Networks Northwest is seeking a passionate and dynamic individual to join our OS Reentry team as a Resource Specialist. This impactful role provides one-on-one case coordination services to individuals recently released from incarceration, with a primary focus on employment placement and housing stability.
As a Resource Specialist, you’ll play a critical role in helping returning citizens successfully navigate their transition back into the community. You will support clients in accessing community-based resources and provide tailored case management for both employment and housing needs. You’ll work as part of a collaborative team that includes OS Reentry staff, local partners, and the Michigan Department of Corrections.
This full-time position is based out of the Northwest Michigan Works! service center in Traverse City and serves Grand Traverse and Leelanau counties. The right candidate for this position has the ability to work independently while maintaining a caseload of approximately 35 participants. Travel throughout the region is required.
If you’re an innovative, non-judgmental, solutions-oriented professional who’s committed to making a difference, we encourage you to apply!
Key Responsibilities
- Work directly with participants to develop strengths-based employment and housing plans that support long-term stability.
- Provide individual needs assessments for all referred participants.
- Provide individualized job counseling, coaching, and retention services to help participants identify, secure, and sustain full-time employment (30+ hours per week).
- Administer the Justice SPDAT assessment to determine housing vulnerability and assist with housing searches, applications, and program paperwork (e.g., Housing Choice Voucher).
- Provide individualize residential stability services including budgeting and navigating the application process.
- Advocate for participants through ongoing outreach to housing providers, landlords, employers, and local support agencies.
- Coordinate access to essential support services, including transportation, identification, basic needs, and work-related supplies.
- Assist with applying for benefits including SNAP and Medicaid/Medicare
- Connect participants with community-based resources to meet broader needs.
- Collaborate closely with MDOC field agents and staff.
- Complete any required training by the Michigan Department of Corrections.
- Maintain accurate, efficient, honest and timely documentation and reporting for all services provided.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, or other related human services field preferred. Equivalent relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education.
- Ability to pass an annual LEIN clearance conducted by the Michigan Department of Corrections.
- Prior experience providing case management services in employment and/or housing support settings desired.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations in human service environments.
- Strong knowledge of local community resources and services.
- High level of integrity, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Reliable documentation and recordkeeping practices.
- Good judgment and discernment in professional and social settings.
- Proficiency with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office products. Experience with Salesforce is a plus.
- Valid driver’s license and insurability to operate agency vehicles.
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time (40 hours/week), salaried professional position with a starting salary of $45,000. Networks Northwest offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Employer-paid premiums for health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Retirement plan with employer contributions
- Paid vacation, sick, personal time, and holidays
