Career Pathways Post-Release Counselor

The Career Pathways Post-Release Counselor provides guidance and support to adults exiting correctional facilities.  The role focuses on career planning, vocational training, and personal development, helping participants build the skills and confidence necessary to pursue meaningful employment and reintegrate successfully into society.  This role requires collaboration with educational staff, corrections personnel, and external organizations to facilitate opportunities for career exploration and post-release success.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Career Counseling and Guidance

• Assist participants in identifying career interests, skills, and goals through assessments, interviews, and workshops
• Collaborate with educational staff, corrections personnel, and external organizations to facilitate opportunities for career exploration and post-release success
• Develop personalized career plans that will align with the participant’s abilities, educational background, and their post-release goals
• Provide information, presenters, and workshops on various career pathways, including vocational training, certifications, and college courses that will further education opportunities

Program Coordination

• Facilitate workshops on resume writing, interview techniques, workplace skills, and job strategies
• Coordinate with external organizations to provide access to apprenticeships, internships or transitional employment programs
• Coordinate with internal and external resources to address barriers to success, including housing, treatment, mental and physical health, and mandatory requirements
• Other related duties as assigned

Resource Development and Networking

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of labor market trends, high-demand industries and employment opportunities
• Establish partnerships with employers, community organizations and workforce development programs to connect participants with resources and support
• Create a pamphlet that can be distributed to the participants that will be tailored to the needs and resources that participants may need upon release

Participant Support

• Address barriers to reintegration and career success, including criminal history, gaps in employment and lack of soft skills
• Provide strategies for personal development through goal setting, time management, and conflict resolution
• Provide referrals to supportive services: housing, food bank, case management, drug and alcohol

Assessment and Reporting

• Track participant progress and outcomes, including certifications, job placement, and reentry success stories
• Prepare detailed reports on the program’s effectiveness and recommend improvements
• Input data into the Bureau of Justice and PMT reporting systems

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Education, or related field  
• 3 years or more of experience preferred in corrections education/counseling, adult education or workforce development
• Ability to plan and organize daily work
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing

Computer Skills

• Basic MS Office skills

Additional Requirements

• Ability to successfully pass Federal and State criminal background check and State of Pennsylvania Child Abuse screening

Work Environment

Work is performed in multiple settings including the Fayette County Jail.  Some work performed in an office setting while other tasks classroom facilitation.  Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time required.  Some light lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling are required to carry training materials and perform basic office functions.  Requires manual dexterity to use a keyboard and enter client/business information.