Description

Title: Queens County Reentry Taskforce Community Engagement Specialist

Unit: Admissions

Reports to: Queens County Reentry Taskforce Coordinator

Status: Full Time; Regular, Non-Exempt

Salary: $45,000 

Location: Long Island City, NY

Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. Some evening hours will be necessary depending on program needs.

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 supports 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.

Mission, Culture and Fit

The CES must embody the values and mission of the Fortune Society. This includes meeting our participants where they are, demonstrating our values through compassion and understanding; and affirming 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 job 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.

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 trainings;
• Engage in his/her own ongoing professional development; and
• Additional responsibilities as required.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalency required;
• Must have a valid Driver’s License;
• 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;

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: Travel throughout the Bronx is 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 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.