Outreach Worker

Title:                           Outreach Worker    

Unit:                           Admissions

Reports to:                 Director of Contracts, Reporting & Data

Status:                         Full Time; Regular; Non-Exempt

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

Location:                    5 Boros & Long Island City, Queens Service Center

Days/Hours:               Monday - Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, flexibility needed depending on program 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:

Responsible for successfully conducting outreach (including disseminating outreach materials) throughout 5 boroughs and help individuals apply for SNAP and other benefits or manage existing benefit cases. Must be willing to work weekends as needed.

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.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent The Fortune Society and its core services in a professional manner at a variety of health fairs, community events, farmer’s markets, etc.;

• Collaboratively work with other community-based organizations to link participants with SNAP and other benefits as needed;

• Must handout printed materials to individuals or to groups as part of presentations;

• Attend monthly SNAP taskforce meetings or any trainings related to SNAP eligibility;

• Follow a weekly field schedule from supervisor and provide daily and accurate reports of areas covered;

• Maintain inventory of outreach materials used in the field and accurately report to supervisor the specifics about materials used and areas covered;

• Able to identify potentially SNAP eligible individuals or households;

• Able to effectively organize and present information in group settings both formal and informal;

• Find/research outside organizations to network with to schedule presentations;

• Able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively;

• Provide real time actionable recommendations on how to maximize outcomes for the program; and

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bilingual: English/Spanish or English/Mandarin;
• Previous outreach experience preferred;
• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Knowledge of entitlements & eligibility (specifically SNAP in NYC);
• Clear and concise communication skills, verbal and written;
• Basic computer skills, text messaging, e-mailing and internet navigation;
• Able to provide partner feedback to supervisor;
• Ability to find addresses, read maps, and arrive at specific locations in a timely 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.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to carry printed outreach materials and work outside. Able to stand in one location or walk around a specific area.
• Travel as required (with printed materials) to conduct outreach throughout the 5 boroughs.

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.

Salary : $25