Mass.gov
Location: Worcester Community Justice Support Center
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
365 Main St
Worcester, MA 01608
Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 8am-4pm Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10am-6pm
DEPARTMENT Community Justice Support Center
TITLE Career Specialist
JOB SUMMARY The Career Specialist plays a critical role in supporting individuals with current or past involvement in the criminal-legal system by connecting them with meaningful employment, job training/readiness, and vocational opportunities. This position focuses on building strong relationships with employers, training providers, and community partners to create inclusive pathways to employment for justice-impacted individuals.
The Career Specialist will assess client skills and interests, provide job readiness coaching, support applications, and interviews, and advocate for fair hiring practices. A key component of this role is to reduce stigma around criminal records by connecting with employers to promote second-chance hiring. The Career Specialist collaborates closely with the counselors and coordinators, workforce development teams in the community, and reentry service providers to ensure holistic client-centered support.
JOB FUNCTION Program/Department Responsibility
Engage and assess clients to identify employment goals, strengths, and barriers by utilizing assessment tools
Develop individualized employment or training plans tailored to each client’s needs
Build and maintain partnerships with employers and training providers open to hiring or working with justice-impacted individuals
Provide job readiness support including resume development, interview preparation, and soft skills training
Work with employers to create pathways for referrals
Work with employers regarding job openings
Track client progress and provide ongoing support post-placement to ensure retention and success
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services and outcomes
Provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy groups within the center to clients
To help clients prepare resumes and cover letters, including mock interviews
Adhere to Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures
To maintain regular attendance
To perform other duties, as required
Qualifications
The ability to communicate effectively with people in a direct, clear and professional manner
General knowledge about the purpose of a community safety facility; understanding of the goals and objectives of a community correction program and a general familiarity with the court systems
Ability to communicate respectfully and professionally with clients in an empathic way
Proven verbal and written communication skills
Experience working with the justice-involved population with diverse backgrounds
Working knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft Excel and Word
Some physical effort demanded when performing testing functions under typical office conditions in a correctional/office setting
Must possess an active driver's license and be able to drive/transport individuals using the WCSO van/car, if needed
Frequently required to sit, stand, talk and hear
Must be able to work some evenings and cover additional shifts as needed
Additional Qualifications and Requirements Mission Advancement Accepts and demonstrates the WCSO and CJSC’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs while working to support the development of a positive teamwork environment.
Collaboration Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better team experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members of the team.
Personal Growth Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
Education/Experience/Physical Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Preferred: A minimum of two years of experience working in a social service setting, knowledge of community/labor market, barriers to employment for persons that are justice impacted and human resources recruitment
Skills - Working knowledge of Google Suite, MS Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
Supervision Received Direct supervision by the Program Manager and Assistant Program Manager of the CJSC
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Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 8am-4pm Tuesdays & Thursdays: 10am-6pm
DEPARTMENT Community Justice Support Center
TITLE Career Specialist
JOB SUMMARY The Career Specialist plays a critical role in supporting individuals with current or past involvement in the criminal-legal system by connecting them with meaningful employment, job training/readiness, and vocational opportunities. This position focuses on building strong relationships with employers, training providers, and community partners to create inclusive pathways to employment for justice-impacted individuals.
The Career Specialist will assess client skills and interests, provide job readiness coaching, support applications, and interviews, and advocate for fair hiring practices. A key component of this role is to reduce stigma around criminal records by connecting with employers to promote second-chance hiring. The Career Specialist collaborates closely with the counselors and coordinators, workforce development teams in the community, and reentry service providers to ensure holistic client-centered support.
JOB FUNCTION Program/Department Responsibility
Engage and assess clients to identify employment goals, strengths, and barriers by utilizing assessment tools
Develop individualized employment or training plans tailored to each client’s needs
Build and maintain partnerships with employers and training providers open to hiring or working with justice-impacted individuals
Provide job readiness support including resume development, interview preparation, and soft skills training
Work with employers to create pathways for referrals
Work with employers regarding job openings
Track client progress and provide ongoing support post-placement to ensure retention and success
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services and outcomes
Provide Cognitive Behavioral Therapy groups within the center to clients
To help clients prepare resumes and cover letters, including mock interviews
Adhere to Sheriff’s Office policies and procedures
To maintain regular attendance
To perform other duties, as required
Qualifications
The ability to communicate effectively with people in a direct, clear and professional manner
General knowledge about the purpose of a community safety facility; understanding of the goals and objectives of a community correction program and a general familiarity with the court systems
Ability to communicate respectfully and professionally with clients in an empathic way
Proven verbal and written communication skills
Experience working with the justice-involved population with diverse backgrounds
Working knowledge of Google Suite, Microsoft Excel and Word
Some physical effort demanded when performing testing functions under typical office conditions in a correctional/office setting
Must possess an active driver's license and be able to drive/transport individuals using the WCSO van/car, if needed
Frequently required to sit, stand, talk and hear
Must be able to work some evenings and cover additional shifts as needed
Additional Qualifications and Requirements Mission Advancement Accepts and demonstrates the WCSO and CJSC’s values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs while working to support the development of a positive teamwork environment.
Collaboration Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.
Operational Effectiveness Makes sound judgments, and transfers learning from one situation to another. Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better team experience. Establishes goals, clarifies tasks, plans work, and actively participates in meetings. Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members of the team.
Personal Growth Pursues self-development that enhances job performance. Demonstrates an openness to change, and seeks opportunities in the change process. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills required to perform well; uses best practices and demonstrates up-to-date knowledge and skills in technology.
Education/Experience/Physical Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university.
Preferred: A minimum of two years of experience working in a social service setting, knowledge of community/labor market, barriers to employment for persons that are justice impacted and human resources recruitment
Skills - Working knowledge of Google Suite, MS Office: Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams
Supervision Received Direct supervision by the Program Manager and Assistant Program Manager of the CJSC
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