Assistant Director, Jail Based Services

Title:                       Assistant Director, Jail Based Services

Unit:                       Transitional Services (RISE)

Reports to:               Director, Jail Based and Community Services

Status:                     Full Time; Regular/Exempt

Salary Range:          $80,000 - $90,000 annually

Days/Hours:             35 Hours per week, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm

Location:                 NYC Department of Correction Facilities (NYC DOC); Long Island City Service Center

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 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 just under $85 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. 

Position Summary:

The Assistant Director, Jail Based Services (AD), under the supervision of Director, Jail Based and Community Services, will be responsible for the successful implementation of the Rikers Island aspect of the RISE program and the achievement of all milestones during the contract period.  The Director will ensure Transitioning Planning and various evidence-based groups are being conducted to individuals in custody in NYC DOC Facilities. Ensuring that all data is collected at the end of every workday and entered into NYC DOC database.

Mission, Culture and Fit

The AD 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.  

Participant Centered

The AD will prioritize the well-being and successful reintegration of incarcerated individuals into society.  This includes actively engaging with and supporting them throughout their time in custody and upon release.  The AD will prioritize and foster a culture of respect, communication and mutual support to empower staff and incarcerated individuals.

Collaboration

The AD should be comfortable collaborating with staff at all levels (senior staff and peers) within RISE, Education and Employment Services, and other department areas to understand complex problems and create solutions to reduce barriers to housing. This individual will build and maintain positive relationships with external providers, engage in interagency cooperation, and achieve shared goals and objectives. AD should be comfortable leading group conversations and facilitating meetings. The AD should be able to prioritize effectively as new projects come up and communicate project progress routinely.

Professional Etiquette & Adaptability

The AD will foster trust and credibility with staff and incarcerated individuals, effective communication, and a positive organizational culture.  This individual will exemplify strong professional etiquette and set positive examples for staff and establish expected standards of conduct within NYC DOC facility.  The AD will be adaptable to navigate challenges and changes effectively, identify solutions, and respond effectively to unexpected challenges.

Documentation & Attention to Detail

The AD will ensure compliance with policies and procedures, assuring all essential activities are being entered and can be tracked in NYCDOC systems.  Make sure all records are accurate and demonstrate facility operations are being monitored closely on a daily basis.  The AD will analyze all data that can inform strategic planning and decision-making processes for improved facility operations and outcomes.

Leadership & Management

The AD will maintain and build teamwork, mentoring and coaching others to develop and promote a positive team culture.  Recruit, train and manage staff effectively, including performance evaluation and disciplinary actions.  The AD will ensure the safety and security of both incarcerated individuals and staff, implementing and enforcing policies and procedures to comply with NYC DOC rules.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Leadership

• Guide the overall strategy and execution of the NYC DOC Pre-Release program;
• Directly supervise and manage the day-to-day operation of the program;
• Work closely with other key staff who play an important role in implementing the program;
• Perform administrative duties including but not limited to, hiring and onboarding new staff, support with designing the program model, approving time off request and completing performance evaluations;
• Act as a primary liaison with NYC DOC personnel and funders;
• Supervise, support and train Team Leaders of Discharge Planners, Group Facilitators/Discharge Planners, Housing Specialist, Workforce Development Hard-Skills/Group Facilitators with a goal towards skill set development.

Pre-Release Services

• Ensure the delivery of a structured evidence-based workshop used by numerous curriculums tailored for individuals who will be returning to the community, going to inpatient programs or transitioning to NYSDOCC;
• Support and train staff to enter daily outcomes in NYC DOC database;
• Ensure transition plans and coordination of post-release re-entry support is completed and accurate towards individuals' needs and goals;
• Conducting weekly audits of program deliverables;
• Develop, implement, and maintain a strategic operational system that will enhance our programmatic reports and evaluations.

Data Management and Reporting

• Oversee data collection and analysis to assess program effectiveness and inform strategic adjustments;
• Ensure required data is entered accurately and in a timely manner into NYC DOC database (Program Tracker, H-Drive, etc.);
• Continuously discuss major program developments with the Leadership Team, and collaborate with Evaluation and Quality Improvement staff in developing solutions to programmatic problems or issues that may arise;
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to stakeholders and funders.

Budget and Resources Management

• Administer the program budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and effectively;
• Monitor expenditure against budgetary allocations and program objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in relevant work or field of study (e.g. psychology, criminal justice, social work, education, public administration or liberal arts) preferred; High School Diploma or GED/HSE required;   
• Ability to secure NYC DOC Volunteer Services clearance and work within the constraints of facility guidelines, including but not limited to lock downs, screening of personal items such as food and clothing restrictions, which can be changed at the discretion of the Department of Correction;
• Bilingual in Spanish/English a plus.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities at the same time in a time-sensitive manner;
• A minimum of three years of experience in management capacity, with at least five years working in social service or criminal justice setting;
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred;
• Skilled communicator who is able to liaise interdepartmentally as well as with stakeholders;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Outlook and Office 365;
• Ability to work independently and on a team;
• Experience and/or desire to work with a culturally diverse population; and
• 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: 

• Required to travel to NYC DOC Facilities.
• May be required to travel to Fortune Society offices for meetings and/or training.
• Must be willing to travel between NYC DOC facilities.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to travel corridors and walk up and down stairs frequently, daily.
• Ability to remove yourself expeditiously if any risks are presented.

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