Intake Coordinator – Reentry Center

Job Title: Intake Coordinator – Reentry Center
Department: Violence Intervention & Prevention / Reentry Services
Reports To: Reentry Center Manager or Program Director
Status: Full-Time (Exempt/Non-Exempt based on structure)

Position Summary:

The Intake Coordinator is the first point of contact for individuals returning from incarceration and seeking services at UCAN’s Reentry Centers. This role conducts comprehensive assessments, determines eligibility, coordinates referrals, and ensures participants are connected quickly to appropriate internal and external services. The position supports trauma-informed, participant-centered, and equity-driven reentry practices.

Key Responsibilities

Participant Engagement & Assessment

• Conduct biopsychosocial intakes, risk/needs assessments, and eligibility screenings
• Develop initial service plans and explain program requirements and confidentiality
• Serve walk-ins, referrals, and community partners

Service Coordination & Referrals

• Connect participants to internal services (workforce development, case management, behavioral health, housing, victim advocacy)
• Facilitate referrals to external partners (housing, workforce, substance use treatment, legal aid, IDHS providers)
• Track and follow up on referral outcomes

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate records in agency databases
• Ensure documentation meets funder and audit standards
• Assist with intake reports and service trend tracking

Collaboration & Support

• Participate in case staffing and cross-team coordination
• Maintain communication with probation/parole when appropriate
• Provide crisis response using trauma-informed and de-escalation techniques

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Human Services, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum 2 years working with justice-involved or high-risk populations
• Knowledge of reentry barriers (housing, employment, legal, behavioral health)
• Experience conducting assessments and managing documentation
• Strong communication, organizational, and data management skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived Reentry Experience
• Experience in Community Violence Intervention (CVI)
• Knowledge of Illinois Reentry Systems
• Bilingual (Spanish preferred)
• Trauma-informed or crisis intervention certification

Core Competencies

Trauma-informed practice, cultural humility, participant-centered engagement, ethical standards, attention to detail, ability to work in high-stress environments, and commitment to equity and social justice.

Working Conditions

Office-based with frequent in-person interaction; occasional community meetings; potential evening/weekend hours; exposure to high-need populations.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit for extended periods, navigate community settings, and lift up to 15 lbs.

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.