Community Based Reentry Career Development Counselor (FT), Yakima, WA

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People For People is hiring one full-time Community Based Reentry Career Development Counselor in Yakima, WA to support our work under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Reentry Employment Opportunities (REO) Pathway Home 6 grant initiative. This position will serve individuals incarcerated at the Yakima County Jail, providing pre-release career services and post-release transition support that leads to employment, training, and long-term self-sufficiency. If you believe in second chances, workforce equity, and the power of employment to change lives, we invite you to join our team.

We strongly encourage individuals with lived experience in the justice system to apply. Please select this link for a complete job description, including job requirements and essential functions.

Summary: The Community-Based Reentry Career Development Counselor provides individualized, trauma-informed case management and career services to individuals with recent justice involvement, both prior to and following release. Using a holistic, strengths-based approach, this role supports participants in identifying career goals, accessing stabilization services, and connecting to training, employment opportunities, and community resources that promote long-term success. Through mentoring, business outreach, and ongoing follow-up, the Career Development Counselor plays a vital role in helping individuals successfully transition back into the community, achieve sustainable employment, and build financial self-sufficiency, strengthening both economic mobility and public safety.

This role operates both:

  • Pre-release at the Yakima County Jail

  • Post-release in the community through workforce training services and coordinated partner referrals, delivering comprehensive case management to support successful reentry

The Counselor provides individualized employment planning, skill development, employer engagement, and supportive service coordination to ensure participants obtain and retain quality employment

What We’re Looking For:

We seek a professional who is:

  • Passionate about reentry, workforce equity, and second-chance employment

  • Skilled in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed practices

  • Comfortable working in correctional and community-based settings

  • Organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple participants

  • A strong relationship builder with both participants and employers

  • Committed to inclusion, dignity, accountability, and measurable outcomes

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in human services, Social Work, Education or related field; and/or equivalent combination of education/significant experience in community, human, social services or related field.

  • Experience working with justice-involved individuals preferred

  • Microsoft Office proficient.

  • Employment is contingent upon successfully completing and passing a Pre-employment Drug Screen and a Washington State Patrol Background Check and/or National Background Check, Reference Checks, and if applicable other required documentation for jail access.

  • Personal vehicle required to attend meetings/seminars in other locations and for pickup and delivery of miscellaneous documents.

Starting Wage: $23.46/Hour plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Wage Range: $23.46 - $30.61/Hour plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits:

  • 13 Paid holidays

  • 2 Weeks accrued paid vacation annually

  • Paid accumulated Sick Leave

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)

  • Flexible Savings Arrangement (FSA)

  • Employer paid Group Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

  • Employer paid Long Term Disability (LTD)

  • Wellness Programs

    • Partial Reimbursement for Gym/Fitness Center membership or monthly dues.

    • Smoking Cessation Assistance.

    • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

    • Guidance Resources on topics such as health and wellness, legal regulations, money and investments, etc.

    • Life Assistance Program: Similar to an EAP.

    • Well-being Coaching.

    • Financial Connect: financial planning expertise.

  • Additional Group Term Life Insurance and AD&D options available

  • 401(K) Savings Plan with Employer Matching Contribution and Annual Base Contribution

  • Individual Retirement Account (IRA) option also available

  • Accident Insurance

  • Identity Protection coverage available

  • Tuition Assistance Program

  • Up to 80 Hours Paid Jury Duty Leave

  • Paid Bereavement Leave

  • Many other optional coverages are available through a local partner (Cancer Care, Short Term Disability, Hospital Insurance, etc.)

Please apply on our website at . To be considered for this position, you must apply on our website and include all of the following documents: Cover Letter, Resume and a People for People Application. Only complete application packets will be considered.

Position Closing Date: (May remain open until filled)

People For People is an equal opportunity employer/program and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, disability, sex, marital status, age, or any other protected status covered by the federal or state law. Please let People For People know if you need of a reasonable accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job or to participate in the application process. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay Service 711.

People For People

Attention: HR

304 West Lincoln Avenue

Yakima, WA 98902