Offender Workforce Development Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the modern era, the need for Offender Workforce Development Specialists is increasingly significant.

As society strives towards rehabilitation and reintegration, the demand for professionals who can guide, support, and develop the workforce skills of offenders escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from an Offender Workforce Development Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to identify the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the nuances of offender workforce development,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Offender Workforce Development Specialist job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Offender Workforce Development Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Offender Workforce Development Specialists work with incarcerated individuals to help them acquire the skills and training necessary for successful employment and reintegration into society after release.

They implement and manage programs aimed at workforce development and provide career counseling and guidance.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating offenders’ education level, work history, interests, skills, and abilities to identify suitable job paths
• Designing and implementing work-readiness training programs
• Assisting offenders in creating resumes and preparing for job interviews
• Providing career counseling and job coaching to offenders
• Working with employers and community organizations to create job opportunities for offenders
• Teaching offenders essential workplace skills such as communication, time management, conflict resolution and teamwork
• Facilitating vocational training programs to equip offenders with marketable skills
• Tracking the progress of offenders and providing them with ongoing guidance and support
• Coordinating with other social services like housing, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services to ensure a holistic approach to offender rehabilitation
• Maintaining detailed case files and documenting all interactions and progress

 

Offender Workforce Development Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Offender Workforce Development Specialist to join our team.

In this role, you will work directly with offenders, providing them with valuable workforce development skills and job placement assistance.

This includes assessing their skills, interests, and needs, and then developing individualized training and employment plans.

Our ideal candidate has strong experience in career counseling or workforce development, with a commitment to empowering individuals and promoting positive change.

 

Responsibilities

• Assess offender skills, interests, and needs through interviews and assessments
• Develop and implement individualized training and employment plans
• Provide ongoing support and counseling to offenders in their workforce development journey
• Connect offenders with job opportunities and assist them in the job application process
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of labor market trends and employment opportunities
• Build relationships with local employers and employment agencies
• Facilitate job readiness workshops and training sessions
• Document and report on offender progress

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a workforce development specialist or similar role
• Experience working with offenders or disadvantaged populations preferred
• Excellent knowledge of job market trends and employment strategies
• Strong interpersonal and counseling skills
• Ability to develop and implement effective training and employment plans
• Proficiency in using computer applications relevant to the job
• Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Human Resources, or related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Offender Workforce Development Specialist
• Work Environment: This position requires work within correctional facilities, and may require travel between different locations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Workforce Development Program Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Offender Workforce Development Specialist Do?

Offender Workforce Development Specialists are professionals who work mainly within the criminal justice system.

They can be employed by government agencies, correctional facilities, and non-profit organizations working towards offender rehabilitation.

Their primary role is to help offenders and ex-offenders to develop job skills, create employment plans, and secure steady employment upon their release.

They provide career counseling, job search assistance, and vocational training.

Offender Workforce Development Specialists also conduct assessments to determine the educational level, work history, interests, and skills of offenders.

Based on this information, they develop individualized employment plans, setting short-term and long-term goals.

They work closely with local employers, job placement agencies, and vocational schools to provide job opportunities and training programs for offenders.

This often involves advocating for the offender’s employability and addressing potential employer concerns.

In addition, they provide post-employment support to help offenders maintain their jobs and cope with the challenges of transitioning back into society.

They may also facilitate workshops on job retention, financial management, and other life skills.

Offender Workforce Development Specialists often collaborate with other professionals such as probation officers, case managers, and social workers to ensure the comprehensive rehabilitation of offenders.

They play a vital role in reducing recidivism by helping offenders build productive, crime-free lives.

 

Offender Workforce Development Specialist Qualifications and Skills

An Offender Workforce Development Specialist should possess a variety of soft skills, technical abilities, and understanding of reintegration processes, including:

• Profound understanding of criminal justice system and rehabilitation programs to effectively guide offenders towards reintegration.
• Strong interpersonal skills to establish trust and rapport with offenders, helping them overcome challenges and build a positive future.
• Exceptional communication skills to clearly convey information and instructions to offenders, and to liaise effectively with correctional staff, employers, and other stakeholders.
• Problem-solving abilities to address barriers to employment and create viable strategies for offender job placement and retention.
• Experience in career counseling or vocational training to help offenders identify their skills, set realistic goals, and prepare for job interviews.
• Knowledge of workforce development and labor market trends to provide accurate and useful employment advice.
• Understanding of case management procedures, including documentation, reporting, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Empathy and patience to work with a challenging demographic, respecting their individual circumstances and supporting their efforts to change.

