Placement Specialist

For individuals transitioning from closed custody correctional facilities, Cherry Health provides Person Centered Reentry Services to ease the transition back into the community. Services are available at two locations: our Community Treatment Center (CTC) in Detroit and Community Alternatives Program (CAP) in Grand Rapids. Services include 24‑hour residential treatment in a structured environment with individual and group counseling services. Some participants come to us directly from a correctional facility, while others come as part of a diversion program to keep them out of prison.

Together, we work to address health issues (including behavioral health issues) and other reentry needs such as employment, education, housing, and fostering connections to help justice‑system‑involved persons successfully reintegrate back into their respective communities.

The Employment Placement Specialist is responsible for assisting residents in acquiring gainful employment opportunities to support their financial sustainability and successful reintegration into the community. This position involves providing employment training, coordinating with employers, monitoring job site performance, and maintaining accurate employment records. The Specialist ensures that residents meet employment criteria set by the Residential Reentry Center and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) Statement of Work.

• Conduct Job Readiness Screenings with residents upon admission to assess employment preparedness.
• Provide employment training to residents, including resume development and interview preparation.
• Collaborate with residents and local community resources to identify and pursue employment opportunities.
• Initiate contact with employers in compliance with the FBOP Statement of Work, providing information about the Residential Reentry Center and FBOP accountability standards.
• Perform initial and ongoing job site visits alongside the On‑Site Employment/Home Inspector.
• Maintain ongoing communication with employers, ensuring feedback and troubleshooting issues related to resident employment.
• Monitor residents’ work attendance and ensure compliance with work hour requirements, including tracking the 60‑hour limit.
• Verify employment through documentation and employer follow‑ups, including confirming accuracy via telephone.
• Generate work passes for employed residents and facilitate bi‑weekly updates with Case Managers regarding resident employment status.
• Ensure all required documentation is completed accurately and on time, maintaining detailed employment records in residents' files.
• Coordinate with Case Managers regarding delinquent subsistence payments and work pass issues.
• Attend FBOP conferences, trainings, and workshops as directed.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required

• Minimum of one year of experience in job placement, guidance, or counseling preferred.
• Experience in a correctional‑type residential program is preferred.

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage time effectively.
• Good negotiation and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to work flexibly to accommodate residents’ schedules.
• Ability to maintain accurate and up‑to‑date records and reports.
• Ability to work independently, while also being a collaborative team member.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to develop relationships with employers and community resources.

Cherry Health, Michigan’s largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), operates in six counties across the state, is based in Grand Rapids. With a team of more than 800 health care professionals at 20 locations, Cherry Health focuses on removing barriers, expanding access, and delivering comprehensive quality health care services to underserved communities, regardless of an individual’s insurance status or ability to pay.

We provide primary care, dental, vision, behavioral health, pharmacy services, substance abuse services, residential…