Temporary Community Engagement Specialist
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 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.
Requirements
- 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.
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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
High school or GED
