Reentry Case Manager Jobs in Paramus, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Title: Case Manager

Unit: MOC-J Emergency Transitional Housing Program

Report to: Program Director       

Salary Range: $28.57 - $30.22 per hour (approximately $52,000 - $55,000 annually)

Status: Full Time; Regular; Non-Exempt

Location: Freedom House II (381 Rockaway Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212)                     

Days/Hours: Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm

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 participant population mirrors the incarcerated population in being approximately 85% male and over 90% people of color. 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 Case Manager will be responsible for screening, assessing, counseling, and linking homeless and formerly incarcerated participants with mental illness, substance use, and/or HIV/AIDS histories to appropriate transitional and permanent housing.

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 cultural value so that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Communication: Case Manager must actively listen to participants to fully understand their housing needs, concerns, and potential barriers. This skill is essential in building trust, ensuring appropriate referrals, and developing effective housing plans tailored to everyone’s situation.

Resourcefulness: Case Manager should possess a strong understanding of a wide range of housing programs, subsidies, and resources, including those offered by government agencies and non-profit organizations. This knowledge enables them to guide participants through the housing process, make appropriate referrals, and advocate effectively on their behalf.

Engagement: Demonstrates active listening skills by using empathy and reflection to effectively engage a diverse client population. Apply high-quality, evidence-informed engagement strategies to address client needs, while exhibiting strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful connections.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake interviews and needs assessments of newly released individuals and clients eligible for transitional housing services;
• Create individualized treatment plans for each client. Document all client services, including successful and unsuccessful outreach attempts;
• Conduct crisis intervention with clients, as needed;
• Effectively collaborate internally within all Fortune Society departments to ensure ongoing communication and quality care;
• Follow-up with referral agencies regarding client progress;
• Assist and prepare documents for permanent housing placement;
• Submit completed packets to the Housing Specialist;
• Perform and document room inspections;
• Mediate issues that may affect the physical and mental health of the clients;
• Assist clients in obtaining all necessary documentation to facilitate benefits application process;
• Complete and submit clients’ application to appropriate benefits provider agency (e.g., HRA, Social Security);
• Provide ongoing counseling, supportive services needed to achieve goals stated in client treatment plan;
• Facilitate support groups and community meetings;
• Enter all client services in the agency’s proprietary database, as well as in the appropriate contract funder databases, if applicable;
• Prepare and submit reports on client intake and discharge activities.
   

Qualifications:

• High school diploma/GED required; some college preferred
• Minimum of two years’ experience working with individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS, substance use, and/or criminal justice involvement
• Experience serving clients, at-risk youth, and other disenfranchised populations (individuals in recovery are encouraged to apply)
• Strong organizational, follow-up, and leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and related computer applications
• Ability to motivate disenfranchised populations to engage with and obtain needed social services
• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record

We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission.  Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Travel Requirements: This position requires weekly on-site availability and travel to various Fortune housing and program locations as required.

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 accommodation 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,  , sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predispose genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.