Justice Involved Coach

The Justice-Involved Coach addresses the fragmented structure of the social services industry by taking a holistic, whole-family approach.  This approach is foundational to Goodwill’s existing wraparound services provided to employees and their families.  The Justice-Involved Coach carries a caseload of students who were previously incarcerated, on parole and/or have an existing criminal record.  The Coach facilitates efforts to reduce recidivism amongst Excel Center graduates and alumni by utilizing appropriate training methods and motivational techniques to ensure program retention.  The Coach provides interventions to prepare for success through systems and services, behavioral health and wellness, employment skills, and stabilization.  Additional duties include networking with outside resources to establish relationships and to promote Goodwill’s programs and services.  The Coach builds and maintains relationships with all stakeholders.  The Justice-Involved Coach works with minimal supervision and relies on self-direction to complete goals as established by the organization and its funding partners.

Example Duties and Activities 

• Coaches participants to act on and achieve their long-term education, employment, and health goals in life.  Conducts one-on-one follow-up with participants to continually monitor participants’ efforts and measure progress.
• Assesses justice-involved students to conclude the nature and degree of assistance and refers them to appropriate services.
• Assists participants in improving work behaviors and skills acquisition to enhance their success with employment. Makes recommendations to provide guidance and counseling. Generates status reports and makes adjustments as needed.
• Engages participants through a daily workshop curriculum focused on reducing recidivism.  Coordinates and communicates with the Life Coach to enhance participant success.
• Creates and manages participant databases and files.  Tracks, documents, and communicates program-specific metrics utilizing multiple reporting systems.  Monitors accomplishment of numerical enrollment goals, participant enrollment dates, and participant achievements in education, employment, and health.
• Stay abreast of current labor market data to provide students information on employment opportunities.
• Initiates, builds,  and maintains contact with key community partners including Goodwill staff (community agencies, educational institutions, financial liaisons, and employers) to enhance the menu of wrap-around services provided to justice-involved students.  Serves as the primary point of contact with community partner organizations to receive and manage student opportunities.

Required Competencies 

• Degree and Credential Requirements – NONE! We value candidates who can demonstrate capability and articulate how prior experiences will help them contribute.  We believe in continuous learning and professional development.
• Industry Expertise – Has worked assisting people who were previously incarcerated, on parole, or have had an existing criminal record or have assisted individuals with personal development plans that have included education, employment, and/or financial goals that have improved their situation.
• Client Engagement – Takes a strengths-based, client-centered approach to developing relationships at all levels while establishing appropriate boundaries.  Adept at delivering feedback that is constructive and unbiased.  Creates and maintains a safe environment for open discussions.
• Communication Skills – Articulates thoughts and expresses ideas effectively using oral, written, visual, and non-verbal communication skills, as well as listening skills to comprehend customers’ needs. Delivers information in person, in writing, and in a digital world.
• Coaching – Provides timely guidance and effective feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem.
• Critical Thinking – Uses judgment and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Building Collaborative Relationships – Develops, maintains, and strengthens partnerships with others inside or outside the organization who can provide information, assistance, and support.
• Autonomy – Takes initiative without waiting to be directed, does what is asked, and works until the job is completed.  Takes ownership of mistakes and learns from them rather than makes excuses.

Preferred Competencies 

• Instructing – Teaches, coaches, and mentors participants using appropriate training methods and motivational techniques to improve employability after the completion of the program.
• Diversity Awareness – Works effectively delivering assistance that is mindful of different cultural/language traditions, showing respect and validation for diverse communities/organizations, low-income families, people with developmental and/or physical disabilities, and models consistency with policies regarding human rights, equality, equity, and diversity.
• Information Monitoring – Collects and reviews information to manage or improve processes and/or activities.
• Technical Knowledge – Has solid knowledge of G Suite, MS Office, databases, and the internet. Prior Caseworthy experience is an additional plus.

Other Requirements

• Ability to occasionally work a flexible schedule beyond normal business hours.
• Is willing to travel to participants’ homes, workplaces, community centers, and other venues at times that are convenient to individuals being served.
• Background Screening – All candidates must pass a pre-employment background check.  Must have a valid driver’s license, up-to-date auto insurance, and a good driving record.

Benefits: Full-time employees may participate in a comprehensive benefits program that includes:

• Continuing education and leadership development as well as tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive health plan
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Life, dental and vision insurance
• Parenting and sabbatical leaves
• Nationally recognized preventive health and wellness program
• Section 125 pretax health spending account, dependent care spending account, and premiums
• Retirement options with generous company % match
• Eligible for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program