Community Support Specialist

Job Description

The Middlesex Sheriff's Office ("MSO") is seeking a qualified professional for the position of Community Support Specialist ("CSS"). As an integral member of the Lowell Community Counseling Center ("LCCC"), the CSS conducts intake assessments with returning citizens and other qualifying individuals seeking support and assistance form the LCCC. In addition, the CSS engages incarcerated individuals through in-reach at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction; provides pre and post-release information, assistance, referrals and support; and works with MSO Case Mangers, Family Support Services staff, and other key employees to develop holistic reentry plans. The CSS works under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Program Services and reports directly to the Director of the LCCC or designee. The hours of work will be 8:00a.m. to 4:00p.m., Monday through Friday with at least one mid-shift (e.g., 11:00a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) required per week. Work hours are subject to change based on operational needs of the LCCC and at the discretion of management. Occasional weekends may be required. This is an exempt, at will, full-time position.



Additional responsibilities of the CSS include, but are not limited, to:

o Conducting virtual and in-person assessments with incarcerated individuals;

o Analyzing data from assessments to determine and prioritize client needs;

o Addressing the psychosocial and ancillary needs of clients and making necessary referrals to community-based providers;

o Collaborating with community-based organizations and other stakeholders to achieve reentry goals;

o Monitoring reentry progress through motivational interviewing, periodic progress reports, and recordkeeping;

o Maintaining and recording all relevant client information using designated case management systems;

o Providing case progress reports to parole and/or probation staff regarding program participation, as requested;

o Facilitating LCCC Orientation sessions at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction;

o Holding office hours with incarcerated individuals at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction;

o Establishing and maintaining relationships with community-based programs, associations, businesses, citizen groups, and other organizations and agencies to enhance and augment LCCC services;

o Attending regularly scheduled staff meetings and other meetings as required;

o Developing initiatives that promote pro-social bonding, foster support networks, and strengthen relationships between incarcerated individuals and their families;

o Organizing and staffing outreach events in the community;

o Attending community meetings as assigned;

o Performing all other duties as required by management;

Working Conditions:

• May be required to work over eight (8) hours depending on operational needs of the MSO;

• Direct contact with inmates/detainees in a secure correctional setting;

• Standing and walking for prolonged periods of time;

• May encounter verbal and physical abuse from offenders who are under physical and/or emotional stress.

The individual selected for the position of Community Support Specialist shall be cognizant of the confidential and sensitive nature of working in a law enforcement agency and must comply with all MSO rules regarding safety and security.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

o Ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong desire to administer progressive-minded programs and humanity-driven services to the incarcerated population;