Albemarle Charlottesville Regional Jail Re-Entry Navigator

Description

The Re-Entry Navigator serves as a vital link between individuals incarcerated at ACRJ and the greater Charlottesville community. This role supports individuals with mental health challenges and/or substance use disorders as they reintegrate into the community. By fostering connections, advocating for services, and educating on available resources, the Re-Entry Navigator ensures a trauma-informed, human-centered approach to re-entry planning and implementation.

Job Duties

Client Support and Navigation
o Conduct intake assessments to identify clients’ mental health, substance use, housing, and social service needs.
o Develop individualized re-entry plans in collaboration with clients, focusing on stability and wellness post-release.
o Provide one-on-one support to help clients navigate community-based mental health services, substance use treatment, housing, employment, primary care, and other social services.

Advocacy and Collaboration
o Act as a liaison between incarcerated individuals, jail staff, service providers, attorneys and community organizations to facilitate care coordination.
o Advocate for clients’ needs within the criminal justice and mental health systems.
o Build partnerships with local organizations and stakeholders to expand access to re-entry resources.

Education and Crisis Intervention
o Educate clients on their rights, available community resources, and how to access care independently.
o Offer crisis prevention and intervention as needed, employing trauma-informed practices to de-escalate crises.

Documentation and Reporting
o Maintain accurate and confidential client records, including assessments,
re-entry plans, and service referrals.
o Track program outcomes and provide reports to supervisors and
stakeholders.

Skills Required

Qualifications
– Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
– At least 2 years of experience in case management, mental health, substance use treatment, or related work, preferably in a correctional or re-entry setting.
– Knowledge of community resources in the greater Charlottesville area, including mental health and substance use services.
– Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
– Understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practices.
– Ability to manage confidential information and maintain ethical boundaries.
– Proficiency in computer applications, including client management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications
– Experience working with justice-involved individuals or populations experiencing mental health crises.
– Training or certification in Motivational Interviewing, Mental Health First Aid, or similar approaches.
– Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Additional Info

This position is based at ACRJ and requires regular interaction with incarcerated
individuals and jail staff. Work in community settings and travel within the
Charlottesville region will be necessary. THIS IS AN IN-PERSON POSITION.

Visit: https://partnerformentalhealth.org/