Case Manager

Title: Case Manager
Unit: Scattered Site Housing (OMH)
Report to: Program Manager
Salary Range: $32.97 per hour (approximately $60,000 annually)
Status: Full Time; Regular; Non-Exempt
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (Requires at least one late day)

Organization Overview:

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 nations 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 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. We have locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

Scope of Position:

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Case Manager will provide supportive services to formerly homeless adults including seniors, veterans, medically frail individuals, and those with a forensic history who have been diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) and reside in apartment treatment program.

Core Competencies

Mission and Fit:

Embodies Fortunes mission and fit, and will be an effective member of the team in furthering both. The candidate should exhibit compassion and understanding for our participants (wherever they are in their re-entry process) and embrace Fortunes core cultural value so that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Client-Centered:

The Case Manager must provide unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness to foster self-actualization and personal growth, rather than act as a directing authority.

Resourceful:

The Case Manager should possess a strong understanding of a wide range of housing programs, subsidies, and resources, including those offered by government agencies and non-profit organizations. This knowledge enables them to guide participants through the housing process, make appropriate referrals, and advocate effectively on their behalf.

Engagement:

The Case Manager must demonstrate active listening skills by using empathy and reflection to effectively engage a diverse client population. Apply high-quality, evidence-informed engagement strategies to address client needs, while exhibiting strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build meaningful connections.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

- Create and assist individuals in adhering to personal goals outlined in their treatment plans and in developing strategies for effective symptom management;

- Connect clients to essential services, including mental health, substance use treatment, primary medical care, legal services, and entitlements (e.g., SSI/SSD, SNAP);

- Conduct regular home visits to monitor clients living conditions, medication adherence, and progress toward goals;

- Respond to crisis, employ de-escalation techniques, and provide 24/7 support as part of an on-call team;

- Act as a liaison with landlords, legal systems, and social service agencies to advocate for client rights and needs;

- Maintain audit-ready, accurate, and up-to-date clinical charts, including progress notes, service plans, and treatment plans in compliance with NYS OMH, Medicaid, and agency regulations;

- Accompany clients to and from appointments (e.g., medical, social service, housing);

- Attend staff meetings, supervision, and training as required;

- Provide crisis intervention, as necessary;

- Assist clients in securing employment or engaging in prosocial activities, clubhouses, educational, and rehabilitation services;

- Assist with preparing documentation for permanent supportive housing placement and submitting completed packets to the Housing Specialist;

- Collect urinary specimens (e.g., utilizing multi-drug panel and submission of urine sample sent to Quest Diagnostic) and complete required data reporting;

- Immediately report serious incidents, serious incident allegations, incidents, or sensitive situations to supervisors. Complete incident reports in accordance with Bridge policy. Account for consumers, perform diligent searches, and file missing person reports on consumers not accounted for in accordance with policy and procedure;

- Perform all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

- A degree in social work, Psychology, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related human services field. High school diploma required; some college preferred;

- A minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with individuals with mental illness, chronic homelessness, or substance use disorders and/or criminal justice involvement;

- Strong communication, interpersonal skills, crisis management, and the ability to work independently in the community;

- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and related computer applications;

- Ability to motivate disenfranchised populations to engage with and obtain needed social services;

- Willingness to perform CPR/First Aid/AED/Naloxone;

- Valid drivers license with a safe and proven driving record.

We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Travel Requirements:
This position requires weekly on-site availability and travel to various Fortune housing and program locations as required.

Physical Demands:

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 accommodation 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, predisposed genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.