Job Summary

Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI), a non-profit committed to disrupting harmful systems and cultivating opportunities for autonomy and success, is seeking a dedicated individual for our Reentry Services Coordinator (Internship). We offer college access to incarcerated individuals within Tennessee prisons, pave the way for skilled reentry, and alleviate barriers to ongoing education and achievement.

We stand on principles of harm reduction, healing, and valuing the lived experiences of those we serve, and we actively strive for the world we envision via systemic work and direct service.

Our Nashville office invites applicants for an in-person role, the Reentry Services Coordinator (Internship), under the supervision of the Director of Transitional Programs. The selected candidate will augment the efforts of our Transitional Programs team and interact with participants in the reentry program.

Our preferred start date will be in September 2023. We prioritize applicants who manifest a robust commitment to serving at-risk populations, understand THEI’s mission within a broader social justice movement, and demonstrate expertise in event planning, data handling, and workshop development.

We value organizational and time management skills, flexibility for occasional evening and weekend shifts, and a deep commitment to combating poverty and incarceration cycles.

Our social justice commitments include robust service to at-risk populations, understanding THEI’s mission in a larger social justice context, using the Person First language, and breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration.

Experience with the criminal justice system, higher education system, and reentry services/providers is beneficial. The candidate must own a reliable car and feel at ease working within prison settings and alongside incarcerated individuals. Applicants must be directly impacted by the criminal legal system.

The internship is a 30-hour per week (42 weeks) (10 months) commitment, with compensation set at $25 per hour. The review of applications is ongoing.

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• Type: Part-Time
• Salary Range: $25/hour

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Job Responsibilities

Internship prerequisites entail a 30-hour weekly commitment and a ten-month commitment starting in September 2023. We expect our interns to support the work of our Transitional Programs portfolio and share our commitment to serving at-risk populations and breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration.

• Reentry Coordination and Mentorship: Assist in conducting needs assessments and provide support tailored to everyone’s unique needs and goals.
• Program Implementation and Management: Interns will manage and coordinate the THEI program with the Dept of Specialty Industry Training at Motlow State.
• Google Docs and Computer/Digital Literacy: This includes those required in any workplace environment, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as productivity apps like Slack.
• Resource Coordination: Interns will connect individuals with essential services such as housing, healthcare, employment, and education. Facilitate access to resources through partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and service providers.
• Alumni Engagement: Organize community events, workshops, and outreach initiatives to raise awareness and engage alumni members in reentry efforts.
• Career Counseling/Training: Support participants in identifying and pursuing employment opportunities. Facilitate career readiness workshops, You Science, and Big Idea career assessments and develop relationships with employers and job placement agencies to create employment pathways for program participants.
• Participate in Career Coaching: Engage with professionals to receive guidance on career paths, skill enhancements, and portfolio development tailored for reentry contexts.
• Interpersonal Skills: Develop excellent communication and rapport-building skills to interact with diverse stakeholders.
• Time Management: Manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously with strong organizational skills.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Display sensitivity to cultural, racial, and socioeconomic differences and commitment to fostering inclusivity.
• Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing program needs and evolving reentry practices.
• Teamwork: As part of this enriching learning experience, you may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the organization’s mission and operations. These additional tasks will serve as opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge across various areas of nonprofit management and social services.
• Professional Certifications: Earn various professional certifications including Google Workspace Certification, Reentry Specialist Certification, Crisis Prevention & Intervention Training Certification, Reentry Peer Support Specialist, Project Management Certificate, Goodwill® Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certification, and Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner.

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications include an associate degree (awarded or less than 9 hours before completion) and 6 months of experience in office management, social work, public health, or peer counseling or coaching, along with proficiency in Google Docs and Google Drive, data management skills, a valid driver’s license, flexible scheduling, prompt email responses, and a passion for fostering relationships and creative problem-solving. A commitment to self-care is also required.

• A strong commitment to providing service to at-risk populations and understanding the mission of THEI to be located within a larger social justice movement.
• A strong commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration.
• A commitment to use Person First language because there is evidence that language can shape perceptions about an incarcerated person’s capacity to change.