Mission: The Pennsylvania Innocence Project is a non-profit, public interest law firm dedicated to exonerating those who have been convicted of crimes they did not commit and preventing innocent people from being convicted. That mission is coupled with training law students and practicing lawyers to recognize and litigate valid innocence claims and providing reentry services to innocent people who have been exonerated to assist them in their transition home.
Position Summary:
The Pennsylvania Innocence Project Reentry Social Worker is primarily responsible for the reentry needs of people who are wrongly convicted across Pennsylvania who have been released from prison. This includes, but is not limited to, helping clients access benefits, connecting clients to mental health support, conducting weekly check-ins with clients, assisting clients to identify goals, and connecting clients to local resources. Additionally, the social worker facilitates the Transition to Innocence exoneree support group. Other responsibilities include networking with organizations to build a network of support for clients coming home; working with the legal staff on meeting client needs; supervising two MSW interns; and assisting in preparing parole and clemency petitions. The position is based in the Project’s Philadelphia office, but the social worker will work with clients across the state and occasional travel to the Pittsburgh office will be required.
Specific Responsibilities:
Client Case Management
Provide trauma-responsive case management services, collaborating with participants to develop and implement a reentry plan based on assessed needs and participant interests.
Ensure that basic needs are met (housing, employment, benefits, transportation, healthcare, mental health support, etc.).
Listen to clients’ concerns and provide emotional support and assistance as required.
Support participant engagement in services, including referral to and follow-up with external providers in areas including, but not limited to: health and mental health, substance use treatment, parenting support, and educational programming.
Facilitate bi-weekly support group.
Record notes of client progress and maintain client files.
Intern Supervision
Supervise two MSW students, one in Philadelphia and one in Pittsburgh.
Additional Responsibilities
Work with attorneys to compile materials for clemency and parole applications.
Develop new program of services for families of exonerees.
Occasional teaching opportunities with law students and reentry community.
Participate in legal calls with incarcerated clients.
Help coordinate travel and registration for annual Innocence Network Conference
Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will have strong case management skills, the ability to work as part of a team, and excellent communication skills with a passion for social and racial justice. They will have knowledge of services and benefits available in Pennsylvania, as well as experience working with people who are incarcerated or who are returning home from prison or a similar experience. Sensitivity to the unique needs facing exonerees who have spent years wrongly incarcerated is required.
The ideal candidate will also have excellent networking skills and must be comfortable facilitating the support group and supervising interns both in-person and via Zoom. Spanish-speaking candidates are encouraged to apply. MSW required.
The Pennsylvania Innocence Project is committed to ensuring our staff reflect the clients and communities we serve. We strongly encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply for this position. In your cover letter we invite you to tell us how your unique background and/or experiences can contribute to the diversity, vitality, and cultural perspective of our staff, clients, and reentry services.
Salary: $50,000- $65,000, based on experience, with benefits.
To Apply: Please apply via the following link by July 1, 2021: https://templeuniversity.applytojob.com/apply/XyiJNw72i6/Reentry-Social-Worker-With-Pennsylvania-Innocence-Project
Please attach:
Cover letter
Resume
3 References (names and contact information, including at least one non-academic contact, e.g., employer, internship supervisor etc.)
The Pennsylvania Innocence Project is an equal opportunity employer. The Project does not discriminate in the selection of employees on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, sexual identity, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
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