Forensic Re-Entry Project Specialist

About the Agency: The Mississippi Department of Mental Health (DMH) certifies, provides and/or financially supports a network of services for people with mental illness, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. This position is in the Mississippi Department of Mental Health's Central Office, which provides the overall statewide administrative functions for the programs and services that fall under the oversight of the agency.

Project Overview: The purpose of the Forensic Re-Entry Project is to provide essential resources and peer support to women with SMT and/ or SUD as they transition from a correctional setting to the community. By leveraging the lived experiences of Certified Forensics Peer Support Specialists, the project aims to reduce rec id iv ism rates, improve mental health outcomes, and foster community integration for these vulnerable women.

Job Summary:

The Forensic Peer Reentry Coordinator will serve as a vital bridge between justice-involved individuals and community-based behavioral health services. Using lived experience, the coordinator will guide and support individuals with justice system involvement as they transition back into the community, promoting recovery, stability, and successful reentry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide peer support to justice-involved individuals transitioning from correctional facilities to the community.

• Conduct individualized assessments to identify each participant's strengths, needs and barriers.

• Collaborate closely with probation/parole officers, attorneys, and case managers to develop and implement individualized reentry plans.

• Facilitate group sessions, educational workshops, and recovery-focused activities.

• Advocate for participants' access to housing, employment, health care, and social services.

• Maintain thorough documentation of all interactions and progress in compliance with credentialing and funding requirements.

• Provide education and support navigating the court system, treatment options, and community resources.

• Serve as a role model of recovery, resilience, and personal transformation.

• Implement all needed reports for Forensics Peer Support Services programs as required by the funding source/TTI.

• Provide TA assistance to recipients Services to Forensics Peer Support Services Program Coordinate and/or provide consultation, technical assistance and coaching to assure that the Peer Recovery Support Services model and approaches are implemented and adhere to best practice standards.

• Effectively engage and provide consistent contact and feed back to stakeholders

• Assist programs with the development of policy manuals, job descriptions and other necessary tasks to effectively administer the Forensics Peer Support Services Projects.

Training:

• Coordinate Forensics Certified Peer Support Specialist Professionals (CPSSP) training with training team to provide ongoing training.

• Assist with identifying training needs.

Required Qualifications:

• Lived experience as a person who has been involved in the justice system and is in sustained recovery. Certification as a peer specialist or willingness to obtain certification.

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strong understanding of the criminal justice system, reentry principles, and behavioral health services. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including law enforcement, social services, and community partners.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management software.

• Commitment to trauma-informed care and cultural humility.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Report compilation and general data management expe1ience.

• Working knowledge about the Mississippi Department of Mental Health.

• Working knowledge about the Mississippi criminal justice system.

• Experience and/or working knowledge of direct mental health services and criminal justice system.

Job Location: Remote

Status of Position: Contractual

Min- Max Salary: $45,000 - $50,000 Yearly

Travel: Yes

MS Department of Mental Health is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.