Group Facilitator
About The Position
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 just under $79 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 14,000 people a year. Our participant 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. Under the supervision of the Team Leader (Operations Supervisor), the Group Facilitator will be responsible for conducting evidence-based workforce-readiness workshops, assessing the work readiness skills of participants, providing administrative support regarding enrollments and client follow-up. The Group Facilitator will administer these workshops in NYC and NYS Department of Corrections and Community Supervision facilities and in the community at our main office location. Group Facilitators will also assist with conducting individual assessments to complete service plans to support with transition to community. The candidate 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. The candidate encourages and promotes a classroom environment in which all individual differences are valued, respected, and welcome. They promote helpful, behavioral specific feedback, both positive and corrective, to participants on performance and engagement. Group facilitators reinforce efforts and check on participant progress. Group facilitators will explain, demonstrate, and reinforce expected behaviors, knowledge, and skills. The candidate is committed to supporting participants through comprehensive pre-and post-incarceration services. They consistently demonstrate exceptional customer service and empathy while working to address and resolve participants’ concerns. The candidate expresses disagreement constructively (e.g. by emphasizing points of agreement, suggesting alternatives that may be acceptable to the group). They also have an ability to work effectively with others to ensure participants receive necessary support to thrive in the work readiness workshop. Group Facility will need to collaborate with Case Managers to effectively support them in managing their case and ensure attention to coordination in care for other wrap-around services needed.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- A minimum of 2 years of professional experience training, counseling, providing workforce development services, or instruction
- Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to travel independently to state prisons, with travel time ranging from one to two hours, at their own expense, using their personal vehicle
- Ability to work a flexible schedule
- Skilled communicator who is able to liaise interdepartmentally as well as with community partners and stakeholders
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Outlook and Office 365
- Ability to apply skills learned from prior work experience (or formal academic training in a related subject area) to the day-to-day project activities
- Demonstrate success in being participant-centered and self-motivated with excellent relationship skill
- Ability to work independently and on a team
- Ability to secure NYS DOCCS and NYC DOCS volunteer services clearance
- Experience and/or desire to work with a diverse population
Nice To Haves
- Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work, psychology, counseling, human services or education preferred
- Bilingual in Spanish preferred
- Experience with job readiness and/or cognitive behavioral curricula facilitation including Thinking for a Change, Breaking Barriers, Ready, Set, Work Interactive Journaling, or similar curricula preferable
- Familiarity with the Fair Chance Act a plus
- Relevant personal experience is a plus
Responsibilities
- Collaboratively work with team (including DOCCS, DOCS personnel) and management to implement innovative and engaging interdisciplinary, interactive, and experiential learning activities in the workshops, including job readiness skills and life skills related to the development and enhancement of pre-employment competencies
- Assist participants in developing a Work Readiness Portfolio which includes a resume, sample application, cover letter, thank you letter, reference sheet (professional/personal), and a mock interview evaluation form
- Conduct cognitive behavioral interventions as prescribed by cognitive behavioral curricula in adherence with the program model
- Conduct activities to improve motivation and communication skills of job-seeking participants
- Monitor, report, and document participants’ attendance, progress towards goals, and overall class performance
- Engage in regular participant case conferences and planning meetings with staff
- Implement systems for assisting participants in learning skills necessary for success in the workplace
- Notify supervisor of participant-specific or program issues and problems with regard to the soft skills training program or participant transition
- Assist with orientation, screening, assessments, mock interviews, retention, client follow up, recruitment and job development activities
- Collaboratively work with volunteers to support mock interviews
- Maintain both physical and digital participant files; maintain cohort and individual fellow folders in SharePoint and CRM systems, Caseworthy and WIPS
- Complete all necessary documentation and input data into case management database in a timely manner
- Collaborate with internal departments as needed
- Attend and participate in all necessary meetings, conferences, and training
- Engage in one's own ongoing professional development
- Additional responsibilities as required
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
