Community & Incarcerated Family Engagement Specialist

Community & Incarcerated Family Engagement Specialist

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $28.58 - $47.86 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Staci Ditzer | snditzer@utah.gov | 801-545-5511
Application Deadline – 7/26/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

Purpose: This specialist role develops engagement, trust, and communication among key groups, including incarcerated individuals, their families, inmate advocates, and community organizations. The position ensures transparency, accessibility, and meaningful collaboration to improve corrections operations and outcomes.

How This Position Serves the UDC:
As a core function of the Stakeholder Experience Team, this position is critical because it:
Prioritizes Incarcerated Families: Ensures accessibility so that families have clear access to vital information 
Builds Trust: Maintains transparency with incarcerated individuals and families and addresses concerns. 
Improves Collaboration: Facilitates community awareness programs that bridge the gap between the department and the community 
1. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
Maintain open communication channels with incarcerated individuals, families, victim advocates, and community organizations.
Organize public forums, listening sessions, and stakeholder committees to address concerns and gather feedback.
Inform stakeholders regarding departmental policies, programs, and services.
Supervise the Constituent Services specialist to manage and resolve correspondence.
Plan and manage family and stakeholder-related projects and programs.
Prepare project plans, recommendations, and findings reports.
2. Incarcerated Individual & Family Support
Oversee family engagement programs, ensuring accessibility to information on visitation, inmate services, and the grievance process.
Manage services for handling complaints regarding facility conditions.
Respond to family or constituent concerns 
Enhance family reunification efforts through improved visitation policies, parenting support programs, and virtual communication options.
Provide enrichment opportunities, including educational programs, vocational workshops, and creative initiatives.
Oversee the Incarcerated Individual Advisory Committees at correctional facilities; track issues, resolutions, and survey results.
Facilitate ongoing support and communication for both inmates and their families.
3. Community Outreach & Program Management
Plan and manage community programs such as the Citizens Academy and the High School Career Opportunity Program.
Develop initiatives that engage the community in the mission and work of the UDC.
Monitor contracts with affiliated community groups.
Coordinate events to foster community involvement.
Foster external partnerships with philanthropic organizations, professional athletes, and other influential figures to enhance and enrich the lives of the incarcerated individuals and contribute to the goals of successful reentry and support institutional safety 
4. Administrative Responsibilities
Process and review documentation for accuracy, completeness, and policy compliance.
Draft professional correspondence, reports, and other written materials.
Collaborate cross-divisionally with directors and chiefs to ensure alignment on stakeholder initiatives.

Qualifications

The most successful candidate will be a compassionate, highly organized communicator who excels at building bridges between diverse groups. They possess a deep commitment to restorative practices, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and the strategic foresight to translate constituent feedback into actionable policy improvements.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field or equivalent experience.
Three or more years of experience in correctional programs, community outreach, social services, or stakeholder engagement.

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working directly with incarcerated populations and their families.
Demonstrated experience facilitating public forums, listening sessions, or stakeholder committees.
Strong understanding of restorative justice practices and principles.
Experience in policy development, constituent services, or program management.
Proven ability to foster cross-divisional collaboration and build external partnerships.

About the Role

Location –
14717 S Minuteman Drive
Draper, Utah, 84020
United States
Background Check Required – A comprehensive background investigation, which may include a polygraph, may be required.
Drug Test Required – Yes
Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization. 
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals. 
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency

The Utah Department of Corrections as a dedicated team of professionals ensures public safety by effectively managing offenders while maintaining close collaboration with partner agencies and the community. Our team is devoted to providing maximum opportunities for offenders to make lasting changes through accountability, treatment, education, and positive reinforcement within a safe environment.

For additional information about the Utah Department of Corrections please go to this link. http://www.corrections.utah.gov/

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.