Program specialist

What You’ll Do

• Requires considerable knowledge of parole and agency /or probation services, programs, and methods and procedures and thorough knowledge of reentry programming
• Serves as a parole program specialist and helps facilitate reintegration for individuals returning to the community, under direction of the Office of Reentry
• Connects individuals with communities, programs, and resources
• Staffs cases with ODRC staff to make proper referrals to service providers regarding recommendations
• Electronically documents contacts and interventions as necessary
• Assists Regional Administrator and Regional Reentry Administrator in forming partnerships among Adult Parole Authority, correctional institutions, and community partners
• Coordinates and facilitates video in reach process
• Coordinates community-based family engagement events
• Coordinate and facilitate pre-release activities as needed or requested
• Maintains communication with Adult Parole Authority and institutional Unit Management Chiefs and/or other designated staff to exchange information about reentry initiatives, programming delivery, continuity of care issues, and release planning and housing
• Guides and/or assists individuals in attainment of potential state and federal benefits to increase opportunities for successful reentry
• Assists during violations/sanction process as appropriate
• Responds to JPAY/GTL/KITE inquiries in a timely manner
• Gathers pertinent information regarding the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC) to disseminate to community organizations to assist in the development of reentry services
• Establishes and maintains up to date community resources and information
• Provides minimal support and/or training to community entities regarding Citizen Circles and coalitions
• Participates in workgroups, committees, or task forces to identify and resolve problems and to improve delivery of services to staff and individuals
• Research information and collects data to facilitate decision making
• Collects information and prepares reports as required
• Implements agency directives as directed
• Responds both verbally and in writing to questions and/or concerns
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions and conferences
• Participates in the screening and interviewing process for regional parole staff
• Coordinates and/or facilitates community-based reentry approved programs
• Extensive travel throughout Ohio
  
  

6 yrs. trg. or 6 yrs. exp. in community corrections to include report writing, offender treatment referrals, offender service delivery & participation in corrections/criminal justice agencies operations & investigations; 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. providing work direction &/or training; valid Ohio Driver's license.

• Or completion of undergraduate core program in criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, social work, psychology or related field; 48 mos. trg. or 48 mos. exp. in community corrections to include report writing, offender treatment referrals, offender service delivery & participation in corrections/criminal justice agencies operations & investigations; 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. providing work direction &/or training; valid Ohio Driver's license.
• Or completion of graduate core program in criminology, criminal justice, law enforcement, sociology, social work, psychology or related field; 36 mos. trg. or 36 mos. exp. in community corrections to include report writing, offender treatment referrals, offender service delivery & participation in correction/criminal justice agencies operations & investigations; 6 mos. trg. or 6 mos. exp. providing work direction &/or training; valid Ohio Driver's license.
• Or 12 mos. exp. as Senior Parole Officer, 69812; valid Ohio Driver's license.
• Or 24 mos. exp. as Parole Officer, 69810 or 69811; valid Ohio Driver's license.
• Or equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications For Employment noted above.
  
  

Job Skills: Criminology/Criminal Justice

Technical Skills: Communications, Customer Service, Programming, Social Services, Training

Professional Skills: Public Speaking, Collaboration, Organizing and Planning, Establishing Relationships, Strategic Thinking

Organization

Rehabilitation & Correction - Operation Support Center

Agency Contact Name and Information

[email protected]

Unposting Date

Sep 22, 2025, 3:59:00 AM

Work Location

DRC Central Office-Fran-ODOT

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation

32.35

Schedule

Full-time

Classified Indicator

Classified

Union

Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

Criminology/Criminal Justice

Technical Skills

Programming, Communications, Customer Service, Social Services, Training

Professional Skills

Collaboration, Establishing Relationships, Organizing and Planning, Public Speaking, Strategic Thinking

Agency Overview

Who We Are…

Guided by a single mission “To reduce recidivism among those we touch,” the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction believes that everyone is capable of positive change. Our staff embrace these core values and serves as role models for pro-social behavior conveying an attitude of dignity and respect in the treatment of others.

What We Do…

The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction has been tasked with front line crime reduction through rehabilitative treatment and programming efforts provided in a safe, secure and humane correctional environment and effective community supervision. Our goal is to protect the public through helping individuals turn away from crime and become productive, contributing members of our communities, ensuring a safer Ohio for all Ohioans now and in the future.

To learn more about our agency, please visit our website at

Are You Ready?

We are thrilled to see that you are interested in beginning your career with the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction! Without a doubt, this will be the most rewarding and meaningful work you’ll ever find with a work family that is second to none!