NDCS licensed social workers provide reentry assistance to individuals who display one or more risk factors, such as major mental illness, history of sex offenses, history of violent offenses, history of chronic substance abuse or serious and chronic medical conditions.
The primary role of the social worker is to assist with discharge planning, serve as a resource and consultant to other NDCS staff members and to provide mental health services to incarcerated individuals as needed. They provide a variety of services, including: assistance with obtaining Social Security, Medicaid, food stamp benefits, identification documents, veteran's assistance; securing appropriate living arrangements; arranging medical appointments; and providing information on community resources.