REENTRY COACH
Anticipated Start Date of September 21, 2026
The Company
Bay Area Workforce Development Board is a nonprofit agency administering workforce development programs in an 11-county region of Northeast Wisconsin. The board of directors sets broad strategies to align worker skills with business needs and is connected to a large network of stakeholders. Staff leads the development of partnerships and collaborative relationships to achieve strategic goals. Through a contracted service agreement with the Department of Corrections (DOC) the focus of this position is on the pre-release employment needs of individuals incarcerated at Kettle Moraine Correctional Institute (KMCI) and will play a central role in coordination of services in the Job Lab.
Position Summary
The Reentry Coach position works two different pathways, working with Persons in our Care (PIOC), incarcerated individuals, at Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution. All job functions are operated within the Job Lab space in the Education Building within KMCI. This position is the main contact for programming within this space.
The primary pathway is through an intensive pre-release employment program called the Windows to Work Program (W2W). W2W instruction begins 6 to 3 months prior to the PIOC release to allow time to build skills needed for re-entry. This position will be an advocate for PIOCs reentering various communities. The Reentry Coach creates employment pathways in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to connections with; employers, education institutions, training providers, and more.
The secondary pathway is through the onsite Job Lab. The Reentry Coach will lead employment related services to assist PIOC who are not eligible for Windows to Work. Service provision begins no more than 45 days prior to release and is less intensive than the W2W Programming.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Windows to Work (W2W) Pre-Release Services
- Receive referrals from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections Reentry Unit and determine if eligibility requirements for the W2W program are met per grant requirements;
- Conduct orientation for potential program participants, providing an overview of program benefits and PIOC expectations;
- Administer assessments and development tools, testing programs, and other tools designed to help with career planning, referrals, job readiness, and employment matching. Offerings are primarily based on need, secondly on interest;
- Workshop development and instruction of curriculum based on PIOC need and industry advancements, to individuals or groups of PIOC on job search, resume writing, application completion, interviewing skills, job search, job retention, and job advancement, general work skills and expectations, financial literacy, and community resources, etc.;
- Educate and assist PIOC with skills, abilities, education, and knowledge required for a variety of occupations and areas of interest;
- Provide education and support on challenges and barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment specific to reentry, wage and benefit information, and in-demand occupations;
- Facilitate one-on-one meetings with PIOC, to develop a Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timely (SMART) plan for the individual, such as Individual Action Plan (IAP) development, personal goals, and individual budgeting. Then monitor their employment, educational, and vocational needs and progress;
- Coordinate with Post-Release Reentry Coaches statewide to align reentry plans, ensuring access to community resources, and mentorship for successful PIOC transition;
- In conjunction with the Institution social workers and/or Department of Community Corrections Agent, develop individual case planning and goals. This includes using appropriate assessment tools to assist in determining skill level and career path choices;
Job Lab
- Lead coordination of service provision within the Job Lab to PIOC who are within 45 days of release;
- Lead and develop career development programs for PIOC, including access to career related information and counseling services;
- Perform program intake activities including, but not limited to, reception, description of job lab services, determining client eligibility for services and individual needs, and making referrals;
- Administer assessment and development tools, testing programs, and other tools designed to help with career planning, referrals, job readiness, and employment matching;
- Coordinate and assist with employment search services with individuals completing institutional vocational training programs;
- Inform and assist PIOC on skills, abilities, education, and knowledge required for a variety of occupations;
- Assist with the development of resume, cover letter, interview prep, soft skills, and other job readiness activities as necessary;
- Provide education and support on challenges and barriers to obtaining and maintaining employment specific to reentry, wage and benefit information, and in-demand occupations;
Employer Engagement
- Work with Business Services staff to identify and connect with employers to create opportunities and promote workforce reintegration;
- Cultivate and nurture relationships with employers, specifically targeting those open to hiring justice involved individuals;
- Identify and participate in events that maximize opportunities for collaboration and partnerships;
Data, Reporting and Systems
- Maintain secure, accurate records pertaining to client eligibility, assessment, grant required data collection, grant required file documentation, and case notes;
- Provide timely monthly reports to the DOC Re-Entry Coordinator on all required W2W activities;
- Has knowledge of or ability to learn data tracking systems and maintain updated information as required on all program participants;
- Assist in the development of necessary reports and grant outcome and data tracking;
Other
- Attend meetings and trainings as required;
- Other duties as assigned;
Qualifications
1. Associates’ Degree in Human Services, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or related field, and/or established relevant work experience;
2. The individual must meet and maintain the Department of Corrections institutional requirements, background check and fraternization policies/procedures;
3. Ability to work independently as well as on a team;
4. Experience in data entry and employment application processes;
5. Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds, inconsistent employment histories, criminal records, and with a lack of relevant employment skills;
6. Ability to coordinate and communicate with employers and community organizations for the benefit of offender populations;
7. Attention to detail and good follow-up skills; positive attitude, resilience and a willingness to learn;
8. Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License and reliable transportation; ability to travel in the State of Wisconsin as needed;
9. Reports to KMCI Monday – Friday from 7:45 am – 3:45 pm;
Relationship
The Reentry Coach is an hourly, full-time, permanent, non-exempt position located at Kettle Moraine Correctional Institution. This position reports to the off-site, Integration and Special Projects Manager, located at Bay Area WDB. This position has oversight from the Department of Corrections Education Director located at KMCI.
Salary Range: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefit Package includes:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Paid time off, Term Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, 401 (k) benefits, and travel reimbursement. As well, the Bay Area WDB provides a great work-life balance, flexible remote-work options (as approved per supervisor), and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Pay: $22.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
