Fortune Food Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Unit:                            Court Advocacy                     

Reports to:              Queens County Reentry Taskforce Coordinator                  

Status:                      Full Time; Regular, Non-Exempt

Salary Range:          $24.73 per hour (approximately 45,000 annually)                      

Location:                   Long Island City, NY       

Days/Hours:             Monday to Friday 9:00am -5:00 pm. Some evening hours are necessary depending on the program's needs.

Organization Overview:

The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 57 years in service to our mission: to support successful reentry from incarceration and promote alternatives to incarceration, thus strengthening the fabric of our communities. The organization has evolved into one of the nation’s preeminent reentry and justice-informed service organizations, providing formerly incarcerated people with the skills and wrap-around services needed to break the cycle of crime and incarceration and to build productive lives in their communities.

Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency with close to $90 million in annual budget with just under 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and depth of service. Fortune has a dual mission: both advocacy and service. The advocacy portion of our mission focuses on building a more just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers to reentry into society. The service side of Fortune has evolved to encompass a broad range of programs that started with employment and education and now includes a robust array of services, among them: alternatives to incarceration, supervised release, court advocacy, discharge planning within correctional facilities, licensed substance use and mental health treatment, a housing continuum ranging from emergency and transitional through permanent congregate and scattered site housing, assistance in obtaining benefits, a care management unit, HIV services, a food and nutrition program, and an arts program. Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve. Fortune currently serves approximately 14,000 people a year. Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation. We have locations in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.

Position Summary:

The NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) funds the County Re-entry Task Force (CRTF) initiative to provide re-entry services to individuals released from prison and supervised by the NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS). CRTFs prioritize individuals assessed as moderate to high risk of recidivism and help them to address their stabilization and criminogenic needs to support successful re-entry and reintegration into the community. CRTFs collaborate with DOCCS and community service providers and focus on stabilization needs, service coordination and the provision of evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions and/or employment readiness programs. Under the Queens County Reentry Taskforce (QCRTF), the Community Engagement Specialist (CES) will provide engagement of QCRTF participants, focusing primarily on clients who require additional support to remain stable in the community and compliant with parole mandates. Engagement strategies may include warm hand-offs, arranging transportation or other services to facilitate access, home visits, text messages or phone calls outside of case management sessions, and provision of resources such as food, hygiene kits, emergency clothing, etc.

Core Competencies:

Mission and Fit: Embodies Fortune’s mission and values and will be an effective member of the team in furthering both. The candidate should exhibit compassion and understanding for our participants (wherever they are in their re-entry process) and embrace Fortune’s core value that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Attention to Detail

The CES must demonstrate competency to develop systems and processes to organize and keep track of information or work progress; is routinely conscientious, thorough, accurate and reliable when performing and completing tasks; and recognizes trends, detects inconsistencies, and determines essential details.

Collaboration

The CES must collaborate and coordinate with QCRTF staff and stakeholders to provide support to participants in need of more intensive services. Additionally, the CES must collaborate with external service providers where individuals are receiving services to ensure coordinated care.

Case Management

Experience providing individualized case management services, including needs assessment, service planning, and resource linkage for diverse populations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Community navigation and advocacy to increase access to services and other support systems;
• Work closely with case management to identify community barriers to receiving services and complying with parole mandates;
• Conduct home visits as needed to enhance engagement in services;
• Maintain partnerships with community-based organizations that provide services to participants;
• Complete all necessary documentation and input data into case management database in a timely manner;
• Provide escorts to participants for services (e.g. substance use, mental health, GED, job training, benefits, etc.);
• Facilitate psychoeducational and skills development group sessions;
• Peer mentoring, role modeling and assistance in developing coping skills;
• Education on and support with accessing services;
• Attend and participate in all necessary QCRTF meetings, conferences, and training;
• Engage in his/her own ongoing professional development; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency required;
• Must have a valid Driver’s License preferred;
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office;
• Ability to work independently and on a team;
• Able to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a culturally competent manner;
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We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Physical Demands:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.