Career Counselor

Career Counselor

Position Summary

The Career Counselor will work with incarcerated individuals to assess their needs, develop career case plans, and monitor progress as they prepare for successful reentry into Dauphin County within 20 days to nine months. Serving students in state correctional institutions, county, and local prisons, the Career Counselor provides direct assistance to justice-involved individuals, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to overcome barriers to reentry. This role requires collaboration with justice partners and community agencies to facilitate services related to employment, training, education, and other supportive needs.

Job Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of 30 active participants, all of whom will be incarcerated at the start of the program.
• Conduct individual case management sessions with clients in prisons and at the office.
• Perform initial screenings to determine the level of service and support needed.
• Develop individualized career case plans addressing barriers to successful reentry.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all client interactions, including contact details, outcomes, and action plans.
• Provide or coordinate holistic services to address participants’ needs.
• Regularly update the Program Manager on client progress and program status.
• Attend program-related meetings, trainings, and conferences as required.
• Work closely with program funders to collect data, write reports, and conduct follow-up activities.

Position Requirements

• Willingness to use personal phone and laptop to contact students (can use free apps).
• Willingness to travel to state correctional institutions as needed.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines and budget constraints.
• Ability to function in a team environment while also working independently.
• Strong public relations, community organizing, negotiation, mediation, and conflict management skills.
• Experience working with justice-involved young adults and knowledge of the Dauphin County justice system and community resources.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire community participation and build coalitions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and database systems.
• Strong administrative and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build relationships with diverse groups, including individuals with conflicting interests and opinions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW), Psychology, Counseling, Criminology, or a related social/behavioral science field.
• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) is preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience delivering services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
• 2-3 years of experience providing case management services.
• Ability to pass criminal background checks (State, Local, and Federal).
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with individuals from diverse educational and cultural backgrounds, including ex-offenders and public officials.
• Ability to travel within the city and surrounding communities (some national travel possible).
• Prior knowledge of the criminal justice system and experience working with ex-offenders is preferred.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this job description is designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions. Tri-County OIC reserves the right to modify duties, add responsibilities, or designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement or contract.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Lead Reentry Case Manager ensures that all services provided by the Case Management team align with the core operating values and strategic direction of the agency. This position requires a dedicated professional who is passionate about supporting justice-involved individuals.

Monitor and screen daily referrals, assign cases, and oversee case managers to ensure proper documentation and eligibility for program services.

Recruit and enroll program participants, facilitate group sessions, and provide one-on-one case management.

Track release dates and coordinate reentry transition planning with other case managers.

Conduct individual assessments based on program criteria to determine eligibility and develop reentry plans.

Foster a supportive environment that promotes positive behavior, morale, and long-term stability.

Provide wrap-around case management services to individuals both during incarceration and in the community.

Coordinate services and placements with job training programs, housing providers, employers, and social service agencies.

Perform needs assessments, create individualized reentry plans, and conduct regular case management sessions.

Utilize a trauma-informed, holistic approach to service delivery.

Conduct weekly check-ins with participants to monitor progress and address barriers.

Collaborate with law enforcement, probation officers, the district attorney’s office, and community service providers.

Maintain detailed client records, tracking demographics, contact notes, and progress reports.

Develop and maintain strong relationships with correctional staff, probation/parole officers, training partners, and other stakeholders.

Provide referrals to community resources to help participants overcome employment and life barriers.

Assess training readiness, document concerns, and help participants navigate potential obstacles.

Work closely with team members, attending trainings, team meetings, and strategic planning sessions.

Travel to state correctional institutions, local, and county facilities to conduct presentations, recruitment, and client meetings.

DISCLAIMER:

The information provided in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by incumbents within this job. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and working conditions required of employees assigned to this job. Management has sole discretion to add or modify duties of the job and to designate other functions as essential at any time. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with 3 years of experience in reentry case management OR an associate degree with 6+ years of experience in reentry services.
• Strong knowledge of reentry services, case management principles, and community resources.
• Proficiency in record-keeping, data tracking, and reporting according to program guidelines.
• Ability to meet physical requirements of the position.
• Experience in Motivational Interviewing and database management (strongly preferred).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with prisons and understanding mass incarceration issues.

COMPETENCIES. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS& ABILITIES

• Commitment to Equity & Inclusion – Dedicated to the mission of empowering returning citizens and dismantling systemic barriers.
• Knowledge of the Tri-County Region – Deep understanding of Harrisburg’s diverse communities and criminal justice system stakeholders.
• Community Engagement Expertise – Skilled at mobilizing community members and engaging diverse populations.
• Collaboration & Facilitation – Ability to lead meetings, mediate discussions, and coordinate multi-agency partnerships.
• Effective Communication – Strong oral, written, and digital communication skills.
• Critical & Strategic Thinking – Ability to problem-solve, multi-task under tight deadlines, and use sound judgment.
• Flexibility & Initiative – Self-starter who can work independently and within a team, adapting to evolving program needs.
• Human Interaction & Advocacy – Ability to interpret and apply policies to provide support and guidance to individuals.
• Technical & Analytical Skills – Proficiency in data management, Microsoft Office Suite, and case management software.

WORK ENVIROMENT & BENEFITS

• Work Schedule: 37.5 hours per week, including travel to state prisons, local jails, and federal detention centers.
• Hybrid Schedule: In-office and field-based work required.

BENEFITS

• Free Medical Coverage
• Low-cost Dental & Vision Insurance
• 16 Days of Paid Time Off (First Year)
• 19 Paid Holidays
• 12 Sick Days Annually
• Annuity Plan
• Paid Mileage for Travel

HOW TO APPLY

Interested

candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to President/CEO Christina

Johnson at cjohnson@tricountyOIC.org by March 31, 2025.