WORK RELEASE ADMINISTRATOR DEFINITION:
Under direction, is responsible for administering and supervising a work release program; does other related duties as required.
NOTE: The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Supervises and/or takes part in checking records of inmates to find eligibles for the work release program.
Submits recommendations and necessary writs to the assignment or sentencing judge.
Secures employment for inmates admitted to the program.
Makes suitable financial arrangements for monies earned.
Conducts periodic checks with employers of inmates.
Sets hours of release, working hours, and return to prison.
Prepares reports on progress of prisoners.
Prepares periodic reports on results of the program.
Interviews inmates to ascertain types of jobs for which they are qualified.
Where circumstances warrant, may arrange to have inmates enrolled in a vocational training program.
In the case of female offenders, may arrange their release from confinement during specified hours to care for their families.
Confers with and consults inmates on job progress, and assists in resolving personal problems.
Advises inmates in writing as to the court's decision for admission to the work release, vocational training, or family care programs.
May assist in determining that persons employed under the work release program are receiving the prevailing rate of pay and that working conditions are similar to those for the same type of work in the labor market area.
May assist in ascertaining that the placement of inmates in work release situations does not result in displacement of an employed person or is made in occupations in which there is a labor surplus in the locality.
May assist in developing and maintaining a current list of available vocational training programs.
Works with various community agencies or organizations in developing a community climate sympathetic to the problems and needs of the released offender.
May assist in preparing a work release, vocational training, or family release plan for each inmate enrolled in the program.
Maintains essential records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester-hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Six (6) years of professional experience in the fields of personnel administration, employee development and training, public employment services, job counseling and placement, or vocational education and training.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE:"Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of social and economic problems involved in the employment of persons confined to penal institutions.
Knowledge of principles of vocational counseling and job placement.
Knowledge of methods of obtaining employment information tactfully from people of varied backgrounds.
Knowledge of requirements for a variety of occupations.
Knowledge of the kinds of community resources available to increase employability of job seekers.
Knowledge of current local labor market conditions.
Knowledge of personality characteristics and other traits of project participants.
Ability to work harmoniously with persons of varied education, experience, and social and economic backgrounds and conditions.
Ability to interpret and apply occupational information.
Ability to use occupational placement tools.
Ability to establish and maintain effective cooperative relationships with employers.
Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to establish and maintain essential records and files.
Ability to enlist community support for the program.
Ability to interpret the program to prospective employers.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
