RCI Case Manager

Position Overview:

The RCI (Returning Citizens Initiative) Case Manager provides comprehensive, person-centered case management and mentorship to individuals reentering the community after incarceration. This role is responsible for conducting intake and assessments, developing and implementing individualized case plans, and addressing barriers related to employment, housing, education, benefits access, and community reintegration. Through consistent one-on-one engagement, life skills coaching, and coordinated service delivery, the Case Manager supports participants in building stability, self-sufficiency, and long-term success.

In addition to direct client support, the RCI Case Manager plays a key role in program coordination, documentation, compliance, and community collaboration. This position works closely with internal teams, community partners, and system stakeholders to ensure effective service delivery and program accountability. The role is primarily in-person and community-based, requiring strong relationship-building skills, professionalism, and consistent field presence.

Key Responsibilities (Including but not limited to):

Intake, Assessment and Case Planning

• Facilitate the intake process for new participants, ensuring accurate assessment of needs, eligibility, and risk factors.
• Develop individualized case plans focused on short- and long-term goals related to employment, housing, education, and successful community reintegration.
• Provide education counseling and advocacy, and ensure participants secure all eligible entitlements and identification needed to support stability and goal achievement.
• Monitor participant progress through regular engagement, evaluate outcomes, and adjust case plans as needed to address barriers and strengthen education and employment pathways

Direct Support and Mentorship

• Provide individualized coaching and peer mentorship to promote personal accountability, resilience, and progress toward short- and long-term goals.
• Deliver one-on-one life skills and competency-based mentoring focused on decision-making, problem-solving, communication, and practical skills needed for successful community reintegration.
• Assist participants with employment, housing, and education or vocational goals by supporting job applications, resume development, interview preparation, and enrollment processes.
• Monitor participant progress and adjust mentoring and skill-building strategies as needed to reinforce learning and support sustained goal attainment.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Collaborate with parole/probation officers, service providers, and community organizations to build a strong support network for each client.
• Help coordinate transportation, appointments, and group support sessions to facilitate consistent engagement.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and detailed case notes, participant files, and service documentation in designated case management systems, including active and closed cases.
• Track referrals, participant interactions, goal progress, and outcomes to support program monitoring, compliance, and performance measurement.
• Collect, enter, and manage program data, surveys, and documentation required for monthly, annual, and grant-related reports, funding, and statistical analysis.
• Prepare and submit routine updates and reports to contract monitors and the Executive Director and assist with grant and development reporting as needed.
• Ensure proper file organization and documentation standards are maintained, and participate in audits, program evaluations, and quality assurance reviews.

Program Support & Team Collaboration

• Participate in regular team meetings, supervision sessions, and professional development activities, and collaborate with staff to support coordinated program operations.
• Assist with program scheduling and logistics, including monthly calendars, day and evening programming, coordination of special programs, and scheduling of outside service providers and volunteers.
• Support program implementation at local and regional levels by attending community events and stakeholder meetings, helping maintain program visibility and engagement.
• Act as a representative of Lead4Life’s mission and values in all interactions with participants, partners, and community stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements

• Associate or bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or related field (OR equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 2 years of experience working with justice-involved individuals or in community-based case management.
• Lived experience with reentry and successful reintegration is highly valued.
• Strong knowledge of community resources related to employment, housing, healthcare, education, and behavioral health.
• Excellent communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation for community-based work.

Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience facilitating motivational or peer support groups within correctional or reentry settings.
• Familiarity with reentry challenges, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practices.
• Experience using electronic case management systems or databases.
• Ability to de-escalate conflict, build trust, and maintain strong professional boundaries.
• Knowledge of Maryland’s reentry and probation/parole systems.

Working Conditions:

The work environment is representative of that which an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is also required to stand, walk and sit. While performing the duties of this position, the employee may be required to travel to different locations.

Pay: $44,850.00 - $48,750.00 per year

Work Location: In person