Pre-Release and Juvenile Justice Specialist

Position Summary The Pre-Release and Juvenile Justice Reentry Specialist works within the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services facilities to engage young people who are approaching release and prepare them for successful transition into Roca’s intervention model.

This role manages a flexible caseload of approximately 20 young people and is responsible for building relationships prior to release, introduction to Rewire CBT and Circles, coordinating reentry planning, addressing immediate basic needs and ensuring a warm handoff to the Youth Worker they will be assigned to.

The Pre-Release and Juvenile Justice Reentry Specialist collaborates with families, facility staff and internal Roca staff to support continuity of care and long-term engagement.

Key Responsibilities Pre-Release Engagement & Case Management Maintain a flexible caseload of young people who are nearing release from Maryland Department of Juvenile Services facilities.

Meet regularly to deliver Rewire CBT, Circles, structured activities and one-on-one meetings when appropriate.

Assess readiness for release and prepare participants for engagement with Roca programming.

Meet with assigned DJS Case Management Specialists assigned to young people prior to release.

Reentry Planning & Basic Needs Assessment Assess participants’ basic needs upon release, including housing stability, identification and documentation, healthcare access, education/employment readiness, and other immediate supports.

Develop individualized reentry plans that address barriers to successful transition and promote sustained engagement post-release.

Complete Safety Profile and in coordination with DJS Outreach Manager, work with the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services and Baltimore Police Department to mitigate any potential risk.

Family & Natural Support Engagement Meet with families, guardians, or other caregivers with whom the young person will reside after release.

Support families in understanding Roca’s model, expectations, and available resources.

Strengthen family and natural support systems to promote stability and successful reentry.

Coordination & Enrollment Coordinate and facilitate in-facility meetings with appropriate Roca staff to complete:

Eligibility and enrollment paperwork

Safety profiles

Transitional Employment Program (TEP) documentation

Ensure all required paperwork and assessments are completed prior to release whenever possible.

Transition & Post-Release Connection Schedule the young person’s first visit to the Roca building following release.

Support a seamless transition from facility-based engagement to community-based services.

Communicate effectively with internal teams to ensure continuity of care and shared understanding of participant needs and goals.

Documentation & Compliance Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough case notes and documentation in Efforts to Outcomes (ETO).Adhere to confidentiality, safety, and professional standards when working in juvenile justice settings

Other Duties Perform other duties as assigned in support of program and organizational needs.

Qualifications The very nature of Roca’s work requires an individual of great commitment and energy to the mission. Roca seeks a highly driven individual who is a good fit both personally and professionally for the culture of Roca. In addition, the ideal candidate for this position will be a trustworthy decision-maker. He/she will have a sense of humor, feel passionate and committed to direct work with high-risk youth, and demonstrate interest in coaching and supporting coworkers.

Roca expects candidates to have the following skills:

BA preferred/Equivalent community experience accepted

Understanding and experience working with young adults and high-risk young adults

Minimum…