Human Services Worker –Work Release Program, Hartford, CT
SHIFT & DAYS OFF: Full Time 2nd Shift, Wednesday – Sunday 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Monday/Tuesday Off
COMPENSATION: $19.00/hour
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 launched our BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Journey in June 2020. Led by a task force that includes board members, our executive leadership team, program managers and staff who act as BEDI Ambassadors from each of our programs, 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 journey at https://cpa-ct.org/our-bedi-journey/
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Work Release Program (WRP) is a transitional residence for clients released from DOC institutions on Community Release status. Clients learn about risk reduction, relapse prevention, and financial & life skills, while rejoining the workforce as part of their release stipulations. Clients pay rent and enter a savings program in order to more fully understand their responsibilities. Clients are referred by the Department of Correction Community Enforcement office after having been approved by the facility wardens. (Established 1991)
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
The ideal candidate will have a High School diploma/GED, Associates or Bachelor degree. Prior experience working in the human services field with justice involved clients with substance abuse, mental health or other behavior issues is preferred. Ability to interact with multi-cultural populations; crisis management skills; share the belief that people can change and individuals in need deserve quality services and an opportunity for recovery; must have a valid CT driver’s license and reliable transportation. Ability to work weekends, holidays and additional hours as needed. Bilingual ability (Spanish/English) desired.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES
- Supervise and monitor resident activities in compliance with program policies, including morning wake-up and completion of resident chores. Ensure a safe and secure environment for all utilizing appropriate de-escalation and behavior motivation techniques.
- Be an advocate for all participants encouraging program participation and accountability.
- Proactively act as a mediator when necessary to effectively resolve resident conflicts in a solutions focused manner.
- Maintain professional boundaries with residents, staff, volunteers, family members/visitors and providers at all times.
- Serve as positive role model following program guidelines for professional conduct and code of ethics and maintain a professional image at all times when interacting with supervisors, staff, residents and visitors, or answering phones.
- Assist with meeting resident needs as necessary and appropriate.
- Possess knowledge of and implement all agency/program policies and procedures governing facility operations including:
- Key Controls
- Head Count
- Facility Rounds
- Monitoring of client locations and visitors
- Emergency Procedures
- Inspections
- Maintain shift log indicating incidents that occur, immediately reporting all incidents to Program Manager, Residential Supervisor or to on-call personnel. As required, complete incident reports.
- Ensure all visitors have proper identification prior to entering the facility.
- Search all bags brought in or out of the facility, conducting pat and pocket searches on residential clients.
- Conduct client intake/admission and orientation after hours.
- Conduct random drug testing and breathalyzers.
- Complete all necessary documentation accurately and in a timely manner.
- Must be familiar with universal precautions and related issues including risk of communicable diseases.
- Remain constantly alert during all shifts for any situation that may jeopardize the safety of residents, staff, visitors and/or the community.
- Engage in all staff meetings and trainings offered to enhance professional development (required/non-required).
- Perform all other duties as required.
An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Affirmative Action