Human Services Worker Work Release Program

One of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, Community Partners in Action (CPA) was founded nearly 150 years ago to champion criminal justice reform and advocate for preserving the dignity of those in and out of prison. Through our programs that include reentry and housing, youth initiatives, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration, we provide a long-term impact that positively transforms individuals and society at large. Annually serving over 4,000 individuals throughout Connecticut, our work is possible due to partnerships with and support from individuals, government, private funders, organizations, and businesses.

Join a mission-driven team working to advance equity, inclusion, systemic change, and criminal justice reform. We support our employees with comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off, and a workplace centered on well-being. Eligibility for the benefits below varies by work schedule.

• Health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees who work at least 25 hours per week; eligibility begins after 60 days of employment.
• Retirement: Eligibility to participate in the 401(k) plan after 60 days of employment.
• Employer-paid protection: Basic life, accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage for employees who work at least 25 hours per week.
• Voluntary benefits: Critical illness, identity theft protection, pet insurance, prepaid legal services, personal accident insurance, supplemental short-term disability, and whole life insurance.
• Paid time off: Generous vacation, personal, and sick leave.
• Paid holidays: 13 paid holidays each year.
• Employee support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program.
• Workplace culture: A supportive environment focused on employee health, wellness, and meaningful work.

CPA is guided by our BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) culture. WE ARE COMMITTED to building and maintaining an inclusive, equitable workplace and COMPELLED to have a constructive impact on criminal justice reform in CT that ends racial inequities and ensures the humanity and dignity of those interacting with the system. Read more about our BEDI culture at https://cpa-ct.org/our-bedi-journey/

Our Work Release Program (WRP), currently funded by the CT Department of Correction (CT DOC/Department), provides residents with safe and secure housing, basic needs assistance, employment readiness and placement opportunities as well as the development of life and work skills essential to the promotion of self-reliance, responsibility, and accountability.

The ideal candidate will have a High School diploma/GED, associate or bachelor's degree. Prior experience working in the human services field with justice involved clients with substance abuse, mental

health or other behavior issues is preferred. Ability to interact with multi-cultural populations; crisis management skills; share the belief that people can change and individuals in need deserve quality services and an opportunity for recovery; must have a valid CT driver’s license and reliable transportation. Ability to work weekends, holidays and additional hours Candidates with lived experience encouraged to apply.

• Supervise and monitor resident activities in compliance with program policies, including morning wake-up and completion of resident chores. Ensure a safe and secure environment for all utilizing appropriate de-escalation and behavior motivation techniques.
• Be an advocate for all participants encouraging program participation and accountability.
• Proactively act as a mediator when necessary to effectively resolve resident conflicts in a solutions focused manner.
• Maintain professional boundaries with residents, staff, volunteers, family members/visitors and providers at all times.
• Promote a culture of respect, empathy, mutual support, belonging and work to eliminate any unconscious bias or discrimination in our beliefs, rules and systems.
• Serve as positive role model following program guidelines for professional conduct and code of ethics and maintain a professional image at all times when interacting with supervisors, staff, residents and visitors, or answering phones.
• Supervise residents during fresh air and smoke breaks multiple times daily.
• Assist with meeting resident needs as necessary and appropriate.
• Possess knowledge of and implement all agency/program policies and procedures governing facility operations including:
• Key Controls
• Head Count
• Facility Rounds
• Monitoring of client locations and visitors
• Emergency Procedures
• Inspections

• Maintain shift log indicating incidents that occur, immediately reporting all incidents to Program Manager, Residential Supervisor or to on-call personnel. As required, complete incident reports.
• Ensure all visitors have proper identification prior to entering the facility.
• Search all bags brought in or out of the facility, conducting pat and pocket searches on residential clients.
• Conduct client intake/admission and orientation after hours.
• Conduct random drug testing and breathalyzers.
• Complete all necessary documentation accurately and in a timely manner including hourly house count.
• Must be familiar with universal precautions and related issues including risk of communicable diseases.
• Remain constantly alert during all shifts for any situation that may jeopardize the safety of residents, staff, visitors, and/or the community.
• Engage in all staff meetings and training offered to enhance professional development (required/non-required).
• HSW will be responsible for transporting residents daily to and from work and as needed for program needs
• Regular, reliable attendance and timeliness are essential functions of this role.
• Perform all other duties as required.

• Regular exposure to both indoor and outdoor environments while conducting client services, facility rounds, and perimeter checks.
• Frequent walking throughout facilities and surrounding grounds, including repeated movement up and down stairs, ramps, and uneven surfaces.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain, snow, wind, and humidity during outdoor activities and inspections.
• Extended periods of standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing stairs.
• Occasional driving or travel between service locations and community resources.
• May be exposed to noise, crowded environments, and unpredictable situations requiring situational awareness and adherence to safety procedures.