Intervention Specialist Alternative in the Community

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/

The Waterbury Alternative in the Community (WAIC) serves male and female clients aged 18 and above who are involved in the Connecticut criminal justice system. The mission of the program is to reduce recidivism by delivering interventions that affect behavior change among its clients. The program utilizes an evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Theory/Motivational model designed to provide clients with the skills necessary to make those changes.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree or a combination of 4 years of education and experience in social services, criminal justice, or related field that provides experience in any of the following: Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) group facilitation, administering of assessments and/or performing case management functions. Knowledge of criminal justice and court systems and the ability to interact with people of diverse backgrounds. Strong emotional intelligence, written and verbal communication, interpersonal and decision-making skills. Ability to multi-task and knowledge of cognitive-behavioral approaches are critical. Demonstrates trauma informed approaches and cultural responsiveness; models pro-social behavior. Must be computer literate, have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Bi-lingual (English/Spanish) skills preferred. Some evenings required (12:30 – 8:00 PM)

• Prepares, plans, and facilitates individual and group training sessions with integrity and fidelity to curriculum/manual.
• Meets with clients individually to ensure understanding of content of services.
• Performs case management functions as directed.
• Demonstrates clear, accurate and concise written and verbal communication.
• Able to recognize and address client ambivalence and resistance and help clients maintain motivation to change.
• Conducts make-up sessions for clients.
• Conducts booster sessions based on client needs.
• Knowledge of cognitive-behavioral approaches.
• Predisposed to offer concrete problem solving and to engage clients in skill building.
• Able to recognize anti-social thinking, feeling, and acting and demonstrates and reinforces concrete alternatives.
• Monitors client behaviors and implements program behavior management system on a consistent basis.
• Remains current on research and literature reviews with “what works” in changing offender behavior and recidivism reduction.
• Serves as a role model to clients and staff modeling pro-social behaviors.
• Assists in the development and implementation of Individual Service Plans
• Completes the necessary case documentation on each client in a timely and accurate manner.
• Inputs data into the Contractor Data Collection System (CDCS) and maintains, updates, and utilizes the data as directed.
• Utilizes the CPA Case Management System as directed.
• Attends and participates in all trainings and booster sessions related to position.
• Participates in quality assurance review of groups and client sessions.
• Solicits client satisfaction feedback.
• Establishes and maintains appropriate boundaries with clients and significant others.
• Promote a culture of respect, empathy, mutual support, belonging and work to eliminate any unconscious bias or discrimination in our beliefs, rules and systems.
• Conducts urinalysis as requested.
• Participates in related seminars, panels, and workshops to enhance visibility of agency and program.
• Participates in effort of meeting performance-based measures set by CSSD
• Regular, reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Perform all other duties as required.