Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry (HIRE) Coordinator

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a diverse range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

At the State of Indiana, we don’t just talk about diversity and inclusion—we make it our goal to create a welcoming, accessible, and equitable workplace with a workforce that is representative of Indiana's population. As a proud equal opportunity employer, reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role.

About Indiana Department of Correction (DOC):

We promote public safety by providing meaningful, effective opportunities for successful re-entry. As the model of best correctional practices, we strive to return productive citizens to our communities and inspire a culture of accountability, integrity, and professionalism.

Role Overview:

In this role as a Regional HIRE Coordinator within the IDOC Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry (HIRE) program, you will be assigned a region within the state and will be responsible for providing workforce readiness services to IDOC clients housed within correctional facilities and parolees supervised by IDOC Parole Districts within that region. You will also be responsible for employer engagement within an assigned region. Duties include outreach activities to identify channel partners and stakeholders, development and facilitation of program materials, development of strategies to market program initiatives, conducting outreach activities to develop and solidify relationships with prospective partners and community leaders, and advocating for institutional change in employer attitudes toward the hiring of ex-clients. You will also reinforce partnerships with Parole districts to assist with securing post-release employment.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

• Provides a direct in-field extension of the IDOC in the administration, support, and accomplishment of workforce readiness initiatives
• Serves as the regional lead in implementing identified workforce readiness elements
• Provides face-to-face training and coaching to HIRE clients in the administration of program initiatives
• Contributes to the development and implementation of workforce readiness services
• Supports IDOC efforts while determining best-practice strategies to improve prospective employer engagement, coordination, educational/training, reemployment strategies, and company/business relationships
• Travel to assigned facilities, district offices, community partners, and businesses within the region
• Recruits targeted employers for program participation
• Engages in the community by attending workshops, community meetings, and other activities
• Assists in the development and distribution of outreach materials, directly contacting targeted community members, and networking with appropriate community organizations to assist with the needs of HIRE clients
• Records program data (metrics) using provided systems and tools to report measurable outcomes and assess program efficiency, effectiveness, and responsiveness to internal and external customers, program participants, and stakeholders
• Develops, organizes, and advertises job fairs and virtual job fairs, including recruiting businesses and identifying HIRE clients to participate
• Fosters a close working relationship with the staff at assigned Parole Districts/IDOC facilities
• Works with service providers as the subject matter expert to promote the advantages of hiring HIRE clients to employers and employer groups
• Provides technical advice, and problem-solving assistance, answers questions regarding program goals, and policy interpretation
• Provides participant advocacy services to assist participants in receiving needed services for re-employment readiness and to develop additional resources for services as necessary
• Ensures program compliance, timely submission of reports, works with HIRE Management to successfully meet satisfactory outcomes and meet/exceed program goals
• Provides critical link to job development, placement, and support services directly to HIRE clients prior to release, and maximizes employment and training opportunities
• Creates tools, resources, and materials for targeted audiences
• Coordinates with other internal and external staff and programs so that opportunities for participants can be maximized
• Works collaboratively with other stakeholders to ensure individual service transitions are well coordinated and effective
• Identifies likely barriers to client employment and sets appropriate re-employment strategies/goals
• Provides training and support to HIRE clients, fostering employment opportunities for clients both pre-and post-release
• Organizes learning opportunities for the program, such as site visits, cross-site meetings, training sessions, and technical assistance calls
• Seeks opportunities to present IDOC Hoosier Initiative for Re-Entry program initiatives model and related information to diverse state/local, non-profit, employer groups across the assigned region
• Specialized knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, and methodology of construction services
• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

• Must possess sound understanding of workforce readiness practices
• Must possess and be able to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing
• Must be comfortable working in a correctional environment which will include daily interaction with incarcerated individuals and recently released parolees
• Strong presentation skills are required in order to facilitate workshops to different audiences which can include but is not limited to; HIRE clients, employers, staff, agency partners, etc.
• Working knowledge of the organization of the agency including enabling statutes
• Travel will be required and incumbent must possess a valid driver’s license
• Ability to implement new principles and procedures and to discern implications upon agency operations
• Be willing and able to assist in emergency situations as deemed necessary by their supervisor
• Ability to maintain cooperative working partnerships
• Ability to abide by the Department's Standards of Conduct
• Ability to operate all applicable office and safety equipment
• Ability to fairly, firmly, and consistently supervise HIRE clients
• Ability to be a positive role model
• Ability to organize and prioritize duties
• Ability to prepare concise and accurate reports
• Ability to meet given deadlines
• Ability to adhere to HIRE dress code and/or grooming standards
• Ability to work within a culturally diversified environment
• Ability to follow all IDOC policies and procedures
• Ability to successfully complete all required training, maintaining current certifications (CPR, etc.)
• Ability to work under emergency conditions

Salary Statement:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
• Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k plan) with employer match
• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
• 150 hours of paid new parent leave
• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Group life insurance
• Referral Bonus program
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parking for most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunity to all people in all aspects of employer-employee relations without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. We will comply with the spirit as well as the letter of all applicable state and federal laws.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at [email protected].

The State of Indiana has established a culture that welcomes equity, inclusion, and opportunity for all employees and applicants. We encourage you to apply if you feel you have the transferrable skills to be successful in this position and we look forward to reviewing your application.