Social Services Advocate

Social Services Advocate (SSA)

New Leash on Life USA’s mission is to reduce recidivism and save the lives of at-risk dogs. We accomplish this with an innovative reform model that leverages the powerful bond between dogs and humans.

New Leash’s model teaches practical life and social-emotional skills and extends to high-quality case management upon release or pre-entry. Through this comprehensive approach, we prepare men and women for a more successful future.

Job Description

The Social Services Advocate position will allow the individuals to engage participants during the stages of changes. Working with justice impacted or people at risk for imprisonment, who are currently incarcerated by giving them - and their families - a chance at a meaningful and sustainable life.

New Leash seeks the services of a Social Services Advocate who will provide efficient and structured services to the New Leash participants during the prison reentry program, the young adult reentry program, or the diversion program. The SSA will facilitate life skills groups, career readiness workshops, transitional plans, and individual client services during a minimum of a six-month period. The goal is to have participants in any of our programs successfully reintegrate into society with the skills, training and support needed to gain full- time employment and resources for housing, health care, identification and other critical needs.

The SSA will report to the Social Services Supervisor and on occasion to Senior VP of Program but must be able to function independently as required. Duties will include facilitating life skills workshops, providing individual client services, documentation, and filing, and referring clients to treatment and other services, fielding telephone communications from participants, and being on call as needed. The SSA will have the ability to work with all levels of internal management and staff as well as community stakeholders including internship/work sites, judicial members, government entities, the board of directors, stakeholders, and other community service organizations.

Work Environment

• This position will be based from the organization’s office, off site venues, event locations, and within prison setting(s). This job is 40 hours per week, some evening work may be required. Must have a personal vehicle since the job requires travel

Essential Skills and Qualities

• Service Oriented: A strong desire to help other people is essential.
• Active Listening: Ability to provide participants your full attention whenever meeting with them.
• Verbal Communication: Your participant will be depending on you to convey information to them, their families, and other service providers in a clear and concise manner that they can understand.
• Interpersonal skills: Strong social skills are essential to connect with people who have had past trauma and unstable environments to make them feel comfortable and confident in the SSA’s abilities.
• Time management and organizational skills: The SSA will have a diverse and overlapping number of clients with numerous challenges who require good time management and organization levels. Critical thinking is essential. You must be able to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions when helping your clients solve problems.

Experience and Qualifications

A minimum of One-year experience in the field of social services

One year or more of experience conducting reentry services to justice-involved individuals preferred but not required.

Must make appropriate decisions based on your independent judgment and experience regarding the counseling of individuals. The SSA must treat every individual without discrimination regardless of race, color, marital status, sexual orientation, creed, origin, gender, religion or any other legally protected category.

Education

LSW, LCSW, MSW,

Other degrees and certifications may qualify if they are associated with practical skills in the field of counseling.

Essential Duties

Prison Reentry Program(s)

Young Adult Reentry/Diversion Program

• Intakes
• Update information into software system
• Facilitate life skills workshops
• Facilitate career readiness workshops
• Prepare lessons plans
• Documentation
• Assist in creating goal plans
• Coordinate recovery homes and treatment centers
• Individual Client Services (case management)
• Provide a therapeutic space
• Attend coalition meetings and court hearings
• Communicate with internship partner sites (as needed)
• Work closely volunteer
• Task manager to student interns
• Resource referrals
• Coordinate access clothing, food. etc.
• Research and provide options for housing (various hours of the day)
• Family reunification meetings
• Coordinate time sheets and distribute Internship checks (as needed)
• Coordinate with substance use and mental health treatment provider
• Complete prison orientation including criminal background check
• Complete New Leash orientation
• Provide proof of valid driver's license and insurance
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word Suite
• Additional assignments as required

Working hours which may include evenings, weekends or holidays

Disclaimer

Retain prison(s) ID and clearance is a condition of employment

This position is at will

New Leash on Life USA follows an equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, physical or mental ability, veteran status, military obligations, and marital status. Background checks are performed by New Leash on Life USA in accordance with our insurance policy requirements.

Working hours may include evenings, weekends or holidays