Title: Re-Entry and Recovery Specialist

State Role Title: Legal Services Officer II

Hiring Range: $20.00 per hour up to a maximum of 880 hours

Agency: Indigent Defense Commission

Location: Multiple Locations

Agency Website: www.vadefenders.org

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Indigent Defense Commission (VIDC) is an independent agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, committed to protecting and defending our clients' rights with zealous, compassionate, and high-quality legal advocacy. The Administrative Office, which provides support to 29 public defender offices statewide, is now accepting applications for a Re-Entry and Recovery Specialist. The qualified candidate will provide support services as part of the legal defense team, primarily working directly with clients to identify and connect with community services and resources that facilitate re-entry from incarceration. The focus is on clients suffering from substance use disorders, primarily opioid use disorder, and mental health issues, assisting them with accessing treatment programs, securing housing, employment, or benefits. The Re-Entry and Recovery Specialist reports to the Chief Public Defender at their workplace and is employed at-will. This position does not offer any state benefits. The selected candidate will work up to 40 hours a week between the hours of 8:30 and 5:00 p.m. This is a grant-funded position and is dependent on the continued availability of funding from the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority.

Multiple locations will be hiring for this position. The following Public Defender offices have open positions: Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Newport News, Suffolk, Pulaski, Martinsville, Richmond, Norfolk, and Chesterfield.

Duties:
This position is essential in bridging the gap between legal defense and community-based recovery, ensuring clients receive the necessary support to successfully reintegrate into society. The role requires the ability to analyze client information, assess medical histories, and identify mental health and substance use factors to connect individuals with appropriate community resources. Successful candidates must be able to work both independently and collaboratively, building professional relationships with clients, their families, and service providers.

The IDC is committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our workforce. We encourage and welcome qualified applicants of all identities, cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience working with families and client support systems for successful reintegration after incarceration.
• Knowledge of substance use disorders, particularly opioid use disorder, and available treatment services.
• Provide direct support to clients by identifying community services and resources that facilitate their transition from incarceration.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to exercise sound judgment in assessing client needs and connecting them with appropriate services.
• Ability to assess medical histories and identify mental health and substance use factors for service referrals.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to handle high-stress, high-volume work environments effectively.
• Proficiency in utilizing technology tools and systems for case management and communication.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Accurately collect and report program data and outcomes to stakeholders.
• Ability to travel within assigned geographic areas.
• Valid Virginia driver’s license required.

Additional Considerations

Peer Recovery Specialist Certification or equivalent professional certification preferred. Experience in substance use or mental health disciplines, specifically opioid use, is desirable. Experience in social services or criminal justice environments, particularly with indigent clients, is preferred.

Special Instructions

Applications for this position require a cover letter and resume. Failure to submit both may disqualify you from further consideration.

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

While creating an account through the state system will save your basic information (please remember your username and password), applications are NOT saved for future openings. We encourage you to apply to any and all of the positions you may be considering within the IDC.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a fingerprint-based criminal background check. Being authorized to work in the U.S. is a precondition of employment. IDC uses the E-Verify system and does not provide sponsorship.

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand-delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. IDC does not accept “see resume” as a response to any question. Information on the application is the primary source used for screening the position. Reasonable accommodations are available to applicants if requested, during the application and/or interview process.

Edits cannot be made to the application once you have received a confirmation number. Phone calls are not accepted regarding an inquiry into the status of an application. Please login to the RMS system for status updates.

Contact Information

Name: Ashley Washington

Phone: 804-662-7249

Email: recruiting@vadefenders.org

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.