Reentry Navigator (North Lawndale)

Position Title: Reentry Navigator (North Lawndale) Department: Violence Intervention & Prevention Services (VIPS) Reports to: Program Manager Position Objective and Summary: The Reentry Navigator provides individualized, trauma-informed support to justice-involved individuals returning from incarceration. Navigators work directly with participants to address urgent needs, reduce barriers, and support stabilization and long-term reintegration. Using a strengths-based, person-centered approach, Navigators build trust, conduct assessments, and connect participants to housing, workforce, behavioral health, legal, and family supports. Essential Functions and Responsibilities: Establish rapport with participants using trauma-informed, culturally responsive engagement strategies. Conduct IAM+ and IM+CANS assessments to identify risks, needs, and participant goals. Develop individualized reentry plans with participants, addressing immediate needs (housing, food, transportation) and long-term goals (employment, education, family reunification). Provide warm handoffs to community partners for workforce training (e.g., NLEN, CCWP, RUSH), behavioral health (e.g., Rincon, TCA Health), and legal aid (e.g., CGLA, FDLA, RJCC). Support victims and families in accessing ESVF, funeral planning assistance, and trauma recovery services through UCAN’s HVIPs and victim services teams. Assist participants with benefits enrollment (SNAP, TANF, Medicaid) and basic needs supports (food, clothing, hygiene). Conduct field-based work including home visits, hospital visits, and community-based engagement to reduce barriers to access. Maintain accurate documentation in UCAN’s EVOLV system and provide reports as required. Work collaboratively with the Lead Navigator and Program Manager to ensure caseload balance and service quality. Community Relations Attend beat meetings, community partner convenings, and outreach events to enhance visibility and build trust. Support community events (e.g., Light in the Night, faith-based initiatives) to promote healing and engagement. Professionalism and Work Conduct Behaves with integrity, demonstrates high ethical standards, and displays a positive image of UCAN. Acts in a professional manner at all times and maintains appropriate boundaries with clients. Demonstrates accountability for results and keeps commitments to others. Reports to work, meetings, training, and job-related activities punctual and prepared as scheduled. Demonstrates openness and respect for cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and coworkers. Accepts feedback and ideas from team and supervisor and is constructive when giving feedback and ideas to others. Discusses alternative problem solving and is open to new ideas and ways of doing things. Performs other related tasks as assigned or required. Professional Development Attends regular supervision, team meetings, required training, and other professional workshops to enhance job skills. Sets annual developmental goals with supervisor to meet learning needs and interests, while also enhancing job performance and skills. Performs other related tasks as required or assigned. Education/Job Experience/Certification: High school diploma/GED with a minimum of 2 years of experience in workforce development or reentry programming Special Knowledge and Qualifications: Experience working in high-risk communities. Experience working with at-risk youth Knowledge of local community resources (services providers, general assistance. Must have a valid drivers license, valid auto insurance, and a registered vehicle. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a teams. Is open and respectful of cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population. Experience working with teenagers and young adults. Experience or ability to use computers for data entry, communication and report writing. At UCAN, we prioritize the health and well-being of our team, as it is essential to our mission of serving the community. Our competitive benefits package is designed to help you and your family thrive. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of the benefits we offer. Benefits You Can Choose From: Medical Dental Vision Voluntary Life Insurance Voluntary Short-Term Disability Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance Voluntary Accident Coverage Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Health Savings Accounts (HSA) Retirement Plan (401k) Tuition Reimbursement Benefits Provided at No Cost to You: Group Life and AD&D Insurance Group Long-Term Disability Employee Assistance Program (EAP) UCAN Chicago is an equal-opportunity employer and strongly encourages candidates with lived experience and diverse backgrounds to apply.