About Us: SADO is an independent state government criminal defense legal agency with offices in Detroit and Lansing. We represent indigent individuals convicted of felonies throughout Michigan. We believe strongly in human dignity and its potential as a force for change in the criminal legal system. We seek to provide everyone we represent the quality defense that the constitution demands and that they deserve. Our fifty-plus staff members form a community with a mission to fight injustice through access, advocacy, compassion, and education.

Position Summary: Project Reentry is a unit of SADO whose mission is to help individuals obtain sentencing relief, obtain parole, and to successfully return to and stay in the community after incarceration. Project Reentry Team members develop reentry plans for people with pending appellate cases, prepare individuals for parole, and provide post-incarceration guidance and assistance to people as they come home. The Reentry and Parole Team Lead coordinates the work of the Project Reentry team members and interns and the daily operations of the project. Reentry and parole work will at times require reimbursable travel and may require working outside of traditional workdays or hours if needed. The Team Lead will have reentry and parole caseload responsibilities focused on helping individuals within SADO’s Juvenile Lifer Unit.

Those who are just starting or who are mid-level could earn from $49,000 to $57,000 annually, depending on experience. Successful team members will earn up to $73,000 through annual pay increases.

• Maintain own caseload and produce Comprehensive Reentry Plans (CRPs) and provide parole preparation and post-release support as needed
• Process reentry referrals received from attorneys, prioritize referrals by deadline, assign reentry referrals to team members, track assignments and case status, and balance team caseloads
• Assist team members and interns with video visits, client follow-up, and generally advise team throughout the development of CRPs and post-release processes
• Coordinate transition team meetings with the Michigan Department of Corrections
• Attend community meetings relating to reentry and criminal legal system issues and establish connections with service providers and community members
• Collaborate with outside agencies and service providers to link helpful services to people coming home
• Maintain regular contact with the people we represent to communicate opportunities, events, news, and to foster sense of community support
• Oversee internal projects, such as the reentry newsletter, guidebook, workshops, intern programs, and new initiatives
• Train and guide new project team members, including interns
• Inform and develop strategies that will sustain and support the mission of the project

This list may not be all inclusive and the responsibilities may change if needed.

Employment Qualifications: Individuals who are formerly incarcerated and who have personally experienced the reentry transition are preferred. Those who have professional experience working with incarcerated or formerly incarcerated people or other vulnerable populations, or those with an LMSW, or with specialized knowledge of the Michigan Department of Corrections are also strongly encouraged to apply.

BENEFITS:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• 401k plan with up to a 9% employer contribution
• 12 paid holidays
• 3 weeks of paid vacation in year one
• Paid sick time and, for eligible employees, paid parental leave
• Long-term disability insurance
• Flexible work hours
• Hybrid work environment (remote/office)
• Paid training opportunities

To Apply Submit your resume and cover letter to Human Resources at hr@sado.org by March 11, 2022. The cover letter should address why you want to do this work, why you are qualified to do the work, and anything else you think we should know.

SADO is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals with past involvement in the criminal legal system or who have loved ones impacted by the system are strongly encouraged to apply, as are people of color, women, people of the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities.

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