• Join the State Appellate Defender Office as a Reentry Specialist in our Detroit or Lansing office.  The Reentry Specialist will be a part of SADO’s Project Reentry (PR) and will provide reentry planning and parole preparation support to indigent individuals on direct appeal and to juvenile lifers and other individuals entitled to resentencing from unconstitutional sentences.

    • Process referrals received from attorneys, prioritize referrals by deadline, track assignments and case status
    • Conduct needs assessments through in-person and/or video visits with clients
    • Develop individualized Comprehensive Reentry Plans (CRPs) for clients
    • Provide client coaching in preparation for parole, re-sentencings, or other hearings, which may include attending parole hearings on a client’s behalf
    • Interview and coordinate with members of the client’s support network, social service providers, parole officers, employers, or housing providers
    • Provide post-incarceration support to individuals coming home from incarceration, which includes locating and connecting clients to direct-service providers
    • Identify and help solve non-legal issues faced by clients while incarcerated, such as providing guidance through distressing periods of time
    • Maintain meaningful relationships with clients from the time they are assigned approximately 12-24 months after coming home
    • Inform and develop strategies that will sustain and support the mission of Project Reentry by collaborating with team members and the PR Team Lead
    • Responsible for all necessary clerical duties for individual work, including case management on SADO’s cloud-based networks, mailing materials to clients, and staying in regular communication with SADO clients, attorneys, and mitigation specialists
    • Assist in developing and maintaining PR resources and events, including workshops, newsletters, and guidebooks
    Requirements
    • Experience working with vulnerable populations in the criminal legal system, especially those incarcerated or formerly incarcerated
    • Knowledge of Michigan Department of Corrections processes and procedures
    • Excellent communication and organizational skills
    • Experience using computers and word processing programs including Microsoft and the ability to become proficient in other programs
    To Apply Submit a resume and a cover letter via email by May 25, 2025, to hr@sado.org and include “Job ID 2025-08” in the subject line.  Applications without a resume and cover letter will not be considered.   The cover letter should address the reasons underlying your interest in working with Project Reentry and explain your commitment to working with incarcerated people and people convicted of crimes.  Please also state your preferred worksite - Detroit or Lansing.
    Job Contact
    Janet Boswell
    313.256.9833 hr@sado.org