Career Specialist

Responsible for providing job placement services for the probation population of the Community Justice Support Center as well as the care and custody of clients assigned to the Center for urinalysis procurement and testing.

Works under the direction of the Community Justice Support Center Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop lesson plans/instructions for clients with the goals; assisting in job search, resume writing, interviewing & placement
• Develop employment contacts and locates employment sites

• Assess client employment needs and identifies client skills and goals

   

• Responsible for the security of probationers, parolees, inmates, and all individuals and personnel in the center at all times
• Monitor participants’ drug and alcohol sobriety through urinalysis testing
• Monitor clients’ schedules
• Complete all necessary paperwork and reports.  Provides report updates of compliance and non-compliance of drug screens to program manager, probation, and parole
• Procure urine specimens for urinalysis testing 
• Perform breathalyzer tests on all clients as deemed necessary
• Provide feedback on clients’ behavior to designated public or private agencies
• Complete all required documentation during shift (daily activity, special, incident, treatment reports, etc.)
• Participates in all scheduled security meetings and any other required meetings
• Performs any other task or duty as assigned or required
• This position is located at the Community Justice Support Center, 492 Pleasant Street, Northampton

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Rehab Counseling, Human Services, or related field such as Criminal Justice is required

• A minimum of two years of experience working in a social service setting, knowledge of community/labor market, barriers to employment for persons that are criminal justice involved and human resources recruitment.

   

• Extensive knowledge of the surrounding community is preferred
• General knowledge of the purpose of a correctional facility and the goals and purposes of the Community Justice Support Center
• Knowledge of the elements of criminal law and court procedures
• Ability to deal effectively with individuals and groups; must be of good character
• Must have high degree of confidentiality for access to client records
• Ability to communicate with others in a direct, clear, and professional manner
• Ability to follow moderately complex written or oral instructions
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.
• Must successfully pass a pre-employment background check, drug/health screenings
• Must possess a valid Massachusetts driver’s license
• Ability to facilitate groups and develop lesson plans for group meetings