Reentry Ambassador
Based at Central Georgia Technical College, Macon, Georgia
Employer
Georgia Coalition for Higher Education In Prison (GACHEP)
Location
Based at Central Georgia Technical College, Macon, Georgia (candidate must reside in Macon, Bibb county or surrounding counties)
Salary
Commensurate with experience - Full Time ($50,000 - $55,000 a year) + full benefits Hybrid Position (3-4 Days In Office/1-2 Days Virtual)
DESCRIPTION
The Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (GACHEP) serves incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people seeking higher education in Georgia. We partner with colleges, universities, and nonprofits to expand postsecondary educational opportunities and support people on their educational journey.
We are seeking a Reentry Ambassador (RA) to join our team. The Reentry Ambassador is responsible for providing high-quality reentry services to people returning from Georgia jails and prisons and seeking to continue their education after release. Services include assessment, educational planning, referrals, case management, and group facilitation. The RA will also liaise with Technical College System of Georgia schools to build a welcoming and inclusive campus for people coming home. The RA will be based at Central Georgia Technical College and will serve students pursuing education in the TCSG system and/or in Central Georgia. They will work with both CGTC and GACHEP staff and faculty. The RA is responsible for maintaining records of progress, providing data for reports, and occasionally writing reports.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This will be a full-time position with a hybrid work schedule. A set work schedule will be determined by the Reentry Ambassador in conversation with the leadership at Central Georgia Technical College and GACHEP Co-Executive Directors. Hours may include evenings and/or weekend time slots, not to exceed forty hours per week. Some travel may be required.
KEY TASKS
- Provide case management services to people in reentry seeking higher education, including conducting a needs and goals assessment, developing a personalized education plan, and making referrals to service providers to arrange post-release housing, employment, and educational assistance as well as substance abuse treatment.
- Track educational outcomes and keep academic records in compliance with FERPA guidelines.
- Map out opportunities to pursue education in Technical College System of Georgia schools post-release.
- Vet service providers and track referral outcomes for opportunities based in central Georgia.
- Support CGTC in their efforts to support and welcome students coming home from prison and who are a part of their in-prison programs.
- Participate in and provide workshops for staff and faculty on supporting systemimpacted students.
- Maintain records of program progress in the GACHEP database for performance reports required by the Bureau Justice of Administration.
- Performs other duties as requested.
- Bilingual - Spanish is a plus.
- Performs other duties as requested.
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE
- Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Public Administration, and/or Human Services; or in lieu of degree, must have a minimum of two years of proven experience in the human services sector.
- Minimum of two years of direct care experience, in an individual and group setting.
- Exceptional case management and group facilitation skills.
- Experience with correctional facilities and reentry settings preferred.
WORKSTYLE CHARACTERISTICS
- Timeliness and responsiveness to clients
- A commitment to our mission and to representing the organization positively
- Team-oriented individual who communicates regularly and openly with colleagues
- Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
- Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and data-gathering skills
- Commitment to learn new skills as needed
- Ability to independently and successfully manage projects
- Strong attention to detail and follow-through on all projects
- Experience and demonstrated ability to collaborate across teams
- Excellent written and interpersonal communications skills
- Knowledge of the criminal legal system is desirable
- Trauma-informed experience is a plus
- Working proficiency with Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Zoom
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
GACHEP offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package. The Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Second Chance employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, unemployment status, conviction status, or any other protected category. The Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to landers.thomas@gachep.org with the subject title, “Reentry Ambassador– Last Name.”