DESCRIPTION
Family Support Specialist – (Ripley/Dyersburg, TN Area)
Reports To: Program Manager
Who is Persevere?
Persevere is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to decreasing recidivism and increasing successful reentry and transition for men and women involved in the criminal justice system. To accomplish this, Persevere offers a customizable, comprehensive program for criminal-justice involved individuals to develop meaningful job skills and gain successful access to the labor market. These services include software coding classes; job readiness and employability instruction, including life skills and financial education; work experience; job search and job placement; entrepreneurship training; and for some, a residential transition program.
National data shows recidivism rates are highest among those who are unemployed. Criminal justice involved men and women have long struggled to find employment upon release. They have an immediate disadvantage because of their criminal justice involvement, and must compete with non-offenders for unskilled, low-paying jobs. Even when they are successful at finding a job, keeping it is another challenge. As a result, many are unable to comply with the conditions of parole and end up back in prison.
Real Hope, Valuable Skills, & Meaningful Opportunity
Job Overview
Primary objective is to guide clients through processes and procedures relating to their case.
Responsibilities and Duties
Develop positive relationships with assigned individuals and families
Assess client needs and facilitate appropriate responses
Review records and applications
Establish treatment programs by setting schedules and routines
Monitor cases by verifying clients’ attendance; observing and evaluating treatments and responses; advocating for needed services and entitlements
Refer clients to community resources, as needed, and monitor access to and receipt of necessary services
Develop positive and effective professional relationships with community partners and other agencies serving Persevere and the project’s potential participants
Collaborate with other organizations providing services to the client
Comply with Program Director and Program Manager guidance related to job responsibilities; overall program priorities; programmatic reporting; trauma-informed, racially-equitable, and gender-responsive services; time tracking, invoicing, and reporting procedures; and safety procedures
Obtain additional resources, intervening in crises and providing personal support
Maintain accurate client records by reviewing case notes, logging events and progress
Communicate client progress by conducting weekly meetings and evaluation
Balance work requirements with learning opportunities
Participate in professional development and training
Improve and implement best practices by studying, evaluating, and redesigning processes
Serve as a member of the case management team, collaborating with other team members, as needed
Complete corporate training on a timely basis.
Assist with the creation of and follow critical Standard Operating Procedures and Workflows
Participate in cross training staff as requested
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
BA/BS in human services, social work, education or related field
Commitment to racial, social, and economic justice including anti-racism work
Demonstrated success in working with youth, particularly in group settings
Willing and able to self-identify as a person who has relatable experience such as has or is receiving mental health services, has interacted with the juvenile justice system, struggled with school academics or similar
We highly value
Passion for and responsibility to the customer/partner
Must be self-starting, hardworking and inquisitive
Leadership through innovation in everything you do
Passion for what you do and being self-critical to improve
Relentless commitment to win
Personal and corporate integrity
