Reentry Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position will be responsible for the delivery of vocational and educational guidance to clients participating in the program. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Work directly with counselors and clients in the development of Vocational Plans.
• Provide educational and vocational guidance to clients participating in the program.
• Provide in-service training and workshops for all staff and clients including development of community resources, job seeking skills classes, labor market research, communications, workplace etiquette, career planning, and resume preparation/writing and interview techniques (dress-for success).
• Create a work like environment where women can gain fundamental understanding of punctuality, reliability, steps to completing work assignments.
• Develop facility chore and special skill assignments and job descriptions. Assign facility chores, develop work crews with inmate supervisors and conduct chore assignments as an employment experience, including appropriate attitude and department evaluations and opportunities for advancement.
• Plan and arrange for courses of study and training.
• Interview inmates to determine their employment skill level, strengths and weaknesses and develop a vocational plan.
• Collect and analyze and interpret psychological, educational, social and employment information regarding each applicant and make a vocational diagnosis.
• Counsel and assist applicants with the personal adjustment to work ethics and assignments.
• Provide and interpret standardized test for use in vocational guidance.
• Promote and coordinate the assistance and services of other agencies and organizations to bring special classes and training sessions into the facility.
• Develop relationships with large and small employers, become familiar with and their products and human resource needs using a businesslike approach.
• Participate in community advisory groups that assist with return-to-work programs; working with employers to develop employment opportunities for transition to parole.
• Demonstrate knowledge of financial benefits for employers if they hire an ex-felon.
• Assist employers in revising standards that exclude applicants from jobs.
• Demonstrate to employers the cost effectiveness and profitability of employing chronically unemployed by identifying jobs those workers could perform.
• Obtain job orders, arrange interviews, and provide follow up and feedback to the parties.
• Assist with transportation related to clients’ vocational and educational needs.
• Monitor and track clients’ individual vocational and educational progress.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

COMPENTENCIES:

• Knowledge of labor market research, vocational assessment, and career planning.
• Knowledge of offender populations, criminal subcultures, and cultural differences, substance abuse assessment tools, therapeutic community concepts.
• Basic computer skills.
• Good documentation skills.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from LEIE.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in signs and symptoms of substance abuse and the recovery process is preferred.
• Graduation from an accredited four-year college with a degree in Addiction Counseling, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred; or
• Associate in Arts Degree with two years of experience in employment services for the general public or a specific population

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Certification as a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor is preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or in a residential treatment setting; and
• Some outdoor activities may be required.