Social Worker - Reentry Counselor

Overview SJI is seeking a full-time Reentry Counselor to provide comprehensive, education-first reentry support to justice-involved participants across Suffolk and Nassau Counties. This is a direct service role anchored in SJI's Education Pathway Program, where every function — assessment, coaching, case management, and referral — is aimed at preparing participants for college, vocational training, and employment. The Reentry Counselor works as part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team to assess participants for eligibility and readiness for the Education Pathway Program, then provide the support — case management, coaching, group facilitation, and crisis response — that helps them enroll, stay engaged, and advance toward their educational and career goals. Alongside fellow counselors, educators, and program staff, the role identifies the additional services participants need and connects them to mental health, substance use, housing, employment, and healthcare resources that remove barriers to learning and work. All services are delivered through a trauma-informed, culturally responsive lens. MSW candidates with lived experience of justice involvement, reentry, addiction recovery, or related systems are strongly encouraged to apply. SJI recognizes the exceptional value lived experience brings to authentic engagement with this population. Responsibilities Direct Service & Case Management Conduct biopsychosocial assessments to determine participant eligibility and readiness for SJI's Education Pathway Program, and to identify the strengths and barriers affecting their path to college or employment Group Facilitation Facilitate trauma-informed groups for justice-involved participants in community and correctional settings Design and deliver culturally responsive programming that builds the skills and readiness participants need for college, vocation, and the workforce Referral & Community Partnership Build and maintain referral relationships with mental health, substance use, recovery, housing, and workforce partners Connect participants to specialized services that remove barriers to education and employment, and follow up to ensure continuity of care Represent SJI at partner meetings, reentry task force meetings, and community events Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate, timely case notes, assessments, and program documentation Ensure services meet grant and program reporting requirements Work closely with SJI counselors, educators, and program staff as part of a coordinated team to advance program goals and participant outcomes

Qualifications Required:

Master's in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program Experience in trauma-informed care, substance use, and justice-involved populations Strong assessment, case management, group facilitation, and supportive communication skills Commitment to culturally responsive practice

Strongly Preferred:

Lived experience of justice involvement, reentry, or recovery — SJI deeply values the authentic engagement this brings Bilingual in Spanish and English Familiarity with TAMAR or similar evidence-based frameworks Knowledge of educational, college, vocational, employment, and support resources in Suffolk and Nassau Counties Deliver crisis response and de-escalation, connecting participants to mental health, wellness, and emergency resources so they can stay focused on their goals Help participants navigate complex systems to secure the stable housing, healthcare, and support that make education and employment possible Maintain active follow-up to support enrollment, retention, and progress toward college or career milestones

Pay:

$70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Loan forgiveness Paid time off Vision insurance People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Riverhead, NY 11901