About Cornerstone Connections:

Cornerstone Connections is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening individuals, families, and communities by creating pathways to opportunity and stability through quality services, resources, training, and support. Through a range of family support, workforce development, fatherhood, and community-based programs, Cornerstone Connections helps individuals and families address barriers, build stability, and work toward long-term success.

About Connecting Fathers, Connecting Families Program:

Connecting Fathers, Connecting Families (CFCF) is Cornerstone Connections' responsible fatherhood program designed to support fathers in strengthening their relationships with their children and families while addressing barriers that may affect their ability to thrive. The program provides fatherhood education, individualized support, case management, re-entry services, peer support, co-parenting resources, and family engagement opportunities. Services are provided in community-based settings, correctional facilities, and through virtual programming to reach fathers at different stages of their lives and fatherhood journeys.

About the position:

The Re-Entry Specialist supports fathers participating in the Connecting Fathers, Connecting Families (CFCF) program who are currently incarcerated, preparing for release, or have recently returned to the community following incarceration. The position provides support throughout the re-entry process, including pre-release planning when applicable and continued assistance following release to help fathers establish stability, strengthen or re-establish relationships with their children and families, and successfully reintegrate into their families and communities. The Re-Entry Specialist provides individualized re-entry planning, case management, resource navigation, referrals, linkages, and ongoing support based on each participant's identified needs and goals. The position helps fathers address barriers related to employment, housing, identification and vital documents, transportation, healthcare, education and training, family relationships, parenting and co-parenting, and other needs that may affect successful re-entry, responsible fatherhood, family stability, and long-term success.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Engage fathers who are incarcerated, preparing for release, recently released, or otherwise in need of re-entry support. Conduct individualized assessments to identify participant strengths, needs, barriers, goals, family circumstances, and available support systems. Develop individualized re-entry and service plans in collaboration with participants and appropriate program staff. Assist participants in identifying immediate and long-term needs related to successful re-entry, responsible fatherhood, family stability, and community reintegration. Provide pre-release planning and support for participants preparing to return to the community, when applicable. Help participants develop realistic goals and action steps related to employment, housing, family relationships, parenting, education, and other areas of stability. Provide ongoing guidance, encouragement, problem-solving assistance, and accountability throughout the re-entry process. Case Management & Post-Release Support Provide individualized case management to fathers transitioning from incarceration and those who have recently returned to the community. Maintain regular contact with assigned participants to monitor progress, identify emerging needs, and provide continued support. Monitor participant progress toward established goals and update service and re-entry plans as circumstances and needs change. Assist participants in navigating barriers that may interfere with successful re-entry, family stability, employment, program participation, or achievement of personal goals. Conduct participant follow-up through telephone, virtual meetings, in-person meetings, and community-based outreach as appropriate. Coordinate services with other CFCF team members to ensure participants receive comprehensive and consistent support. Support continuity of services as participants transition between correctional facilities and community-based programming. Fatherhood & Family Connections Help fathers identify opportunities to strengthen, maintain, or re-establish healthy relationships with their children and families. Reinforce responsible fatherhood principles and support participants in applying skills learned through CFCF fatherhood education and programming. Connect fathers to parenting education, co-parenting support, family engagement activities, peer support, and other appropriate CFCF services. Assist fathers in identifying barriers that may affect their ability to be consistently and positively involved in their children's lives. Encourage healthy communication, responsible decision-making, and positive family engagement as participants transition back into their families and communities. Coordinate with Father Support Case Managers, Family Support Navigators, and other program staff when participants require additional family-focused services or support. Resource Navigation & Service Linkages Connect participants with community resources and service providers based on their individualized needs and re-entry plans. Provide referrals and linkages for services including employment and workforce development, housing and transitional housing, transportation, identification and vital documents, education and vocational training, healthcare and behavioral health services, food and basic needs assistance, legal and community resources, parenting and co-parenting services, and other stabilization supports. Assist participants with navigating referral processes and understanding eligibility requirements and next steps. Follow up on referrals