Returning Citizens Initiative; RCI) Re-entry Specialist

Job Title: Returning Citizens Initiative (RCI) Re-entry Specialist

Salary/Hourly Rate: $25-26 per hour

Reports To: Executive Director / Senior Director of Programs

Direct Reports: None

Position Status: Full Time W-2

Location: Maryland Lower Eastern Shore

The RCI Re-Entry Specialist provides comprehensive, person-centered case management, mentorship, and community-based support to individuals reentering the community following incarceration. This role works directly with returning citizens to conduct intake and assessments, develop and implement individualized re-entry plans, and address barriers related to employment, housing, education, benefits access, and successful community reintegration.

Through consistent one-on-one engagement, peer mentorship, life skills development, and coordinated service delivery, the Re-Entry Specialist supports participants in building stability, positive competency skills, self-sufficiency, and long-term success. This position also plays a critical role in documentation, compliance, program coordination, and collaboration with internal teams, probation and parole, and community partners. The role is primarily in-person and community-based and requires strong relationship-building skills, professionalism, and flexibility.

• Facilitate intake and assessment for new participants, ensuring accurate evaluation of needs, eligibility, risks, and strengths.
• Collaborate with participants to develop individualized, goal-oriented re-entry plans focused on employment, housing, education, life skills, and community reintegration.
• Provide education, counseling, advocacy, and support to ensure participants obtain identification, benefits, and entitlements necessary for stability and goal achievement.
• Monitor participant progress through regular engagement, evaluate outcomes, and adjust case plans as needed to address barriers and improve functioning.

• Provide one-on-one, peer-to-peer, person-centered mentorship and coaching to promote accountability, resilience, and sustained progress.
• Plan and implement life skills, social development, and competency-based learning opportunities focused on decision-making, communication, problem-solving, and independent living.
• Support participants with job applications, resume development, interview preparation, and enrollment in education or vocational programs.

• Serve as a liaison to probation and parole officers, discharge planning staff, service providers, and community partners to support compliance and coordinated care.
• Assist with coordinating transportation, appointments, and group support sessions to promote consistent engagement and participation.

• Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed documentation in Shared Village and other designated case management systems for each participant interaction.
• Track referrals, services, participant progress, and outcomes to support program monitoring, compliance, and performance reporting.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, documentation standards, audits, and quality assurance reviews.

• Attend required trainings, supervision sessions, and professional development opportunities.
• Participate in team meetings and collaborate with staff to support coordinated program operations and service delivery.
• Represent Lead4
  
  Life's mission, values, and professionalism in all interactions with participants, partners, and community stakeholders.

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related field (OR equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with justice-involved individuals or in community-based case management.
• Lived experience with reentry and successful reintegration is highly valued.
• Strong knowledge of community resources related to employment, housing, healthcare, education, and behavioral health.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation for community-based work.

• Experience facilitating peer support, motivational, or life skills groups within correctional or reentry settings.
• Knowledge of reentry challenges, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices.
• Experience using electronic case…