Reentry Navigator

Company: SAFER Foundation
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment. General Summary : Safer Foundation is seeking a dedicated and professional Reentry Navigator to join our multi-disciplinary team. The Parole Reentry Group (PRG) Reentry Navigator position is funded by the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) . The Reentry Navigator is responsible for delivering supportive services to individuals currently on parole under the supervision of IDOC. This role is central to facilitating successful community reintegration by addressing barriers and connecting individuals with appropriate resources and services throughout the reentry process. The Reentry Navigator will be responsible for delivering timely and effective case management services and interventions to support individuals throughout their reentry process. Key responsibilities include conducting intakes at scheduled appointment times, completing initial program enrollment, and additional enrollments in relevant supportive service programs. The Reentry Navigator will also administer assessments and screenings to determine appropriate internal or external referrals. This role also includes facilitating anger management services, including both group sessions and one-on-one interventions, using trauma-informed and evidence-based approaches to support emotional regulation, accountability, and parole compliance. The Reentry Navigator will have experience in case management, social work, or a related field, strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, and a commitment to supporting individuals in their reentry process. Performance Results Description The Position is properly performed when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values. Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity, and Evidence Based Innovation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Stakeholder Interface Utilize Salesforce and/or other database(s) to register clients. Complete intakes at scheduled appointment times. Conduct intake assessment to identify immediate and short-term needs. Complete Medicaid/SNAP applications and, as necessary, assist with coverage redeterminations for recently released or whose benefits have lapsed. Referrals to medical, behavioral health, housing, and emergency housing agencies to assist participants with immediate needs. Co-create individualized service plans and provide cross-systems navigation to all participants and monthly service plan progress review. Assist participants with identifying and addressing external barriers to achieving set goals listed in the service plan. Advocate for participants in areas including but not limited to reentry, at risk for violence, and/or at risk for homelessness. Based on emergent needs, assist clients with a range of services, such as housing, healthcare, substance abuse treatment, legal aid in preparation to reenter society. Facilitating anger management services, including both group sessions and one-on-one interventions Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment Under the manager's direction, attend and participate in all identified outreach activities, community events as well as negotiate and establish new relationships with other agencies that welcome and are sensitive to the needs of the formerly incarcerated population. Perform other duties as assigned that support the organization’s mission, advance its vision, and reflect its core values. Travel to various sites as needed. Works closely with Safer Foundation’s community network partners, hotline responders, SCWC staff members, clinical staff, reentry navigators/case managers, and another internal staff member to support program participants. Tracking, Document and Reporting Complete all client documentation in real-time of service delivery. Ensure accurate data entry by completing mandatory self-file reviews weekly. Engage in individual supervision with the manager identifying any immediate client needs or barriers to the reentry work/tasks given. Maintain compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and other privacy and confidentiality laws and regulations for clients' protected information. Attend internal and external multi-disciplinary staffing’s. Participate in all internal and external meetings bringing forth innovative ideas and/or feedback supporting continuous quality improvement and service delivery. In Salesforce, monitor referrals and follow-up bi-weekly to confirm compliance with all internal and external referrals. All Safer standards are adhered to, including productivity standards. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to represent Safer Foundation professionally while developing rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds. Knowledge of common concepts, issues, and best practices concerning reentry populations. Knowledge of computer-based and web-based applications (Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc.) Knowledgeable in providing case management services in the following areas: behavioral health, reentry, corrections, and medical/primary health. Knowledge of facilitating group sessions Knowledge of Medicaid in the state of Illinois as well as other public benefits. Knowledge about resources in the community for formerly incarcerated individuals. Knowledge about housing resources and eligibility requirements for various housing types Ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve. Skilled in active listening and conveying information to others effectively. Skilled in social perceptiveness. Skilled in critical thinking, judgment, and decision-making Skilled in de-escalation techniques and conflict resolution Telephone etiquette skills. Data entry skills Education and Experience: Associate degree in social work, criminal justice or related field, with 3 years’ experience working as a case manager in a social service setting required. Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice or related field, with 2 years of experience working as a case manager in a social service setting preferred. Bilingual in Spanish and English is highly desired Anger management certificate required Experience facilitating anger management groups and one-on-one sessions Individuals with direct lived experience welcomed. Experience referring clients to a network of community-based providers and resources. Experience completing applications for public benefits. Experience in substance use/mental health or care coordination. Experience in working on virtual platforms (salesforce, google, DocuSign, etc.). Knowledge in leveraging the internet and computer applications to obtain information. Experience using software/database to document services and progress notes. Skilled in active listening and conveying information to others effectively. Skilled in critical thinking, judgment, and decision-making. Knowledge of HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and Rule 2060 governing substance use treatment services in Illinois; Knowledge of Rule 132 is a plus. Licenses and or Certifications: Anger Management Certificate Required Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace. Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans www.saferfoundation.org Opens a New Window No Phone Calls Please

Keywords: SAFER Foundation, Gary , Reentry Navigator, Social Services , Chicago, Indiana