Peer Reentry Specialist

Background: 

On May 6, 2015, in response to a movement spanning three decades, the Chicago  City Council passed historic legislation providing reparations to the survivors of  racially motivated police torture committed between 1972 and 1991–specifically,  the twenty years of police torture orchestrated by Commander Jon Burge and  detectives under his command. This makes Chicago the first municipality in the  United States to provide reparations to those harmed by racially motivated law  enforcement violence.  

The push for reparations was driven by the lack of redress for systemic harms; the  package provides for financial compensation to the survivors; job training; free  education at the City Colleges; an official apology; required teaching in the Chicago  public schools; and a public memorial. Lastly, the Ordinance requires the creation of  a community center informed by the needs of survivors of police torture, their  family members, and community members. The Center is the first in the nation to  provide specialized trauma services to those tortured by law enforcement officials  within the U.S. The Center continues to pursue expanded reparations for all  survivors of police torture and is part of and supports a movement to end all forms  of police violence. 

Position Summary: 

Grounded in the Chicago Torture Justice Center’s mission, vision, politicized healing  lens, and organizational values, the Peer Re-Entry Specialist position will work collaboratively with CTJC’s staff team to develop a comprehensive and holistic approach to supporting individuals coming home from or preparing to return home from prison. Click here to learn more about the program’s principles that ground this work.

Who Are We Looking For:  

We are looking for experienced, hard-working, organized and committed  individuals with first-hand experience navigating re-entry from prison. We are  looking for someone who is transparent and honest; strong and proactive in  communication; organized; collectively oriented and minded; open to growth and  feedback; flexible; has strong interpersonal skills (meaning: know how to build  relationships); friendly; and has good time-management skills. We are also seeking  a Peer Re-Entry Specialist who self-initiates, and works well on their own, while also  knowing how to be part of a team. In order to be accountable to those we work with,  it is our commitment to build our team to reflect the communities we are based in.  Therefore, Formerly Incarcerated and Immigrant people, Poor and Working class, 

Black people, Indigenous, Latinx communities, People Of Color, Rural, Transgender, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Queer, Same Gender Loving, Two Spirit, Gender Non conforming people are all strongly encouraged to apply. People with disabilities are  strongly encouraged to apply, and we are very open to talking about co-developing  an accessibility plan and working to accommodate it. We are committed to working to promote a positive work environment that progressively eliminates barriers to  access for people with disabilities. 

Position Responsibilities: 

  • Conduct assessments with Center participants in need of re-entry support

  • Connect participants to appropriate services and supports within CTJC and in  the community 

  • Provide trauma-informed, holistic support, advocacy, and accompaniment to  Center participants 

  • Identify and attend relevant trainings and presentations in the community

  • Provide verbal or written report backs to the Center community regarding  trainings and meetings attended 

  • Assist with outreach to the Center’s community, clinical, and/or case  management programs 

  • Work with Peer Re-entry Program Director to create and implement service plans with  participants returning or preparing to return home from prison and/or  impacted by police violence 

  • Assist in the development of a robust referral network of aligned  relationships with community-based agencies and organizations 

  • Demonstrate energy, enthusiasm, and ingenuity when working with complicated and difficult situations 

  • Work with Peer Re-entry Program Director to identify and secure placements (including  housing and employment) for Center participants in programs or services  intended to address their needs 

  • Communicate and advocate with service providers and other community based organizations about participants’ needs 

  • Work with participants in spaces that are most comfortable to them  including but not limited to public spaces and their homes (keeping in mind  the ongoing need for precautions due to the Coronavirus pandemic) 

  • Participate in training, supervision, and professional development opportunities 

  • Assist with implementation, documentation and reporting for the Access to  Justice Community Navigators program 

  • Assist with new programming and services as provided by CTJC 

Administrative Responsibilities:  

  • Participate in weekly staff calls/meetings 

  • Read and respond to emails

  • Maintain an updated calendar

  • Document and track work, relationships, and development of referral network  

Essential Skills and Experience:  

  • Experience working with survivors of police violence and formerly  incarcerated individuals through a trauma-informed lens

  • Understanding of the impacts and trauma caused by state violence

  • Understanding of and commitment to CTJC’s organizational values, mission,  vision, history, theory of change, political strategy, and issues affecting the  lives of Black, immigrant, poor and working class, Latinx, and LGBTQ  communities 

  • Proven ability to work within and across multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi gendered, and intergenerational communities 

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills  

  • Flexibility and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently

  • Strong conflict resolution skills 

  • Comfort with computers for word processing, computer literacy preferred

  • Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed

CTJC’s Commitment to & Expectations of New Hires:  

CTJC’s commitment to all new hires is, at its core, a political commitment. We  believe that in order to imagine and create the liberatory world we seek, we must  continually develop new leaders and build our practices—internal and external—in  alignment with our values and vision. Intentional and hands-on work with staff,  fellows, and interns is one way we work towards these political goals. We are  committed to a working exchange between CTJC and new hires that are useful for  both parties. The Peer Re-Entry Specialist will work as part of a staff team and have  a direct supervisor, leadership development opportunities, and on-going support.  

Compensation and Benefits: 

The position is a part-time position at 20 hours per week. Compensation is an annual  (part-time) salary of $25,000. This position does not include health benefits.  Vacation and sick pay will be offered.  

Location:  

Chicago, remote for the immediate future.

To apply:

Please email a resume and cover letter to La Tanya Jenifor-Sublett: latanya@chicagotorturejustice.org by Monday, January 24, 2022.

 

CTJC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race,  creed, color, gender/ gender identity/ gender expression, age, ethnicity, national  origin, sexual orientation, religion, HIV status, disability, background, having been  incarcerated or marital status.