Re-Entry Focused Employment Specialist

Job Title: Re-entry Focused Employment Specialist (RES), LEAP Program

Location: Cape Girardeau, MO 63703

Reports to: Program Manager, LEAP Program

Job Overview:

The Re-entry Focused Employment Specialist (RES) will play a critical role in the LEAP (Linking Employment Activities Pre-release) Program by supporting incarcerated individuals in preparing for and securing meaningful employment upon their release. This role involves working one-on-one with participants to assess their skills, prepare for job placement, and address potential employment barriers. The RES will also cultivate relationships with community partners and employers, creating pathways for post-release job opportunities. This role is ideal for a candidate with experience in workforce development, a passion for social justice, and a commitment to helping formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into the workforce.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participant Assessment and Career Planning
  
  
  
  • Conduct assessments of participants’ skills, education, work history, and career interests to create individualized employment plans.
  
  
  • Work closely with participants to develop job search skills, including resume writing, interview techniques, and job application processes.
  
  
  • Identify potential barriers to employment and assist participants in addressing issues related to transportation, documentation, and background checks.
  
  
  
  


• Employment Preparation and Support
  
  
  
  • Lead job readiness workshops and trainings, covering topics such as workplace behavior, conflict resolution, and time management.
  
  
  • Provide guidance on career development pathways and support participants in acquiring additional skills or certifications when necessary.
  
  
  • Facilitate mock interviews and other preparatory activities to build participants' confidence and professionalism.
  
  
  
  


• Employer and Community Engagement
  
  
  
  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with local employers willing to provide job opportunities to LEAP participants.
  
  
  • Educate employers on the benefits and considerations of hiring justice-involved individuals and address any concerns or questions.
  
  
  • Coordinate with community organizations, training providers, and support agencies to connect participants with post-release services, including housing, mental health support, and continuing education.
  
  
  
  


• Case Management and Follow-Up
  
  
  
  • Document all participant interactions, employment progress, and outcomes in accordance with program protocols.
  
  
  • Provide post-placement support to ensure successful job retention and troubleshoot any challenges that may arise in participants’ employment.
  
  
  • Maintain regular communication with participants after release to offer continued support, advice, and resources for career advancement.
  
  
  
  


• Data Collection and Reporting
  
  
  
  • Track employment outcomes, retention rates, and other key metrics to measure program effectiveness.
  
  
  • Submit regular reports on participant progress, challenges encountered, and success stories to the Program Manager and other stakeholders.
  
  
  • Use data insights to refine job placement strategies and improve service delivery.
  
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• Education and Experience:
  
  
  
  • Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, criminal justice, workforce development, or a related field preferred.
  
  
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in workforce development, case management, or a related field, ideally with justice-involved individuals or other vulnerable populations.
  
  
  
  


• Skills and Competencies:
  
  
  
  • Strong knowledge of barriers to employment and strategies for supporting individuals with criminal records.
  
  
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport with participants and employers.
  
  
  • Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple participants and priorities.
  
  
  • Proficiency in data entry, case management software, and Microsoft Office Suite.
  
  
  • Ability to work independently and within a team environment, with a high level of professionalism and sensitivity to participants’ needs.
  
  
  • MUST BE ABLE TO PASS MO BACKGROUND CHECK AND HAVE CLEAR RECORD OF NO CONVICTIONS OR CURRENT CHARGES IN THE STATE.
  
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, or other relevant counseling techniques.


• Knowledge of local resources for job training, housing, mental health, and other supportive services.


• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Salary and Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience.


• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plan, and paid time off.


• Opportunities for professional development and career growth within the organization.