Temporary Community Engagement Specialist

Title: Temporary Community Engagement Specialist                            

Unit: Supervised Release Program

Position Length: This is a temporary position with the possibility of becoming permanent     

Reports to: Community Engagement Specialist Supervisor                        

Status: Full time; Temporary; Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $27.48 - $30.22 per hour [Approximately $50,000-$55,000 annually]                   

Location: 502 East 163^rd Street Bronx, NY 10451 (within all SRP Bronx location)                      

Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 9AM-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 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:

Supervised Release offers an alternative to jail, providing pretrial supervision, case management, and voluntary social services to people charged with misdemeanor and non-violent felony offenses. Program participants are monitored to ensure their appearance at court dates, and they receive referrals to community-based programming. Under the Supervised Release Program (SRP), the Community Engagement Specialist (CES) will provide engagement of SRP participants, focusing primarily on clients who require additional supports to remain compliant with program mandates. Engagement strategies may include warm hand-offs, arranging transportation or other services to facilitate access, text messages or phone calls outside of mandated check-ins, and coffee/snack purchases for clients to facilitate trust-building.

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.

Communication/Human Services

The CM must be able to communicate effectively, with internal and external program staff, and participants. The CM must be able to maintain communication with these entities to ensure their clients are being assisted in a timely and effective manner. Ability to manage a high level of multi-taskings, managing well under-pressure, ability to manage emotional response, capable of providing innovative resources, and strong ability to use de-escalation tactics while remaining motivational.

Time Management/Administrative Skills 

The CM will receive many referrals, sometimes at one time, and must provide up to date and accurate information to the Court Advocates and CM Supervisors on their client’s progress and participation. The CM must maintain communication with these internal staff as well as any parties overseeing voluntary services that their clients are enrolled in. Additionally, the CM will need to conduct client screenings, and field calls from active clients and internal and external program staff. Prioritizing the above is imperative in being able to manage the work. The CM will need Efficient Typing Skills, Strong software skills – knowledge of Microsoft word, excel, SharePoint, office suite exc, attention to detail, writing – documenting clear and concise accurate case notes.

Problem Solving/ Knowledge of Court and Conduct

The CM has the unique responsibility of being the main point of contact for the client, and sometimes the most trusted; they are at the forefront of managing a client’s needs and must be equipped with the ability to problem solve when issues arise. Comprehension of pretrial services, court-based compliance measures, and proper reporting and documentation procedures. Fortune programming and proper court conduct and etiquette

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Community navigation and advocacy to increase access to services and other support systems.
• Work closely with case management and social work teams to identify community barriers to returning to court or maintaining supervision schedule.
• Maintain partnerships with community-based organizations that provide voluntary services to participants.
• Complete all necessary documentation and input data into case management database in a timely manner.
• Provide escorts to participants for court appearances and service providers (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 voluntary services;
• Assistance with reentry from the criminal justice system.
• Attend and participate in all necessary SRP meetings, conferences, and trainings;
• Engage in his/her own ongoing professional development; and
• Additional responsibilities as required.
• Provide Mentoring services. 
• Providing services to general 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

• Applicants preferred to be a fully certified Peer Specialist or be willing to train as one, have some lived experience;
• High school diploma or equivalency preferred;
• Preferred to have a valid Driver’s License;
• Bilingual in 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.

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.

Salary : $27 - $30