Reentry Specialist-Cambria County Prison

Job Description

Job Description

Reentry Specialist-Cambria County Prison

Classification: Full-time hourly, non-exempt from overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act

Revision Date: 08/2025

Job Purpose

The Reentry Specialist plays a vital role in supporting individuals incarcerated at the Cambria County Prison by delivering comprehensive reentry services and serving as a key liaison between the criminal justice system and the community. This position provides intensive case management, service coordination, and group and individual reentry support to promise successful Reentry into society following incarceration. The Reentry Specialist is responsible for fostering strong partnerships with community organizations, service providers, and criminal justice personnel ensuring that individuals returning to the community after incarceration have access to the support and resources needed for a stable and meaningful transition.

Qualifications

This position is a professional staff position and requires a person capable of conforming to the high standards of behavior expected of all staff. Excellent work habits, including attendance and punctuality, are required. The person must follow company policies, and safety procedures as well as ensure that customers/clients under his/her supervision follow the same.

Education and Experience Equivalency
Candidates for the Reentry Specialist position must meet one of the following qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent with 5 years of relevant experience, OR

• Associate degree with 3 years of relevant experience, OR

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or a related field.

Relevant Experience Examples
A combination of work experience, training, or certifications may be considered in place of a formal degree. Examples of relevant experience include:

• Experience in vocational services, workforce development, career coaching, job placement, or recruitment, including case management, vocational counseling, and community outreach to support individuals facing employment barriers.

• Experience working in reentry programs, transitional housing, probation/parole, or corrections—supporting individuals transitioning from incarceration or the justice system.

• Work in behavioral health, substance use recovery, or peer support programs that involve coaching, mentoring, or supporting clients through barriers to employment or independent living.

• Experience collaborating with community-based organizations, nonprofits, or government agencies to connect individuals to housing, transportation, legal aid, or other wraparound services.

• Volunteer work or lived experience that provides insight into the challenges faced by justice-involved individuals or others with significant employment barriers.

Computer proficiency: Basic computer literacy including Microsoft and Google Programs.

Clearances: Must be able to obtain acceptable results for required background checks, including Act 151 Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania Criminal History Check, and Department of Human Services- FBI Fingerprints.

Other: Must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and have access to dependable transportation, which can be used in the course of his/her job. Must have an operating telephone, so that he/she may be contacted quickly by Goodwill when necessary.

Supervision

• Received: Direct supervision from the Program Manager with autonomy to perform duties in line with agency policies. Functional leadership will be provided by Cambria County’s Reentry Coordinator.

• Exercised: None.

Key Skills and DutiesReentry & Workforce Development Knowledge

• Knowledge of current best practices in the delivery of reentry services and acceptance of Goodwill's Philosophy Concerning People Served

• Provide holistic pre-release reentry services in the Cambria County Prison AND post-release within the community setting

• Knowledge and understanding of agencies and stakeholders that address the areas of reentry related to behavioral health, drug and alcohol services, housing, transportation, employment, education/training, etc.

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, community resources, employer needs, and support services

• Comprehensive review and understanding of the statement of work for all funding sources and projects as it relates to services performed

Program Implementation & Service Delivery

• Establish and maintain partnerships with service providers, local employers, workforce organizations, and community agencies

• Collaborate with employers, training providers, and community partners to create employment pathways

• Responsible for creating a collaborative, goal-setting environment with participants to develop and implement individualized service plans

• Assess participants' skills, needs, and career goals while providing guidance, resources, and connections to service providers and employment opportunities

• Assists each participant in the development of a career portfolio (e.g., resume, certifications, references)

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Ability to give public presentations

• Maintains all files and file information in a confidential manner; shares information on a “need to know” basis

Administrative & Reporting

• Track and report on, enrollment data, performance metric milestones, and partnership development to support program goals

Compliance & Safety

• Must follow company policies and safety procedures

• Ensure customers/clients follow policies, particularly within correctional facilities

• Adhere to facility policy, procedures, and safety standards when working inside correctional institutions

Time, Travel, and Schedule Management

• Ability to manage time effectively

• Ability to travel and provide services throughout Cambria County.

• Primary work location is the Cambria County Prison.

Physical Requirements

• Vision and Hearing corrected to within normal limits

• Ability to perform light duty work including:

• Standing for up to 8 hours occasionally

• Bending, stooping, stretching, pushing, and pulling

• Lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs occasionally (with material handling equipment used when practical)

Other

• Responsible for other duties as assigned or identified, for the benefit of Goodwill or Mission Services