Community Support Specialist

The Middlesex Sheriffs 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 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.

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Qualifications:

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

o Bachelors Degree in criminal justice sociology psychology or a related human services field or six (6) years experience working in a correctional setting;

o Strong customer service skills and able to solve problems and deescalate situations in a timely manner;

o Exceptional phone etiquette and active listening skills;

o Ability to elicit needed information from clients to ensure that intake assessments are thorough and complete;

o Strong problem solving interpersonal diplomacy and advocacy skills;

o Strong oral written organizational and time management skills with the ability to maintain comprehensive and cohesive records;

o Personal initiative and assertiveness a must;

o Ability to build collaborative relationships;

o Must be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment be customer service oriented able to handle a large volume of work and pay close attention to detail;

o Strong research and analytical skills;

o Will be required to attend Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS) Training and pass the certification requirement;

o Must also be able to attend additional training as required by the MSO;

o Maintain the yearly training standard as required by the MSO;

o Valid Drivers License the right to legally operate in MA and an acceptable driving record;

In compliance with federal law all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Must have an active valid drivers license and the right to legally operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts. Must also pass a criminal background check and successfully complete a one (1) year probationary period.

Salary: Starting annual base salary is $61626.35 plus additional incentives bonuses and employment benefits. Interested candidates can review this job posting at and may submit a cover letter and resume via email to .

Submissions must be received by Wednesday October 15 2025 at 5:00p.m.

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