Employment Support Specialist

Employment Support Specialist (Full-Time)

Company: ATTIC Correctional Services

ATTIC stands for "Alternatives to Traditional Incarceration of Citizens." We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to developing interventions that enable individuals to avoid unnecessary levels of incarceration, enhance community safety and provide a setting that facilitates treatment and the reduction of recidivism. We operate residential and other correctional programs throughout Wisconsin that provide case management, counseling and treatment groups, vocational training and high-risk client monitoring and supervision.

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Employment Support Specialist to work directly with individuals in a correctional setting, helping them build the skills and resources needed for successful employment and community reintegration.

The person in this position is responsible for a caseload of Residents who reside at Oakhill Correctional Institution.  The person in this position will work directly with the Institution Unit Supervisor (IUS) and Work Release team.  Interaction with residents may be on an individual basis and/or in a group setting.

In this role, you will support participants in developing job readiness, securing employment opportunities, and preparing for a successful transition back into the community. You’ll collaborate with correctional staff, employers, and community partners to deliver impactful programming and individualized support.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and update Resident files (i.e. program participation, resumes, etc.)
• Collect and report program data to ACS and DOC personnel, as appropriate.
• Consult with ACS supervisor and inform supervisor of work hours established with the Institution Unit Supervisor (IUS).
• Meet with, and maintain timely written and telephone communication with, ACS supervisor.
• This position is primarily located in the Restrictive Housing Unit (RHU) and supports the work release program.
• Facilitate out-of-cell activities for RHU residents.
• Work daily with Restrictive Housing residents and/or work release residents.
• Participate in the Restrictive Housing Unit Review Committee, making recommendations with multidisciplinary team. 
• Assist OCI Social Workers, Unit Supervisors, and Security Supervisors to plan, track, and facilitate acquisition of State ID’s or Driver’s License for eligible residents.
• Actively participate in Oakhill Correctional Institution multidisciplinary committees as assigned.
• Develop and implement lesson plans for out-of-cell activities, including but not limited to: recreational activities, life skills application, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness techniques.
• Develop familiarity with Oakhill recreation and hobby initiatives.
• Develop familiarity with reentry interventions (e.g. Thinking for a Change; Anger Management; cognitive, social, emotional, and coping skill building tools; etc.) and be able to deliver the same.
• Coach Residents on the skillsets necessary to obtain and maintain gainful employment.
• Facilitate resume building and job interview preparation for Oakhill residents, prioritizing work release residents.
• Adhere to Professional Boundaries while interacting with residents (as expected of all ACS personnel and in accordance with DOC Policy).
• Maintain & promote trauma-informed interactions with clients (as expected of all ACS staff).
• This position will work closely with the RHU Security Liaison, RHU IUS, RHU Sergeants and Officers, Work Release Captain, Work Release Sergeant, Treatment Specialist, Social Workers, and Recreation leaders.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Complete and submit a Vehicle Use Agreement (DOA-6000) for all required driver’s license checks.  Must have a valid driver’s license for a minimum of two (2) years.
• Ability to complete the DOC van driver training and fulfill any other requirements specified by the DOC risk management staff.
• At least 2 years’ experience working with justice-involved individuals or in a related human services field
• Minimum of 15 post-secondary education credits (or equivalent experience)
• Good oral and written communication skills.  Good organizational skills.
• Ability to perform job duties with minimal supervision.
• Experience in teaching, coaching, and/or group facilitation.
• Basic computer skills and knowledge.
• Ability to complete technical tasks independently, as assigned.
• Experience with evidence-based models of case management, coaching, or counseling.
• Basic understanding of Wisconsin’s criminal justice system.
• Familiarity with local resources and supportive mechanisms to assist residents in re-entry.

Salary : $23