Employment Placement Specialist

Under the clinical supervision of the BOP Director of Federal Programs the Employment Placement Specialist (EPS) is responsible for assisting with the delivery of the programs and services provided to BOP residents. The Employment Placement Specialist shall operate in accordance with the policies and procedures determined by the Board of Directors and as implemented by their supervisor and all parties shall abide by all applicable federal state and local regulations. Specifically those contractual agreements related to The United States Department of Justice Bureau of Prisons Statement of Work and any other pertinent contractual agreements in place with Mirror. The Employment Placement Specialist will assist residents with job readiness and job retention i.e. assessing employment needs foster job seeking skills which result in securing full-time work monitoring employment verification assisting in liaison activities with local employers monitoring on-site verifications of employment and resident accountability & monitoring checks.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop and foster collaborate relationships with a network of community resources and social service providers. This includes referrals to other federal state and local agencies that can assist residents. The EPS will refer residents to community partners when necessary to assist with employment.
2. Develop relationships with local employers to foster the employment of residents throughout communities in Kansas based on the release residence. Maintain communication/dialogue with employers and potential employment referral sources within the local community.
3. Ensure the resident meets employment requirements established by referral sources.
4. Arrange for educational presentations from community partners on the following:
   • Portfolio development & resume writing
   • Proper dress & hygiene
   • Interview techniques training
   • Completing employment applications
   • Job Fair & other placement resources
5. Educate and ensure all residents are covered by some form of insurance upon their release to the community. All residents should be educated on the ACA and referred to ACA Navigators if the resident is not covered by other forms of insurance.
6. Plan monthly events for the residents to build morale.
7. During Program Review Team meetings work with staff to encourage positive reinforcement methods with the residents.
8. Assist case management staff with medication certifications and referrals.
9. Coordinate with representatives of outside agencies to make presentations at the RRC to address identified risks and needs. Utilize a variety of agencies such as Positive Connections ACA Navigators Nutritionists Health Access Child Support Enforcement Budgeting Tennant Rights and Responsibility Basics of Banking and Oxford House.
10. Provide referral and skill development for residents in the following basis areas of human need based on risk assessment instruments.
    • Vocational training
    • Continued Education or GED testing
    • Employment assistance
    • Education issues
    • Budgeting needs
    • Clothing needs
    • Access to public assistance monies
    • Recreational and leisure needs
    • Social skills
    • Cognitive skills
    • Family engagement
    • Housing
11. Must attend and participate in all staff meetings. At times this position will be expected to make presentations to peers and residents.
12. Develop and administer specific methods (assessment instruments) for assessing the risks/needs of each resident and assist in the development of an individualized reentry plan for each resident within the first 7 days of their placement in the RRC.
13. Perform other job responsibilities as assigned by the Director of BOP Programs.

1. Graduate of a four-year accredited college or university with a bachelors degree in social or behavioral science program from an accredited college or university.
2. Minimum experience for the position of the Employment Placement Specialist (EPS) will be one year of work experience in guidance counseling or job placement. Work experience may be substituted with a specialized degree or certification in the field of guidance counseling or career development.
3. Excellent interpersonal skills required as well as ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
4. Capable of maintaining a team spirit. Ability to work cooperatively with others.
5. Must be adaptable to change and have effective organizational skills.
6. Must be able to organize and follow through on multiple tasks.
7. Display proper judgment and decision-making skills.
8. Knowledge of the criminal mindset and persons with criminal histories.
9. Knowledge of criminogenic behavior and evidence-based forms of treatment.
10. Must be able to pass BOP security check; i.e. no recent criminal history or substance abuse.
11. Employees who have been diagnosed with any type of substance use disorder or behavioral addiction must have sustained a minimum of two consecutive years of abstinence from all intoxicating substances and symptoms of their chemical and/or behavioral addiction; and must be in full sustained remission.
12. Must be proficient in computer skills experience or skills required to make entries into an electronic data/information system.
13. On a rotating basis must be available for on-call duties.
14. Employment hours to be determined by resident need and the BOP Programs Director.
15. Position may also involve bending walking stairs and lifting up to 40 pounds on occasion.