Pre-Release And Re-Entry Case Manager- Black Employment Support Program

ABOUT US

Urban Rez Solutions, Social Enterprise (URSSE) is a not-for-profit organization providing wraparound services and supports in the areas of life skills and community capacity building through training and development in conflict resolution, pre-employment readiness, civic engagement, and criminal justice system support to socio-economically challenged communities throughout Canada. We also prepare individuals for employment, entrepreneurship and continuing education.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The Black Employment Support Program (‘Inside Out’) is a solution-focused culturally relevant social transformation program designed to invigorate and empower individuals involved with the Criminal Justice System to make sustainable positive change in their lives. The program is designed to reduce recidivism, augment Social Emotional Learning, prepare individuals for employment, education, entrepreneurship by training, building resilience, imparting life skills; improving leadership skills, providing mentorship, enhancing communication skills, and building community relationships

The program consists of the following key components:

• Prevention, Intervention & Reinvention Workshops/Activities
• Social Emotional Learning; Restorative Practices; Enhanced Mental Health and Wellbeing;
• Preparing Black persons to pursue training, employment, education and entrepreneurship
• Providing wraparound support

JOB SUMMARY

The Black Employment Support Program (‘Inside Out’) Pre-Release and Re-entry Case manager is responsible for:

• Providing Black persons in custody facilities and persons released from custody a continuum of culturally appropriate services and supports.
• Providing culturally specific methods of intervention and services that address the specific, assessed needs of the client.
• Providing pre-release support, planning and coordination to Black persons in custody facilities who are soon to be released and to those who have recently been released back into the community.
• Providing intervention and transitional support services to incarcerated individuals to reconnect them to their family, community and society.

Successful candidates will support healing and re-entry of the client and provide culturally appropriate programming, including crime prevention awareness.

The re-entry case manager will work as an accountability coach with persons, developing unique re-entry plans for clients.

The case manager will connect individuals to the resources required for them to achieve the goals in their plans and also support clients by checking in and holding them accountable.

The case manager will use a solution focused therapy approach to ensure that clients are focusing on practical solutions. All duties must be performed in compliance with the Child and Family Services Act and the Youth Criminal Justice Act, and Solicitor General Guidelines.

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

The Case Manager is responsible for the implementation of the Black Employment Support Program (‘Inside Out’) Initiative for Black individuals currently involved in the criminal justice system by managing the following responsibilities:

• Conducting intake and assessment procedures to ensure clients’ needs are clearly identified and directed accordingly;
• Conducting financial literacy and social capacity building group sessions in secure facilities
• Identifying and building relationships with clients
• Empowering clients to develop an action plan where they sustain employment
• Working closely with partnering stakeholders and organizations to ensure the effective implementation of the project activities.
• Providing one-to-one case management support for up to 8 individuals while incarcerated and once released back to the community
• Providing trauma informed care with culturally responsive services and mentoring
• Facilitating restorative justice practices with clients
• Supporting and fostering meaningful partnerships with a broad range of community stakeholders
• Assisting clients in creating stability for themselves and their family through appropriate referrals for counseling, financial counseling, job readiness programs and postsecondary education
• Providing leadership through mentoring/coaching
• Assisting clients with goal setting, the development of action plans and ongoing intervention
• Preparing a structured community re-entry plan for Black clients in custody
• Assessing employment, financial, and social needs including health and housing
• Preparing clients and family for gradual phased reduction in frequency/ intensity of supports
• Performing case management duties, and maintaining records as per agency policies and procedures
• Providing systems navigation support for clients and assisting them in self-advocacy.
• Liaising with agencies, professionals and community services that support reintegration
• Ensuring appropriate systems and environments are in place to support pre-release programs and preparing clients for community re-entry.
• Maintaining accurate, complete and up-to-date records.
• Maintaining effective working relationships with intra-agency program staff, good relations with institutional staff, other community agencies, professionals, government officials, and the community at large.
• Participating in regular case conferences with probation and parole officers, community reintegration officers, social workers, support staff and respective clients.
• Contributing to the evaluation of the client’s progress and providing input into reports as deemed appropriate.
• Supporting persons leaving custody to identify, access and navigate service systems relevant to their needs.
• Connecting persons to resources in the community including - housing supports; education resources; employment services, skill training, Ontario Works, life skills training (e.g. financial management, household management); health and mental health services; legal services;
• Support clients to find affordable, safe housing
• Liaise with family of the client to support the client’s re-entry

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• MSW, BSW, University Degree, College Diploma in a related field such as Child and Youth Worker, Social Service Caseworker Diploma or Law and Justice;
• Two or more years experience providing case management support and/or delivering programs with at-risk youth, working in the area of Youth Criminal Justice or the Adult Criminal Justice System
• Knowledge of the Youth Criminal Justice Act and the Criminal Justice System
• Key knowledge of current case management practices and prior experience using reporting and evaluation tools.
• Direct program delivery experience in the social services sector with a demonstrated working knowledge of community-based programs
• Knowledge and experience working with trauma-informed care, loss and grief counseling
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize, schedule and perform complex tasks with minimum supervision
• Demonstrated time and project management skills to be able to interpret and effectively manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines.
• Good knowledge of Toronto and surrounding communities.
• Excellent interpersonal, public relations and communication skills.
• Organization, time and general management skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Possess or be willing to attain a Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate and/UMAB or ART
• Have and maintain a current Emergency First Aid Certificate.
• Must possess strong written and oral skills
• Must produce clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
• Must possess a valid driver’s license
• Strong work ethic and a high degree of energy.

WHO YOU ARE

• You are passionate about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected
• You have a proven work ethic that is responsive
• You are resilient and have a regiment for self care
• You take responsibility for your actions, and honor your commitments
• You have a desire to engage and work closely with others both within and outside the organization
• You do not shy away from tough challenges
• You embody empathy and compassion in all your interactions
• You have relevant lived experience
• You have a thorough knowledge of anti-Black racism and processes to counter it

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS, HOURS

37.5 Hours Weekly

Full-time, 6-month contract with option for permanent position after completion (pending funding renewal)

Application deadline: Rolling Until Filled

Thank you for your interest. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted; Urban Rez Solutions, Social Enterprise is committed to the principles of employment equity and encourages applicants from all Human Rights protected groups. We strive to meet the accommodation needs of persons with disabilities. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known in advance during the application process.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Paid time off

Application question(s):

• What Experience do you have in Case Management for Justice-Impacted Individuals?

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• Criminal Justice System: 2 years (required)

Work Location: On the road

Application deadline: 2022-11-07