to determine whether participants successfully connected with services and provide additional assistance when barriers arise. Develop and maintain knowledge of community resources available throughout the program's service areas. Build working relationships with community organizations, workforce agencies, housing providers, re-entry organizations, correctional partners, and other service providers. Correctional Facility & Community Coordination Provide re-entry support within designated correctional facilities where Cornerstone Connections facilitates CFCF programming, as assigned. Coordinate with correctional facility personnel regarding participant engagement, release planning, and continuity of services, as appropriate and permitted. Participate in program classes, orientations, graduations, re-entry sessions, and other activities within correctional facilities as assigned. Assist participants preparing for release with identifying community resources and developing plans for their transition. Support participants in connecting or reconnecting with Cornerstone Connections following release. Provide re-entry services to eligible fathers who have already returned to the community and did not necessarily participate in CFCF programming while incarcerated. Participate in community re-entry events, resource fairs, fatherhood activities, workshops, and other program or outreach activities as assigned. Documentation & Program Compliance Maintain timely, accurate, and complete participant case notes, assessments, service plans, re-entry plans, referrals, follow-up activities, and other required documentation. Enter participant information and service activities into designated case management, CRM, and data systems. Track participant engagement, referrals, service connections, family and fatherhood supports, post-release follow-up, and other required program activities and outcomes. Maintain participant confidentiality and comply with Cornerstone Connections policies, funding requirements, correctional facility requirements, and applicable privacy standards. Assist with collecting and maintaining information required for program reporting, performance measurement, contract compliance, and quality improvement. Ensure participant records are maintained in accordance with organizational and program requirements. Collaboration Work closely with the CFCF Program Manager, Re-Entry Coordinator, Father Support Case Managers, Family Support Navigators, and other program staff. Participate in case conferencing and team meetings to coordinate services for participants with multiple or complex needs. Communicate participant needs, barriers, progress, and service gaps to appropriate program staff and leadership. Collaborate across Cornerstone Connections programs when participants may benefit from employment, family support, clothing, or other available services. Maintain professional relationships with correctional institutions, community organizations, service providers, and other program partners. Qualifications Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, criminal justice, sociology, psychology, or a related field preferred; relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of degree requirements. Experience in re-entry services, corrections, case management, social services, fatherhood or family services, workforce development, or community-based programming preferred. Experience working with individuals who are incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, or experiencing significant barriers to stability is strongly preferred. Knowledge of re-entry services, community resources, and systems that support individuals returning to the community is highly desirable. Strong case management, assessment, documentation, communication, and relationship-building skills. Ability to engage fathers from diverse backgrounds and life experiences in a respectful, supportive, and professional manner. Ability to establish appropriate professional boundaries while developing trusting relationships with participants. Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple participants, referrals, follow-up activities, and documentation requirements. Ability to work collaboratively with correctional institutions, community partners, families, and multidisciplinary program teams. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, CRM, and other technology-based systems. Additional Requirements Ability to successfully meet applicable requirements for entry into correctional facilities. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for travel to correctional facilities, community partner locations, program sites, and other assigned locations. Ability and willingness to travel throughout assigned service areas. Some evening or weekend availability may be required based on program schedules, participant needs, program activities, and community events. Must maintain confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism when working with participants, families, correctional personnel, community partners, and other stakeholders. Core Competencies The successful Re-Entry Specialist will demonstrate professionalism, reliability, sound judgment, compassion, cultural responsiveness, strong communication skills, resourcefulness, and a commitment to responsible fatherhood and successful community reintegration. The Re-Entry Specialist must be able to balance supportive engagement with accountability while helping fathers navigate the transition from incarceration, address barriers to stability, access needed resources, strengthen relationships with their children and families, and establish a positive path forward within their families and communities.

Pay:

$21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

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

Work Location:

In person