Career Specialist

Job Description

Location: Worcester Community Justice Support Center
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
365 Main St
Worcester, MA 01608

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 8am-4pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10am-6pm

DEPARTMENT

Community Justice Support Center

TITLE

Career Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Career Specialist plays a critical role in supporting individuals with current or past involvement in the criminal-legal system by connecting them with meaningful employment, job training/readiness, and vocational opportunities. This position focuses on building strong relationships with employers, training providers, and community partners to create inclusive pathways to employment for justice-impacted individuals.

The Career Specialist will assess client skills and interests, provide job readiness coaching, support applications, and interviews, and advocate for fair hiring practices. A key component of this role is to reduce stigma around criminal records by connecting with employers to promote second-chance hiring. The Career Specialist collaborates closely with the counselors and coordinators, workforce development teams in the community, and reentry service providers to ensure holistic client-centered support.

JOB FUNCTION

Program/Department Responsibility:

• Engage and assess clients to identify employment goals, strengths, and barriers by utilizing assessment tools

• Develop individualized employment or training plans tailored to each client's needs

• Build and maintain partnerships with employers and training providers open to hiring or working with justice-impacted individuals

• Provide job readiness support including resume development, interview preparation, and soft skills training

• Work with employers to create pathways for referrals

• Work with employers regarding job openings

• Track client progress and provide ongoing support post-placement to ensure retention and success.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services and outcomes

• Provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy groups within the center to clients

• To help clients prepare resumes and cover letters, including mock interviews

• Adhere to Sheriff's Office policies and procedures

• To maintain regular attendance

• To perform other duties, as required.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• The ability to communicate effectively with people in a direct, clear and professional manner.

• General knowledge about the purpose of a community safety facility; understanding of the goals and objectives of a community correction program and a general familiarity with the court systems.

• Ability to communicate respectfully and professionally with clients in an empathic way.

• Proven verbal and written communication skills.

• Experience working with the justice-involved population with diverse backgrounds.