Certified Peer Navigator

FORTUNE SOCIETY INC • New York, NY

4d • $30 - $30 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune), in partnership with Community Healthcare Network (CHN), is seeking a Certified Peer Navigator (CRPA) for an Evening Shift position. This role will provide court and community-based, person-centered, voluntary support for individuals released back into the community after arraignment at Brooklyn Criminal Court or from other Brooklyn court parts. The program operates Wednesday through Sunday, with the CRPA working from 2:00 PM to 10:00 PM. This initiative requires in-court collaboration between Fortune's court advocates, peer navigators, and court stakeholders, as well as a direct connection to the clinical professionals on the mobile medical unit (MMU) operated by CHN. The CRPA will engage participants in initial screenings and assessments, identify medical, mental, and social determinants of health needs, and work with the care manager to determine the appropriate level of care. Peer engagement strategies include accompanying individuals to hospitals/detox facilities/pharmacies, arranging transportation, and providing immediate resources like food and clothing.

Requirements

• CRPA, CRPA-P and/or OMH Peer certification required.
• Prior experience working as a peer required.
• Must be available for the duration of the CBHV Program.
• High school diploma or equivalency required.
• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule.
• Ability to work independently and on a team.
• Able to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a culturally competent manner.
• Knowledge of criminal legal system & populations, housing, case management, substance use and addictive behaviors, mental health and criminal legal with clientele.
• Exceptional organizational skills/attention to detail and outstanding project management skills.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a deadline-driven environment, juggling multiply priorities.
• Exceptional strategic thinking ability and the ability to serve as a thought leader within the organization as an integral part of the executive team.
• Strong knowledge of and respect within the service community and related government agencies.
• A commitment to the mission of The Fortune Society.

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience navigating homelessness, mental health, and/or substance use treatment, and/or criminal legal system a plus.
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.
• Skills in Microsoft Office and database applications are a plus.
• Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Work with defense attorneys and other court stakeholders to screen and engage individuals coming out of the arraignment courts who may have immediate medical or mental health needs.
• Complete baseline needs assessments on-site and coordinate with the Fortune care manager and/or MMU clinical team to determine the immediate level of care required.
• Obtain consents for service, check insurance status and gather baseline demographic information to be shared with care team.
• Identify whether the individual requires additional supportive services such as medication assistance/linkage to ongoing healthcare, connections to detox or other rehabilitative services, food pantry assistance, or housing screenings, and ensuring those connections/referrals are made.
• Provide escorts to emergency services as needed.
• Coordinate with service providers to facilitate, follow-up, and assist participants with voluntary service referrals and engagement.
• Complete all necessary documentation and input data into case management database in a timely manner.
• Encourage and support full engagement in services, providing outreach and assistance in overcoming barriers to treatment.
• Model and share effective coping strategies.
• Attend and participate in all necessary program meetings, conferences, and trainings.
• Engage in his/her own ongoing professional development.
• May require travel to other sites across NYC for program oversight, partner meetings, trainings, etc.
• Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency with over $90 million in annual budget with approximately 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 18,000 people a year.
• Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation.
• We have locations in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED