Implementing The Life Line Concept: Report Of The Task Force On Long Term Offenders

Appendix A - Model Scope Of Work And Qualifications For In-Reach Workers

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

The In-Reach Worker will;

1. Establish contact with newly sentenced of re-admitted lifers during the reception and initial placement stage of their sentence.

2. Actively encourage individual lifers to contribute to the management of their own sentences by informing them of the programs available, the case management process, and other appropriate resources in institutions and in the community; and by encouraging offenders' meaningful participation in conditional release programs for which they are eligible.

3. Maintain a regular interview and contact schedule with lifers and provide encouragement and advice throughout their sentences.

4. Maintain ongoing liaison with case management staff and keep up-to-date on Correctional Service of Canada and National Parole Board policies in order to assist in the co-ordination of the lifer's treatment plan, productive use of institutional time, preparation for release and reintegration into the community.

5. Assist lifers with preparation for legal hearings and, by mutual consent, attend or participate in such hearings.

6. Participate in education and awareness sessions for Correctional Service of Canada and National Parole Board staff and managers, community organizations and the general public.

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:

In-Reach Workers are employed and supervised by their sponsoring society.

REPORTING REQUIREMENTS:

The In-Reach Worker is expected to

• maintain appropriate records that will document the worker's client contact schedule, progress notes, and consultations;
• provide the sponsoring society with monthly activity records and time sheets;
• provide the sponsoring agency with an annual report that summarizes the year's activities, including the caseload served, number of interviews, Parole Board hearings attended, case conferences, etc.

SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES:

1. Conduct information sessions to inform lifers, Correctional Service of Canada staff, and community agencies about the In-Reach program, the worker's role, the services available to lifers, and the methods of referral.

2. Conduct client interviews in institutions for the purpose of identifying client skills and interests.

3. Assess client needs and provide direction.

4. Provide clients with ongoing support and advice that will enable them to adjust to the daily realities of institutional life and acceptance of their sentence.

5. Motivate clients to take an active role in the management of their sentences and promote the concept of correctional career planning.

6. Act as an advocate for clients to assist them in accessing programs, training, and other opportunities for personal growth.

7. Develop information packages on matters of critical importance or interest to those serving life sentences, paying particular attention to changes in legislation or policy.

8. Assist clients to prepare for transfers and various forms of conditional release.

9. Provide support and assistance to clients in obtaining and participating in Temporary Absence programs.

10. Assist offenders to ensure documentation, such as letters of support, written reports, etc. is submitted in accordance with established deadlines.

11. Provide ongoing liaison with Correctional Service of Canada, National Parole Board, aftercare agencies and other organizations necessary for client support.

12. Participate in Parole hearings and Judicial Reviews and assist clients in dealing with the decisions of such hearings.

13. Act, when requested by the client, as a contact liaison with client families.

14. Participate in a public education program in order to promote better public understanding, acceptance, and support for released lifers.

15. Liaise with the administrations of institutions for the purpose of developing programs and promoting participation.

16. Participate in training and development programs.

QUALIFICATIONS

In-Reach Workers should:

• be lifers or long term offenders who have demonstrated successful reintegration by responsible, crime-free living in the community while on full parole for a minimum of five years;
• be accepted and recognized by the Correctional Service of Canada, National Parole Board, other lifers, and the community as a responsible role model;
• demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the needs of long term offenders during the incarceration and community phases of their sentences, as well as a knowledge of the correctional system;
• possess effective verbal and written communication skills;
• demonstrate the ability to work both independently and within a team;
• demonstrate the willingness to conform to the rules governing the operation of Correctional Service of Canada institutions, Escorted and Unescorted Temporary Absences and parole supervision; and
• be eligible for enhanced reliability security screening.

Training and/or experience in the field of social sciences, communications, or community development is advantageous but not a prerequisite.

HOURS OF WORK

In-Reach Workers, because of the nature and scope of the work, will be required to work irregular schedules that include evening and weekend activities.