Government Relations Associate Jobs in Decatur, IL

Overview

Are you looking for a career you can feel good about? We hire only those that strive to do their best. By joining our family, you'll receive the honor and recognition that comes with working for the industry's global leader in evidenced based rehabilitation.

Who We Are:

GEO provides complementary, turnkey solutions for numerous government partners worldwide across a spectrum of diversified correctional and community reentry services. From the development of state-of-the-art facilities and the provision of management services and evidence-based rehabilitation to the post-release reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community, GEO offers fully diversified, cost-effective services that deliver enhanced quality and improved outcomes.

Why Work for GEO:

• We believe that work is more than a place you go to every day. It is about being inspired and motivated to achieve extraordinary things.
• Employee benefits play an important role in making The GEO Group a great place to work. At GEO, we believe in the three pillars of employee wellbeing: physical, emotional, and financial. With comprehensive benefits and competitive wages, we trust that you will find all the resources you need here to be successful.

Responsibilities

Summary:

The Case Manager provides ongoing support and structure to participants in developing program plans by managing a caseload of participants cases and administering the policies and procedures of the program as directed by the contracting agency and the Program Manager. Learns, uses and models the principles of the “What Works” system through evidence-based practices in all interactions with participants and other staff members. 
 
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Prepare written personalized programs for each participant to establish measurable criteria of expected behavior and accomplishments and a time frame for achieving specified goals.
• Review plan with participants on a weekly basis and document progress or revisions so that they are gaining the life skills necessary to make a successful re-entry into the community.
• Assist participants to establish personal budget, locate suitable housing, enroll in educational and vocational programs and participate in family and community activities, as appropriate, to ensure that they are working towards financial independence.
• Orient participants upon arrival at facility to provide smooth assimilation into program including having them complete paperwork, take facility tours, or introduce to other participants.
• Make entries into confidential participant files to provide the structure for case analysis and program planning and to provide documentation of program participation. Ensure files are secure to protect participant confidentiality.
• Prepare discharge reports within established time parameters upon participant discharge to summarize program performance and to satisfy contract requirements.
• Participate in staff meetings by sharing observations and recommendations regarding the facility, participants and staff relations to identify and solve problems and function as a unified team.
• Maintain confidentiality obtained through job duties regarding employees, vendors, participants, and outside agencies so that sensitive information is only given on a "need to know" basis.
• Monitor participant’s compliance with alcohol and drug counseling when required.
• Report all program violations to the appropriate agency or official via the established reporting parameters.
• Conduct orientation meetings with new participants and their family members to explain program rules and regulations. Verbally explain GEO’s expectations of each participant in detail to ensure that the participant understands his/her responsibilities.
• Establish participants schedules and specify all approved activities based on contracting agency and GEO’s needs. Approve temporary schedule changes for approved activities.
• Communicate effectively with all levels of contracting agency and GEO staff in a manner that promotes a team spirit and a sense of cooperation.
• Comply with work rules and policies as explained in the company Employee Handbook, and the Facility Policies and Procedures Manual; and respond positively to directives from managers and supervisors in a cooperative spirit to ensure conformance to standards.
• Adhere to attendance policy and works overtime as required, to ensure adequate coverage of the program and to ensure the safety and security of the participants.
• Comply with safety rules; take appropriate corrective action to ensure work is performed in a safe manner and without injury to self or others.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements 

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Associate’s degree preferred (Criminal Justice, Human Services or related field).
• Two (2) years’ work experience in a related field (associate’s degree in criminal justice, Human Services or related field would be considered in lieu of the two (2) years’ work experience).
• Familiar with community corrections systems and current community corrections practices.
• Familiar with community work force needs, public and private agencies and employment services.
• Ability to write clear concise reports in English using correct grammar.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and calculate percentages.
• Must be able to react quickly and appropriately in an emergency situation.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred, but not mandatory.
• Ability to work with computers and familiarity with Microsoft software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) preferred.                       

GEO Reentry Services LLC.