Description

Title: Peer Navigator (Day Shift)

Unit: Court Advocacy – Court-Based Navigator Program

Reports to: Peer Navigator Supervisor (Day)

Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Salary: $50,000

Location: Manhattan Criminal Court and Fortune’s West Harlem Location

Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm and alternate weekends

Organization Overview:

The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 54 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 just under $60 million in annual budget with just under 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and in 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 11,000 people a year. Our client 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.

Position Overview

The Court-Based Navigator Program offers peer-led voluntary services to individuals released from arraignments on their own recognizance or having had their case(s) disposed of. Peer Navigators, with lived experience will provide short-and-long term resources and referrals to services to assist in reentry and stability. Peer engagement strategies may include warm hand-offs to internal or external services for behavioral health treatment, housing, employment, etc., arranging transportation to needed services, and/or providing immediate resources like food, clothing, etc.

Mission, Culture and Fit

The Peer Navigator 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 Peer Navigator must demonstrate competency todevelop 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 Peer Navigator must collaborate and coordinate with Case Managers and Social Workers to provide care and support to those who are in need of higher levels of supervision. Additionally, the Peer Navigator Supervisor will need to collaborate with external providers where individuals are receiving voluntary services to ensure coordinated care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Community navigation and advocacy to increase access to services and other support systems;
• 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 service referrals to individuals, to help address issues such as substance use, mental health, trauma, domestic violence, housing, and employment/vocational needs, among others;
• Provide escorts to participants for court appearances and service providers
• Coordinate with service providers to facilitate, follow-up, and assist participants with voluntary service referrals and service uptake;
• 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 Court-Based Navigator meetings, and trainings;
• Engage in his/her own ongoing professional development; and
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Lived experience navigating homelessness, mental health, and/or substance use treatment, and/or criminal justice system;
• Must be available for the duration of the Court-Based Navigator Program;
• Must have a valid Driver’s License;
• Bilingual Spanish-English speakers a plus;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule;
• Skills in Microsoft Office and database applications are a plus;
• 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 the mission of the Fortune Society

Travel Requirements: Position requires travel to other program sites within Manhattan/NYC

Physical Demands (if applicable):

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.