Community Engagement Specialist Supervisor

Title: Community Engagement Specialist Supervisor
Unit: Court Advocacy – Supervised Release Program
Reports to: Director of Administration
Status: Full Time; Regular, Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $32.97 per hour (approximately 60,000 annually)
Location: Bronx
Days/Hours: Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

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 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, 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 Supervisor (CESS) will provide direct oversight to Community Engagement Specialists (CES) as well as provide Peer Specialist services including 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.

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 value that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Human Services/Client Services: Ability to manage a high level of multitasking, manage well under pressure, manage emotional responses, provide innovative resources, and use de-escalation tactics while remaining motivational.

Knowledge of Court/Conduct: Comprehension of pretrial services, court-based compliance measures, and proper reporting and documentation procedures. Knowledge of Fortune programming and proper court conduct and etiquette.

Administrative Skills:
- Efficient Typing Skills and strong software skills – knowledge of Microsoft word, excel, SharePoint, office suite, etc.
- Active listening, ability to articulate clearly and professionally (verbal and written communication)
- Attention to detail
- Ability to document clear and concise case notes

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

- Support CES daily tasks;

- Support coverage needs for task or spacing;

- Provide weekly individual supervision to CES;

- Conduct routine case reviews for CES;

- Provide community navigation and advocacy to increase access to services and other support systems;

- Complete all necessary documentation and input data into case management database in a timely manner;

- Facilitate psychoeducational and skills development group sessions;

- Develop and implement on-site programming that is responsive to the needs of participants and their community;

- Develop partnerships and liaise with community-based service providers to facilitate programming for participants;

- Assist with the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of new CES;

- Assist senior staff in the creation of the SRPs long-range strategic agenda and goals;

- Collaborate with internal departments as needed;

- Provide escorts to service providers and court appearances;

- Provide peer mentoring, role modeling and assistance in developing coping skills;

- Provide education on and support with accessing voluntary services;

- Assist 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;

- Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

Qualifications:
Applicants preferred to be a fully certified Peer Specialist, or willing to train as one
High school diploma and/or 3-4 years of relevant experience or bachelors degree
Bilingual in Spanish a plus;
Some supervisory experience preferred;
Skilled communicator who can liaise interdepartmentally as well as with community partners
and stakeholders;
Ability to work a flexible schedule;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel;
Valid Drivers License preferred;
Ability to work independently and on a team;
Experience and/or desire to work with a culturally diverse population.

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

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 accommodations 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, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.