, and 1-3 years social work or community corrections experience or equivalent education plus work experience is desirable for the position.

Requires a valid MN driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.Physical Requirements and Work Environment
Must be able to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.  May involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 10 pounds).

Work is normally performed in an office environment to include meeting with clients within the Jail. Headaches, eyestrain and other related occupational hazards reflect the most common potential for injury in the office.

Salary : $28 - $39