Employment Placement Specialist

Welcome to Cherry Health - video about Cherry Health

For individuals transitioning from closed custody correctional facilities, Cherry Health provides Person Centered Reentry Services to ease the transition back into the community. Services are available at two locations: our Community Treatment Center (CTC) in Detroit and Community Alternatives Program (CAP) in Grand Rapids. Services include 24-hour residential treatment in a structured environment with individual and group counseling services. Some participants come to us directly from a correctional facility, while others come as part of a diversion program to keep them out of prison. Together, we work to address health issues (including behavioral health issues) and other reentry needs i.e., employment, education, housing, and fostering connections to help justice system involved persons successfully reintegrate back into their respective communities.

Job Description Summary

The Employment Placement Specialist is responsible for assisting residents in acquiring gainful employment opportunities to support their financial sustainability and successful reintegration into the community. This position involves providing employment training, coordinating with employers, monitoring job site performance, and maintaining accurate employment records. The Specialist ensures that residents meet employment criteria set by the Residential Reentry Center and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) Statement of Work.

Responsibilities

• Conduct Job Readiness Screenings with residents upon admission to assess employment preparedness.
• Provide employment training to residents, including resume development and interview preparation.
• Collaborate with residents and local community resources to identify and pursue employment opportunities.
• Initiate contact with employers in compliance with the FBOP Statement of Work, providing information about the Residential Reentry Center and FBOP accountability standards.
• Perform initial and ongoing job site visits alongside the On-Site Employment/Home Inspector.
• Maintain ongoing communication with employers, ensuring feedback and troubleshooting issues related to resident employment.
• Monitor residents' work attendance and ensure compliance with work hour requirements, including tracking the 60-hour limit.
• Verify employment through documentation and employer follow-ups, including confirming accuracy via telephone.
• Generate work passes for employed residents and facilitate bi-weekly updates with Case Managers regarding resident employment status.
• Ensure all required documentation is completed accurately and on time, maintaining detailed employment records in residents' files.
• Coordinate with Case Managers regarding delinquent subsistence payments and work pass issues.
• Attend FBOP conferences, trainings, and workshops as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required
  
  

Experience

• Minimum of one year of experience in job placement, guidance, or counseling preferred.
• Experience in a correctional-type residential program is preferred.
  
  

Required Skills And Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage time effectively.
• Good negotiation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work flexibly to accommodate residents' schedules.
• Ability to maintain accurate and up-to-date records and reports.
• Ability to work independently, while also being a collaborative team member.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop relationships with employers and community resources.
  
  

Who We Are

Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay. We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential re-entry services, school-based health centers and more.

Our Mission

Cherry Health improves the health and wellness of individuals by providing comprehensive primary and behavioral health care while encouraging access by those who are underserved.

Our Vision

Our community will be healthier because we will seek out and welcome those who need our services. All will be treated as family with integrated, coordinated care to improve health and personal well-being.

Our Values

• Collaboration – Support the Cherry Health mission by encouraging teamwork to accomplish organizational goals.
• Customer Service – Serve internal and external customers in a welcoming manner with compassionate care.
• Innovation – Embrace creativity to improve patient care and workplace efficiency while remaining curious and open to learning.
• Integrity – Uphold the highest ethical standards by being honest and trustworthy.
• Professionalism – Create a positive work environment where we care accountable for our decision, our action and the results.
  
  

Benefits

Cherry Health has excellent benefit offerings dependent on employment status. Check out a sample of the benefits available to our team members below!

• Loan repayment through the NHSC and Michigan State Loan Repayment Program for select roles
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance for you and your family
• Generous Paid Time Off benefit – 4 weeks per year for full time
• Paid holidays - 8 full day paid holidays (Including Black Friday!) and 2 half day paid holidays!
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan with generous employer match - $ for $ match up to 5%
• MET and MESP 529 Savings Plans
• Pet Insurance!
• Employee Assistance Program
  
  

Our policy is to offer all employees and applicants for employment equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws, or any other protected category.