Lead Reentry Navigator

Company: SAFER Foundation
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 17, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description The Safer Foundation is a social service provider to individuals with arrest and conviction records. Through a full range of services, including case management, educational instruction and advocacy, we focus on preparing individuals for the world of work by helping them find and keep productive and meaningful employment General Summary: This position is grant funded by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services-HFS . The Supportive Reentry Network Collaborative (SRNC) is a comprehensive reentry model that assists individuals returning from incarceration. The SRNC team of navigators addresses immediate needs while supporting long-term well-being in all aspects of a participant’s life. The lead reentry navigator provides direct support to reentry navigators under the supervision of the reentry navigator manager. They will manage a small caseload and lead care-coordination meetings with internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, the lead reentry navigator will conduct outreach at community events and serve as the primary point of contact to raise awareness of the SRNC. Performance Results Description The Position is performed correctly when all essential duties and responsibilities are executed by following the Safer Values. Exceeding Expectations, Communication and Collaboration, Integrity and Evidence Based Innovation. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Stakeholder Interface and Service • Run training sessions for Reentry Navigators focused on professional growth and improving client services. • Regularly review participant files and data to ensure all documentation is accurate and meets program eligibility requirements. • Step in to provide coverage for Reentry Navigators to ensure consistent service delivery across all programs. • Support manager with monthly integrative staffing meetings, ensuring referral notes are updated in real-time and communicating updates clearly to the Navigator team. • Use Salesforce (or other internal databases) to register participants, track community partner connections, and assist with data entry for monthly reports. • Conduct initial assessments to identify a participant’s immediate and short term needs. • Ensure all new referrals are contacted and processed within 24–48 hours. • Connect participants to medical care, behavioral health services, and emergency housing immediately upon their release. • Maintain a reduced caseload, modeling the high standard of care expected from the entire Navigator team. Stakeholder Interface and Service • Collaborate with participants to develop personalized service plans, assisting them in navigating different systems of care and conducting monthly reviews to monitor progress. • Help participants identify and overcome external obstacles that hinder their progress toward the goals in their service plans. • Offer dedicated advocacy for individuals navigating reentry, especially those at high risk for community violence or homelessness. • Manage the application process for Medicaid and SNAP, and assist participants with coverage renewals or restoring lapsed benefits. • Address emergent needs by linking participants to vital services, including healthcare, substance abuse treatment, and legal aid. Stakeholder Outreach and Recruitment • Under the guidance of the Reentry Navigator Manager, identify and establish relationships with new agencies and organizations dedicated to supporting people returning home. • Collaborate closely with current SRNC community partners to ensure a unified support network for participants. • Coordinate and oversee outreach events to promote awareness of SRNC services and support our mission within the community. • Assist in building and tracking connections with community partners to expand our network of resources. • Represent the agency at regularly scheduled internal meetings, community forums, and other assigned events. Tracking, Document, and Reporting • Collaborate with the operations team to oversee participant files and make sure all documentation is accurate, complete, and current in real-time. • Track and record all staff training acknowledgments and professional certifications to keep the team up to date. • Maintain strict compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and all other state and federal privacy laws to protect participant information. • Make sure all contract requirements and reports are accurately completed and submitted on time. • Follow all organizational standards, including achieving set productivity targets and service quality benchmarks. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Proven ability to oversee projects from beginning to end, including creating and leading workshops or educational programs. • Initiative & Prioritization: Self-motivated leader capable of handling multiple assignments, meeting tight deadlines, and independently organizing workflows. • Problem Solving: Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to troubleshoot issues and make sound decisions under pressure. • Subject Matter Expertise: Thorough knowledge of reentry best practices, including the unique challenges faced by individuals returning from incarceration. • Resource Knowledge: Familiarity with community resources for returning citizens and the public benefits landscape in Illinois (such as Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs). • Systems Proficiency: Experience navigating the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) website and using the "Manage My Case" functions. Communication & Relationship Building • Professional Diplomacy: Ability to professionally represent the organization while establishing genuine rapport with participants from various backgrounds and cultures. • Communication Skills: Proficient in active listening and clearly communicating complex information to staff and external stakeholders. • Interpersonal Strength: Strong cultural competency and ability to engage effectively with diverse personalities and organizations. • Community Advocacy: Shows success in developing relationships and managing complex care systems for people facing systemic barriers. • Skilled at keeping precise participant records and adhering to all documentation standards. • Hands-on experience and self-sufficiency with Microsoft productivity tools, including Outlook (for email), Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel), and online collaboration tools (video conferencing, Zoom/Teams, messaging). • Willingness to travel to various program locations and adapt to schedule changes, including providing evening or weekend support when needed. Education and Experience: • A bachelor’s degree in social work, Psychology, or a related field is required. • A minimum of two years' experience in case management within a social service environment is required. • A minimum of two years' experience working with justice-involved individuals, people impacted by the legal system, or residents of underserved communities. • A minimum of one year of experience in behavioral health, mental health services, or health-related social services. • Knowledge of trauma-informed care, substance use recovery supports, and health-related social needs. Licenses and/or Certifications : Not required Safer Foundation is a drug-free workplace. Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action/Minorities/Females/Veterans www.saferfoundation.org Opens a New Window No Phone Calls Please

Keywords: SAFER Foundation, Elkhart , Lead Reentry Navigator, Healthcare , Chicago, Indiana