Reentry Career Counselor

The Reentry Career Counselor provides support to a caseload of participants returning to the community following incarceration. They are responsible for establishing trusted relationships with adults and youth involved in the Justice system, both in correctional facilities and in the community, so they can achieve success. The Reentry Career Counselor helps participants move into the workforce or enroll in education, with the ultimate goal of achieving self-sufficiency through gainful employment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support a large caseload of adult and youth participants currently or formerly involved in the justice system
• Support participants through development and the execution of Individual Employment Plans; assist with résumé writing, job search, and direct connections to employment or internships
• Connect with participants regularly using voice, text, email, and in-person communication channels to monitor progress. Once a participant enters employment, use similar channels to conduct job retention and advancement checks
• Connect program participants to appropriate services and resources like childcare, housing, mental health/disability services, education, job training, etc.
• Follow program protocols for data entry, file management, and privacy protection
• Teach work readiness skills like interpersonal communication and interview preparation in one-on-one and small group settings, either at the agency or correctional facilities
• Connect participants to hiring managers and open job opportunities in their area(s) of interest
• Participate in monthly employer advisory meetings to meet new employers and establish good working relationships
• Conduct program outreach activities including tabling at community events, distributing/posting promotional materials, and maintaining relevant professional networks
• Work with marketing and communications team to develop profiles of participant success
• Participate in regular team meetings to monitor participant and program progress
• Attend all relevant trainings, workshops, and networking events

Qualifications

Required

• Previous case management experience and/or experience in criminal Reentry services
• Understanding of human services programming and ability to align eligibility requirements and needs with appropriate contacts and resources
• Able to pass criminal background check
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Office 365
• Data entry and the ability to navigate databases effectively while following privacy and confidentiality policies
• Cultural competency working in a diverse environment
• Strong time management and prioritization
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to create a welcoming, trusting, and professional environment for participants
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Preferred

• Understanding of Minnesota’s Indigenous communities, cultures, and practices
• Associates degree in human services or a related field

About American Indian OIC

American Indian OIC (AIOIC) was established in 1979 to address the education and employment disparities faced by Native American families living in and around South Minneapolis. The organization was founded as a career counseling provider, but now offers multi-faceted education and workforce development services through its alternative high school, Adult Basic Education program, job training center, and career counseling services. The goal of these programs is to give people the foundational education and support needed to pursue meaningful career opportunities. Although it was founded to serve people of Native descent, most of AIOIC’s programs are open to anyone regardless of race, creed, gender, religion, age, or sexual orientation. Annually, more than 1,000 people from the Twin Cities metropolitan area and affiliated with 40 distinct tribal nations from the US and Canada, utilize AIOIC’s services.

American Indian OIC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and will not discriminate against any person on any legally recognized basis (“protected class”) including, but not limited to: veteran status, uniform service member status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.85 - $24.65 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person