Community Reentry Support Specialist
Community Reentry Support Specialist
Behavioral Health Services
Kenosha County is seeking an experienced professional to make a meaningful impact by stepping into our new role supporting individuals with substance use disorders who are transitioning back into the community. As our first Community Reentry Support Specialist, you’ll serve as a trusted guide, helping clients build lasting stability.
Join our team and help make a difference!
This position is supported by the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. It is currently funded through December 2030 and is contingent on continued funding.
2026 Hiring Range: $31.81 – $36.15 per hour
Position Summary and Job Duties
The Community Reentry Support Specialist will provide case management services to the Wisconsin Department of Corrections by assisting individuals with substance use disorders returning to the community from Department of Corrections (DOC) facilities or those under the supervision of the DOC Division of Community Corrections (DCC) in accessing and navigating the healthcare system and related services. The Specialist acts as a guide, providing support, resources, and advocacy to help individuals to and through recovery. Job duties include:
• Provide comprehensive case management including referrals to community resources, follow-up support, and transportation for individuals accessing community resources
• Comply with all relevant confidentiality laws, including HIPAA, Wis. Stat. §146.82, and 42 C.F.R Part 2
• Connect individuals and families with resources for substance use; help identify the resources needed, such as medication assisted treatment, housing, support groups, community services, and recovery options
• Coordinate with Wisconsin DOC Treatment Staff and Agents of Record to create pre-release discharge plans and post-release to support DCC clients’ recovery goals
• Provide support and education through guidance and advocacy for treatment options and supportive service; ensure harm reduction resources, such as naloxone
• Address barriers to care, such as insurance, transportation, and housing, that interfere with the client’s road to recovery
• Monitor progress through treatment and advocate for unmet needs
• May occasionally provide education and outreach to individuals, families, and community networks on substance use and harm reduction strategies
• Coordinate with first responders, healthcare systems, crisis teams, and other community resources as needed
• Maintain communication with DCC agents of record
• Maintain records of clients’ progress and produce quarterly reporting to DCC and the DOC that include both utilization and program outcomes
• With Division of Behavioral Health administration, develop SMART goals for the reentry program that comply with funders contract requirement as well as meet the needs of all those referred
• Conduct home visits for referrals as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned
Success Factors
• Knowledge and understanding of harm reduction principles
• Knowledge of community resources and options
• Knowledge of reporting metrics of key performance indicators
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong organization and time management skills
• Skill in using Excel and SharePoint
• Ability to work independently in a variety of settings
• Ability to adhere to professional ethics
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries with residents and co-workers at all times
• Ability to follow HIPAA standards for all verbal and written communication
• Ability to work with diverse populations in challenging settings
• Ability to work respectfully in a diverse and inclusive environment
Job Requirements, Education, Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field
• 3 years of experience with substance use services and resources
• 3 years of experience working with the incarcerated population
Preferred Education and Experience
• Experience in motivational interviewing
• Experience working with DOC Division of Community Corrections
Other Job Requirements
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and access to an insured vehicle for use in the performance of the job
• Availability to perform occasional evening work
• Transporting individuals in personal vehicle may be required
Benefits
• Health, dental and vision insurance effective first of month following 30 days of employment, with the ability to reduce premium contribution through participation in a wellness program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Volunteer Time
• Twelve Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan: Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System which includes county-paid life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• This position involves moderate physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 10 pounds of force frequently
• Frequent standing and/or sitting for extended periods of time, walking for extended periods of time, stooping, bending, climbing stairs, and constant use of a computer
• Constant requirement to hear normal speech; constant hearing and talking on telephone; ability to hear faint sound
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other devices and objects
• Potential contact with hostile individuals; exposure to emergency situations; may be exposed to trauma, grief, and death; frequent public contact; decision-making and concentration
• Vision standards required by Division of Motor Vehicles to operate a motor vehicle
Selection Process
• Application Review – Qualifying
• Oral Interview – Qualifying
• Background Check – Qualifying
• Drug Screen – Qualifying
If you require accommodations at any point in the selection process because of a disability, please notify Human Resources in advance for arrangements.
Applications must be submitted no later than Friday, May 8, 2026, at 12:00 noon.
To learn more about the Kenosha County Division of Behavioral Health Services, please visit: https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/263/Behavioral-Health-Services
Kenosha County is a Wisconsin Retirement System participating employer. Your participation is required, which includes an employee contribution.
The pay grade for this position is NE12 (Min. $31.81 – Max. $40.48 per hour).
We are located in Kenosha County, an expanding community along the shores of Lake Michigan and less than an hour away from Milwaukee and Chicago. To see why Kenosha County is a great place to live, work, and play, please visit: https://www.visitkenosha.com/ or https://lifebalancedkenosha.com/.
Thank you for your interest in employment with Kenosha County!
https://www.kenoshacountywi.gov/jobs
Deadline Note: