Social Worker

FORTUNE SOCIETY INC•New York, NY

24d•$70,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Social Worker hired for this role will support The Fortune Society’s Pre and Post-Release Transitional Services Program. The Social Worker will engage with the Transitional Services Program team and participants enrolled in the program with the goal of destigmatizing mental health and substance use treatment through the use of psychoeducation, brief clinical intervention, and assistance with referrals to additional support. The Social Worker will support the Transitional Service staff by consulting about the needs of specific high-risk participants. Additionally, the Social Worker will be responsible for facilitating wellness groups both in the community and in Rikers Island for people returning home from New York City Jails to heal, create community, and provide a supportive environment.

Requirements

Masters in Social Work Required
Conduct behavioral services using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help address patterns of risk, violence and trauma.
At least 2 years of experience working with justice-involved clients
At least 2 years of experience facilitating groups and individual sessions
Familiar with barriers that previously incarcerated individuals face in reentry and how to navigate them
Proficient in Microsoft Office computer applications, especially Word, Outlook and Excel
Strong verbal, writing, listening and negotiating skills
Ability to take initiative, be dependable, resourceful and able to pay keen attention to detail
Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities at the same time in a time-sensitive manner
Ability to obtain and maintain NYC Department of Correction Volunteer Services Clearance
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and serving individuals impacted by the criminal legal system
Ability to maintain professionalism, sound judgment, and composure in fast-paced and high-pressure environments

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency preferred
Driver’s license a plus
Relevant personal experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Interview participants in the RISE program in Rikers Island and the Community; coordinates and plans program activities to meet their social and emotional needs after their release;
Collaborate with RISE and Department of Correction (DOC) staff to identify high needs and high-risk participants;
Assist with external or internal referrals for substance use and mental health services as needed;
Provide brief interventions and short-term support for participants in need;
Provide crisis intervention when necessary;
Initiate/facilitate inter-agency collaboration including identifying the need for case conferences about shared clients and to ensure providers are not duplicating services;
Cultivate and maintain relationships with other staff members in the RISE department and within Fortune to understand participant trends and needs;
Participate in RISE department weekly staff meetings to inform staff of observations from participant interactions;
As needed, maintain ongoing communication and follow up with other parties involved in participant’s success (e.g. Transition Coordinators/Mentors, Employment Specialists, referrals sources, partner agencies);
When appropriate, offer referrals to appropriate community-based organizations, advocacy firms, and governmental agencies who can provide support;
Maintain accurate records and logs and complete all required reporting information;
Perform other duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.