 

Offender Workforce Development Specialist Experience Requirements

Offender Workforce Development Specialists typically require a significant amount of professional experience in social work, counseling, or a related field.

This is often gained through internships or full-time roles in social services, rehabilitation centers, or correctional facilities.

Entry-level candidates are often required to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a related field.

These professionals often gain hands-on experience in roles such as Social Worker, Rehabilitation Counselor, or Probation Officer.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have developed their skills in counseling, case management, and developing and implementing workforce development programs.

They may have experience working directly with offenders and may have developed competencies in areas such as risk assessment, parole planning, and job placement.

Those with over 5 years of experience often have leadership experience and advanced skills in offender rehabilitation and workforce development.

They may be ready to take on more advanced roles, such as Program Director or Offender Workforce Development Manager.

Further, it is often expected that the candidates have a thorough understanding of laws and policies related to offender employment.

Specialized training or certification in offender workforce development can also enhance a candidate’s qualifications for this role.

 

Offender Workforce Development Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Offender Workforce Development Specialists typically require a bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, counseling, or a closely related field.

They need a strong background in counseling and rehabilitation, and a solid understanding of the criminal justice system.

Coursework in areas such as psychology, sociology, and human services is also beneficial.

Many positions may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in social work, counseling or a related discipline, which provides a deeper understanding of offender rehabilitation and workforce development strategies.

Offender Workforce Development Specialists may also need to be certified, with requirements varying by state.

Certification programs typically cover topics like counseling techniques, reentry strategies, and labor market trends.

Continuing education and professional development courses are encouraged to stay updated with new rehabilitation methods and changes in the legal system.

Experience working with offenders or in a correctional environment can be beneficial.

This can be obtained through internships, volunteer work, or employment in a related field.

Some states may require a criminal background check and drug screening for these positions, given the nature of the work.

Demonstrated skills in empathy, resilience, and a commitment to helping others are also crucial for this role.

 

Offender Workforce Development Specialist Salary Expectations

An Offender Workforce Development Specialist can expect to earn an average salary of $45,000 (USD) per year.

However, this figure can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, specialized skills, geographical location, and the specific organization in which they work.

 

Offender Workforce Development Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Offender Workforce Development Specialist need?

Offender Workforce Development Specialists require excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they interact regularly with offenders and other professionals.

They need a deep understanding of the job market and employment opportunities to effectively guide and counsel offenders.

Additionally, problem-solving skills, adaptability, and a non-judgmental approach are crucial for success in this role.

 

What qualifications does an Offender Workforce Development Specialist need?

Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.

Some employers may require relevant experience in offender rehabilitation, job placement, or career counseling.

Additionally, certifications related to career counseling can be an asset for this role.

 

What should you look for in an Offender Workforce Development Specialist’s resume?

Look for candidates with a background in counseling, social work, or workforce development.

Experience working with offenders or in the criminal justice system is a significant advantage.

Evidence of ongoing professional development and certifications related to career counseling can indicate a commitment to the role.

 

What are the daily duties of an Offender Workforce Development Specialist?

An Offender Workforce Development Specialist typically spends their day assessing the skills and qualifications of offenders, providing career counseling, and helping offenders develop job-searching skills.

They work closely with employment agencies and organizations to identify suitable job opportunities for offenders.

They also keep detailed records of their clients’ progress and maintain communication with parole officers and other related professionals.

 

What qualities make a good Offender Workforce Development Specialist?

A good Offender Workforce Development Specialist is patient, understanding, and non-judgmental, capable of working effectively with diverse populations.

They are skilled communicators and problem solvers, able to provide guidance and support even in challenging situations.

They must also be resilient and persistent, as this role involves working with individuals who may resist assistance or face significant barriers to employment.

 

What are the challenges of hiring an Offender Workforce Development Specialist?

Hiring for this role can be challenging due to the specialized nature of the job.

Candidates must have a specific skill set, including experience with counseling and an understanding of the criminal justice system, which can be difficult to find.

Additionally, the role requires individuals who are compassionate and non-judgmental, able to work with individuals who have a criminal history and may face significant barriers to employment.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve uncovered the real essence of being an Offender Workforce Development Specialist.

Guess what?

It’s not just about providing counseling.

It’s about shaping lives and communities, one individual at a time.

With our handy Offender Workforce Development Specialist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But why stop now?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting precise job listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction makes a difference in the bigger picture.

Let’s create that impact. Together.

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