Career Counselor
Position Summary:
The Career Counselor will work with incarcerated individuals to assess their needs, develop career case plans, and monitor progress as they prepare for successful reentry into Dauphin County within 20 days to nine months. Serving students in state correctional institutions, county, and local prisons, the Career Counselor provides direct assistance to justice-involved individuals, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to overcome barriers to reentry. This role requires collaboration with justice partners and community agencies to facilitate services related to employment, training, education, and other supportive needs.
Job Responsibilities:
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Manage a caseload of 30 active participants, all of whom will be incarcerated at the start of the program
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Conduct individual case management sessions with clients in prisons and at the office
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Perform initial screenings to determine the level of service and support needed
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Develop individualized career case plans addressing barriers to successful reentry
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Maintain accurate documentation of all client interactions, including contact details, outcomes, and action plans
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Provide or coordinate holistic services to address participants' needs
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Regularly update the Program Manager on client progress and program status
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Attend program-related meetings, training, and conferences as required
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Work closely with program funders to collect data, write reports, and conduct follow-up activities
Position Requirements:
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Willingness to use personal phone and laptop to contact students (can use free apps)
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Willingness to travel to state correctional institutions as needed
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Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines and budget constraints
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Ability to function in a team environment while also working independently
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Strong public relations, community organizing, negotiation, mediation, and conflict management skills
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Experience working with justice-involved young adults and knowledge of the Dauphin County justice system and community resources
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Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information
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Demonstrated ability to inspire community participation and build calitions
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database systems
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Strong administrative and origanizational skills
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Excellent verbal and written communication skills
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Ability to build relationships with diverse groups, including individuals with conflicting interests and opinions
Minimum Qualifications:
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Bachelor's Degree in Social Work (BSW), Psychology, Counseling, Criminology, or a related social/behavioral science field
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Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) is preferred
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2 - 3 years of experience delivering services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system
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2 - 3 years of experience providing case management services
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Ability to pass criminal background checks (State, Local, and Federal)
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Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with individuals from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, including ex-offenders and public officials
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Ability to travel within the city and surrounding communities (some national travel possible)
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Prior knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience working with ex-offenders is preferred
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this role. It is not invented to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Tri-County OIC reserves the right to modify duties, add responsibilities, or designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement or contract.
ABOUT US
Tri-County OIC is a community-based, non-profit, Federal, State, local, foundation and supporter funded organization, which is part of a greater nationwide alliance of OIC’s.
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Hours of Operation*:
Monday - 8am to 8pm
Tuesday - 8am to 6pm
Wednesday - 8am to 8pm
Thursday - 8am to 8pm
Friday - 8am to 1pm
Saturday & Sunday - Closed
* Business hours subject to change during holidays
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