Social Services Advocate – Part Time 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 (SSA) position will allow the right individual to change the lives of people at risk for imprisonment or who have experienced incarceration by giving them - and their families - a chance at a meaningful and sustainable life.
New Leash seeks the services of a SSA 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 case management during 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 VP of Prison Programs but must be able to function independently as required. Duties will include facilitating life skills workshops and career readiness workshops, providing case management, updating documentation, filing and fielding telephone communications from participants. 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 While New Leash offers the flexibility to work virtually, this position will be based primarily from the organization’s office, off-site venues, event locations, and may require working within a prison setting.
Experience and Qualifications
Service Oriented: A strong desire to help other people is essential.
Active Listening: You must give clients your full attention whenever meeting with them.
Verbal Communication: Your clients 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. Some clients will not speak English as a first language.
Interpersonal skills: Strong social skills are essential in order 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.
Essential Skills and Qualities 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, CRS Other degrees and certifications may qualify if they are associated with practical skills in the field of counseling.
Essential Duties
Young Adult Reentry/Diversion Program
Intakes
Update information into Apricot software system
Conduct life skills workshops
Facilitate career readiness workshops
Prepare lessons plans
Documentation/contact notes
Assist in creating goal plans
Coordinate recovery homes and treatment centers
Individual case management
Attend stakeholder meetings and court hearings
Monitor participants paid internships
Source and connect with resources
Work with volunteer and student interns
Research job opportunities
Resource referrals
Coordinate access to and maintain clothing closets
Coordinate and maintain food pantry
Research and provide options for housing (various hours of the day)
Family reunification meetings
Coordinate time sheets and distribute Internship checks
Conduct internship site visits
Coordinate with substance use disorder and mental health treatment provider
Complete 2-day prison orientation including criminal background check
Complete New Leash orientation
Provide proof of valid driver's license and insurance
Knowledge of Microsoft Word Suite Working hours which may include evenings, weekends or holidays
Other assignments as required 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.