Resource Specialist - Corrections

* Works directly with Corrections Program Residents
* Works directly with Parole Officers
* Reviews referred files by Parole Officers to determine appropriateness of placement in the Corrections Program.
* Conducts Resident intake interviews, assessments, and completes follow-up tasks as determined
* Welcomes and orients new Residents to program and services
* Responds to community and Resident inquiries, provides suggestions and information on appropriate resources and referrals (e.g. funding for housing)
* Provides Resident support through a number of different channels/strategies based on Resident needs
* Addresses Resident behavior concerns in consultation with the Parole Office and in keeping with program guidelines
* Provides emergency/crisis intervention and responds accordingly (may involve conflict resolution)
* Works collaboratively with community agencies and the Parole Office, in particular, to resolve Resident concerns
* Assess and work with Residents, to develop SMART Goals, and participate in Resident meetings and progress reviews, in support of  Corrections Program requirements.
* Coordinates and facilitates Resident house meetings
* Researches, creates and presents presentations on programs and workshops
* Attends community agency meetings and workshops as approved by the Manager
* May assist at the West Desk/South Desk as needed
* May pack up and lift resident belongings and engage in recreational activities.
* May facilitate approved groups sessions with residents
* Enters and maintains data base, resident case notes, and other resident records as required, whether hard or soft copy (e.g. referrals, appointments, meetings, etc.); may extract data from database for statistical purposes
* Supports team members in upholding best practices and service to residents and shares learnings and findings
* Completes designated reporting requirements (including month ends, statistics, learning summaries)
* Completes paperwork as/when required (incident reports, communication book, etc.)
* Performs administrative tasks (i.e. filing, photocopying, email, etc.) that support program objectives and/or delegated by supervisor
* Attends and participates in meetings/events/committees (internal and external) as required
* Gathers, shares, and maintains up to date resource information in determined format
* Supports, orients, and trains volunteers and students as required
* Reviews information and forms to ensure information is correct and relevant
* Participates in annual program planning
* May be required to take/prepare meeting minutes
* May be required to show work methods and/or mentor new employees
* May research, develop, adapt, and facilitate learning/skill building/educational functions including lesson plans, evaluations to meet resident needs (may involve recruitment of outside agencies)
* May be required to assist with set-up/tear-down of projects, workshops, etc.
* May be required to assist with coordination of donations and supplies
* May provide support for other position tasks
* May evaluate programs and services for quality improvement
* Performs other related duties as assigned
* At least one year of prior related experience in frontline casework with an emphasis on corrections, mental health, homelessness, addictions or social services.
* Knowledgeable about the Canadian Criminal Justice System
* Demonstrated understanding of marginalization of offenders and parolees
* Knowledge of concurrent/co-occurring disorders including mental health diagnosis and treatment resources.
* Apply for security clearance as per the Industrial Security Sector
* Take the Corrections Canada OMS training.
* Collaborate to establish effective relationships with residents to support them to increase their strengths.
* Able to help develop and implement service plans and be a strong advocate for the resident.
* Attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
* Responsive to safely resolve crisis situations and respond nonjudgmentally to problematic behaviors.
* Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey information to residents and community partners, especially Parole Officers.
* Ability to effectively liaise with a range of service providers or agencies to establish and/or improve services for residents.
* Attentive listening and observation of body language and continuously monitoring the environment.
* Self-motivated, able to work under pressure and manage time effectively, prioritizing work tasks to need.
* Ability to stay calm in stressful situations
* Computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, familiarity with databases, as well as keyboarding skills.
* Ability to occasionally pack and lift resident’s belongings and engaging in recreational activities.
* Teamwork to make positive contributions to the team, support and back up co-workers at all times.
* Strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility.

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