Job Title: Returned Citizen Advocate
Work Location: Remote (option to work from office in San Francisco)
Reports to: Reentry Manager
Annual Salary: Commensurate, based on experience
The Last Mile, a non-profit based in San Francisco, is the first prison program in the US to provide in-prison software engineering training. The goal is to prepare students for employment as front-end developers and web designers post-release. Students learn HTML, CSS, Javascript, Python and more. We believe that having a job is the key to successful reentry and breaking the cycle of incarceration. A projected shortage of nearly 1 million software engineering jobs by 2020 means that these jobs skills will be in demand. Through in-prison software engineering training and continued mentorship post-release, The Last Mile bridges the gap between incarceration and freedom.
Position Description:
The TLM Reentry Department creates connections and builds rapport with students while they are still enrolled in the program, in order to best support and help them navigate the challenges of reentry. When students are released, they work 1:1 with an RC advocate who acts as the primary point of contact and represents The Last Mile through strategic resource alignment and sustainable development goals.
TLM believes an individualized approach is most effective to provide adequate and appropriate support for TLM program alumni. The RC advocate builds out a profile (including personal information, career and education aspirations, and post-incarceration support) for each returned citizen on their caseload, maintains regular contact with the returned citizen, and coordinates with other reentry and TLM staff to ensure each returned citizen is getting appropriate and equitable support and access to resources.
TLM RC advocates are also responsible for supporting the planning and implementation of TLM Reentry special projects for returned citizens using feedback and insights from the community. Under the direction of the reentry manager and in coordination with other Reentry Department staff, the RC advocate assists in coordination and communication efforts for TLM Reentry initiatives and programs, including but not limited to webinars, workshops, community activities, and networking events.
Required Duties and Responsibilities:
Caseload
- Serve as the primary point of contact for returned citizens on their caseload
- Develop a reentry profile for each returned citizen on their caseload
- Meet weekly with returned citizens in support of furthering progress towards their goals
- Collect and maintain up to date information about returned citizens on their caseload, including contact information, post-release education, employment status, and case plan updates
- Support returned citizens on their caseload by providing access, guidance, resources, or referrals that align with the returned citizens unique abilities or goals
- Assist returned citizens in developing individualized goals and case plans with clear and attainable objectives and action items
- Regularly meet with other Reentry Department staff regarding trends in service delivery and common topics of interest amongst TLM returned citizens and identify areas of potential future support and growth
- Solicit and use feedback from RCs to inform current and future reentry offerings
- Identify and prioritize RCs in need of urgent support
- Keep detailed notes and records in Salesforce
- Stay abreast of employment and reentry best practices eg: resumes, cover letters, interviewing
- Provide an accurate picture of needs, accomplishments, and challenges of the community and individuals at any time
- Maintain the privacy and confidentiality of RCs
Special Projects
- Propose, develop and plan projects and initiatives for TLM returned citizens
- Support the implementation of project plans including but not limited to: organizing workshops, hosting webinars, coordinating sponsored events
- Collaborate with other TLM departments on any reentry related initiatives
Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:
- Lived experience as a justice-impacted person or experience working with incarcerated and justice-impacted individuals, or other under resourced populations
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Experience using Salesforce
- Literacy and comfort with various technology communication and video calling platforms
- Ability to form strong connections and build rapport with others
- Ability to keep accurate and thorough records
- Clear interpersonal, oral, and written communication
- Commitment to using humanizing language all times
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with post-incarceration reentry work
- Professional or educational experience in computer science/web development
- Project management techniques and processes eg: sprints, scope
- Ability to clearly communicate the set up and use of equipment/hardware eg: cellphone, laptop
- Experience with acquiring necessary documents eg: social security, driver licence, taxes
- Skilled a providing actionable and relevant feedback
- Experience writing SMART goals
- Ability to be empathetic, reserve judgement, and maintain healthy boundaries
Please send resume and cover letter to jobs@thelastmile.org if you are interested.
TLM is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and second chances at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected class.
