Inmate Services Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Inmate Services Specialist position will provide a variety of basic services to the inmate population for a wide range of general issues. In addition to conducting intakes, the Inmate Services Specialist position will work closely with security and treatment departments to resolve issues, improve services, provide case management services to inmates, and use information gleaned from inmates to assist in the classification process to ensure inmates are housed in a safe and appropriate manner.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports directly to the Director of Inmate Services.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Ability to recruit, evaluate, build relationships, appropriately share information, and work cooperatively with a variety of departments and organizations with the goal of coordinating services for the inmate population.  

Be familiar with community resources to include eligibility criteria to assist inmates participating in various programs and services. 

Assist, as directed, using motivational interviewing techniques to draft reports related to inmate issues while maintaining the integrity of any/all investigations.

Complete all required follow up activities to include written reports when Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) related incidents are identified. Forward all documentation to appropriate staff and administration.

Use basic case management techniques to assist inmates and help them with problem resolution. 

Perform written assessment of those on assigned caseload as directed.

Follow all prison safety and security procedures. Maintain institutional security and rehabilitative standards through classification guidelines. 

Assist inmates with issues outside the institution that influence incarceration to include serving as liaison between inmates and a wide range of community programming and outside agencies such as Probation & Parole, Children & Youth, Public Defenders, private attorneys, etc. 

Perform intake evaluations using established format and forward information concerning mental health, medical, drug & alcohol, or security issues to appropriate departments.

Encourage inmates on assigned caseload to participate in institutional and community-based, self-improvement programs for the purpose of reentry to community.

Provide instruction for programming related to treatment and/or reentry based on approved curriculum to increase inmate’s success when returning to the community.

Assist the classification department with processing moves and other related duties as required.

Review, update and maintain accurate files of inmate behavior, discipline, and program records using in-house computerized inmate management system. 

Review special status sheets, disciplinary board actions, and other reports as they pertain to housing assignments. 

Knowledge/usage of relevant equipment related to the security/law enforcement field including, but not limited to handcuffs, shackles, security belt, spit protective shield/net, metal detection devices, computer/mainstream computer software, weapons (lethal/less lethal), etc.… as approved by Administration.     

OTHER SPECIFIC TASKS OR DUTIES

Ability to use case management/counseling techniques to assist inmates with problem resolution.

Extensive interaction with inmate population required.

Assist other departments by supervising/coordinating additional programs as needed.

Attend all mandatory training (CPR, Suicide Prevention, etc.)

Serve as backup to other Inmate Services Department positions when vacancies occur due to vacation or medical leave

Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor. The percentage of time spent on essential duties will vary as the needs of the job require.

Must be able to escort inmates to all areas of the prison when required. 

Comprehensive report writing skills required.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

A bachelor’s degree in criminology, Criminal Justice or a field directly related to criminal corrections; OR

A bachelor’s degree which includes or is supplemented by 12 college credits in criminology, criminal justice, sociology, social welfare, psychology, human services, or other related behavioral/social sciences and one year of relevant professional casework/counseling experience with a public or private social services provider; OR,

In addition to the above, one (1) year or more of experience working in the correctional/criminal justice system is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Ability to work under normal conditions of the job.

Good interpersonal communication skills.

Ability to work with minimum supervision.

Ability to quickly learn new skills and implement them appropriately as required.

Ability to plan and organize work, maintain records, prepare reports, set priorities, and maintain assigned caseload in an effective and timely manner.

Ability to learn and use computer software such as Unified Case Management (UCM), Microsoft Office and Microsoft Excel to complete required daily responsibilities. 

Must be security conscious.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff, outside agencies and institutions, and the public.

REQUIRED LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS/CLEARANCES

Pass pre-employment drug screening. 

Pass criminal background checks. 

PREA background check

Pass Pennsylvania Childline clearance

Valid PA State Driver’s License

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Must be able to sit for long periods throughout the day, with intermittent periods of standing, walking, bending, twisting, and reaching as necessary to carry out job duties, throughout a correctional high-rise facility. 

Dexterity requirements range from simple to coordinated movements of fingers/hands; feet/legs; and torso as necessary to carry out job duties.

Medium work with occasional lifting/carrying of objects with a maximum weight of 25 pounds. 

Must be able to cope with the physical, mental, and emotional stress of the job. 

Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.

Maintain emotional stability during stressful situations. 

Work is primarily sedentary in nature; no special demands are required.

Must be able to work in an environment that is not climate controlled.

Must be comfortable working with a diverse inmate population.