The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office will be considering applications for the following employment opportunity : Family Reunification Specialist The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office ( MSO ) is seeking a qualified professional for the position of Family Reunification Specialist ( Specialist ).

As a member of the Family Support Services Unit ( FSSU ), the Specialist will conduct intake assessments with incarcerated individuals.

The Specialist will engage families through outreach and education; provide information, assistance, referrals, and support to family members during the incarceration period;

and work with incarcerated individuals and their families to develop family-focused re-entry plans. The Specialist works under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Program Services and reports directly to the Family Resource and Outreach Coordinator.

The hours of work will be 9 : 00a.m. to 9 : 00p.m. on Monday through Friday and subject to change based on operational needs and at the discretion of management.

• Occasional nights and weekends will be required. This is an exempt, at will, full-time position. Additional responsibilities of the Specialist include, but are not limited, to : Initiating outreach to family members in order to familiarize them with services offered by the FSSU;
• Working collaboratively with community stakeholders to identify and respond to the needs of children whose parent is incarcerated;
• Coordinating support groups in the community for family members of the incarcerated; Developing initiatives that promote pro-social bonding, foster support networks, and strengthen relationships between incarcerated individuals and their families;

Facilitating contact visits with incarcerated individuals and family members; Leading parenting programs for incarcerated individuals and family members.

• Working with correctional staff and families to develop collaborative re-entry plans that lead to positive family reunification and favorable outcomes for incarcerated individuals and families alike;
• Facilitating timely and appropriate responses to family members who contact the MSO; Providing family members with general information about institutional programs and services available to incarcerated individuals;
• Educating family members about rules and policies regarding visits, mail and telephone contact, canteen accounts, and other routine information;
• Clarifying MSO policies and procedures for family members; Working collaboratively with correctional staff to investigate claims made by families;
• analyzing circumstances surrounding claims; helping to determine appropriate situational responses; and acting as a liaison throughout the information-gathering process;
• Fielding information from correctional staff and conducting proactive outreach to families when incarcerated individuals are identified as being in distress or experiencing a crisis;
• Collaborating with correctional staff to develop and enhance existing awareness practices for suicide prevention; Raising awareness with family members about the advance signs of suicide;
• Ensuring that family members are familiar with institutional avenues to report risk factors for suicide or self-harm; Organizing and staffing family outreach events in the community;

Managing and maintaining family contact data and providing periodic reports, as requested; Performing other work as required by Management.

• Working Conditions : Working in a correctional facility and may be needed on weekends, nights and holidays; May be required to work over eight (8) hours depending on operational needs of the MSO;
• Direct contact with inmates / detainees in a secure correctional setting; Standing and walking for prolonged periods of time;

May encounter verbal and physical abuse from offenders who are under physical and / or emotional stress. The individual selected for the position of Family Reunification Specialist shall be cognizant of the confidential and sensitive nature of working in a law enforcement agency and must comply with all institutional rules regarding safety and security.

• Qualifications : Bachelor’s Degree in criminal justice, sociology, psychology or a related human services field; Master’s Degree in criminal justice, social work, public health or public administration is preferred;
• Strong customer service skills and able to solve problems and deescalate situations in a timely manner; Superb conflict resolution and diplomacy skills;
• Strong research and analytical skills; Exceptional phone etiquette and active listening skills; Ability to elicit needed information from clients to ensure that intake assessments are thorough and complete;
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders; Must be able to work independently in a fast-paced environment, be customer service oriented, able to handle a large volume of work and pay close attention to detail;
• Strong oral, written, organizational and time management skills with the ability to maintain comprehensive and cohesive records;

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Must have an active valid driver’s license and the right to legally operate a motor vehicle in Massachusetts. Must also pass a criminal background check and successfully complete a one (1) year probationary period.

Salary : Starting annual base salary $80,251.94 plus additional compensation. Interested candidates can review this job posting at www.

middlesexsheriff.org and may submit a cover letter and resume via email to HR@sdm.state.ma.us . Submissions must be received by Monday, June 3, 2024 at 5 : 00p.

m. The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is an equal opportunity employer Powered by JazzHR

Last updated : 2024-05-21