Navigation Specialist, Chesapeake, Virginia

MISSION: Pathways to Reentry, in collaboration with St. Brides Correctional Facility, supports current inmates as they prepare for release from incarceration and transition back into society and works to provide them with a foundation and resources to ensure success post-release and reduce recidivism.

Overview

We are seeking full-time Peer Support Specialists who were previously incarcerated for the St. Brides Correctional Facility Pathways to Reentry Program (P2R). Under the supervision of Career Coaches, the Navigation Specialists serve to guide, support, and mentor inmates eligible for admission into P2R based on facility referral and within six months of their scheduled release date.

Peer Support Specialists work closely with Career Coaches (Case Managers) and other personnel as needed to assist inmates to select and accomplish their desired Pathway and to prepare them to transition back into society once released. Navigation Specialists will assist Career Coaches to provide continuity of care, and support established programming within the St. Brides facility, focus groups and community initiatives. The P2R program uses technology as well as in-person meetings to support current and former inmates on their pathway to promote success after release and reduce recidivism. Navigation Specialists should have a high level of energy and a positive attitude toward work and others. Navigation Specialists report directly to the P2R Career Coaches (Case Managers) or as otherwise directed. This is an hourly position for up to 40 hours per week.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under the direction of the Career Coach (Case Manager) Motivate current and former inmates to select and complete their preferred pathway and commit to and remain engaged in the P2R program for three years post-release from incarceration.
• Provide mentoring and support to clients as part of a P2R team.
• Assist and support in community outreach efforts to establish and develop relationships with employers willing to hire inmates once released from incarceration.
• Exercise exceptional judgment and discretion in handling sensitive client issues.
• Present programming workshops and focus groups to inmates as well as participate in workshop development.
• Participate in employer-sponsored and community events.
• All other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Must be a former inmate within the Virginia Department of Corrections. **Former inmates who were incarcerated with the St. Brides facility are not eligible for this program at this time.
• Self-motivated starter with a positive attitude, able to work independently while functioning well as part of a team.
• Effective phone and communication skills and detail-oriented.
• Ability to work with individuals with various values, lifestyles, socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Local travel is required in support of employer outreach efforts and community-based events.
• Work hours could include evenings and weekends.

Desired Skills:

• Experience and understanding of the criminal justice system, inmate experiences during incarceration and/or specifically the Virginia Department of Corrections.

Physical Demands:

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
• Occasional lifting (up to 40 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

OTHER INFORMATION:

This position is housed at the St. Brides Correctional Facility in Chesapeake, Virginia. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

**Current inmates within the VA Department of Corrections who are within ten days of their release date may be considered for this position and, if selected, may begin working five business days after their release. Current inmates will be interviewed by the P2R Program Manager or their designee.

**Candidates must provide a letter of recommendation as to their character and commitment to support the success of the P2R program.

This is a two-year pilot program and is expected to continue at the completion of the Pilot Program Period of Performance.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

SLSCO LTD is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other federal, state, or local protected class.