Women's Detention Center Caseworker

Women’s Detention Center Caseworker

ABOUT US
The Hope Center, Inc. is a well-respected and leading recovery organization in Lexington, Kentucky-the second largest city- that cares for the homeless and at-risk persons by providing life-sustaining and life-rebuilding services that are comprehensive and address underlying addiction causes.

PURPOSE
The Women’s Detention Center Recovery Program Caseworker is dedicated to supporting incarcerated women in their journey toward rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. This role involves conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized recovery plans, and providing ongoing case management services. The caseworker collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to deliver trauma-informed, gender-responsive care, ensuring that each client receives the necessary support to address substance use, mental health, and social reintegration needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitate Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI): Lead structured CBI classes for female inmates, presenting information, assigning and reviewing classwork, and documenting results in individual inmate files.
• Conduct Recovery Dynamics (RD) Instruction: Deliver RD sessions focusing on the 12-Step program, monitor inmate progress, assign and evaluate homework, and maintain accurate records in inmate folders.
• Provide Individual Recovery Counseling: Offer one-on-one counseling to female inmates, addressing personal concerns and supporting their recovery journey.
• Conduct Program Orientations: Complete intake procedures for new program participants, including drug/alcohol screenings, completion of intake forms, obtaining release of information signatures, and providing an overview of the Therapeutic Community (T.C.) Program.
• Assist in Inmate Screenings: Engage with female inmates during screenings, complete substance abuse assessments, verify legal status, and coordinate with Classification to determine appropriate housing assignments.
• Participate in Community Sessions: Engage with inmates during Community process meetings, address behavioral issues, facilitate discussions, and document outcomes in inmate files.
• Lead Daily Reflection Sessions: Guide morning reflection activities, including reading meditations and facilitating discussions to promote mindfulness and personal growth.
• Maintain Detailed Documentation: Accurately document inmate progress, class participation, homework assignments, concerns, legal information, and discharge summaries in individual folders.
• Escort Inmates and Visitors: Ensure the safe and respectful escort of female inmates and visitors within the Fayette County Detention Center premises.
• Uphold Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality and privacy of inmate information in accordance with institutional policies and legal requirements.
• Adhere to Institutional Policies: Comply with all policies and procedures set forth by the Hope Center and Fayette County Detention Center.
• Respond to Crisis Situations: Take appropriate action during crises involving female inmates, including incidents of violence, threats, or emergencies, ensuring safety and proper documentation.
• Engage in Professional Development: Participate in all scheduled trainings and meetings to enhance skills and stay informed about best practices.
• Report Unusual Circumstances: Promptly contact the FCDC Supervisor regarding any unusual circumstances or concerns affecting inmate welfare or program integrity.
• Perform Additional Duties: Carry out other responsibilities as directed by the supervisor to support the overall objectives of the recovery program.

COMPETENCIES

• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
• Demonstrates a deep understanding of the challenges faced by incarcerated women, fostering trust and rapport through compassionate, non-judgmental interactions.
• Crisis Intervention and De-escalation
• Skilled in managing high-stress situations, utilizing active listening, grounding techniques, and clear communication to maintain safety and support during emergencies.
• Effective Communication
• Possesses strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills, ensuring clarity in instructions and sensitivity to inmates' concerns, thereby enhancing therapeutic relationships.
• Cultural Competence and Trauma-Informed Care
• Applies an understanding of cultural, social, and historical factors to provide equitable, respectful, and individualized support, particularly recognizing the impact of trauma on female inmates.
• Time Management and Organizational Skills
• Efficiently manages multiple responsibilities, including case documentation, group facilitation, and individual counseling, while adhering to schedules and institutional protocols.
• Team Collaboration and Adaptability
• Works effectively within multidisciplinary teams, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to adapt to evolving procedures and client needs in a correctional environment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Education: High School Diploma or GED Equivalent.
• Experience: At least one (1) year of related work experience in social work, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field, is preferred.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

• Gender Requirement: This position requires a female applicant, as specified by the Fayette County Detention Center.
• Pre-Employment Drug Screen: Must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Criminal History: Must not have been under supervision by the Department of Corrections or Probation & Parole within the past five (5) years.
• Background Check: Must pass a comprehensive pre-employment background check, including fingerprinting and a review of local, state, and national records.

HOURS
This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Occasional flexibility may be required to meet program needs, attend trainings, or respond to emergencies within the detention center.

BENEFITS
This is a full-time position offering the following benefits:

• Health insurance, Dental insurance, Vision insurance
• 401(k) with matching percentage from the Hope Center
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Paid Vacation & Sick Leave
• One hour paid lunch

Pay: $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15