Workforce Development Group Facilitator

Title:                                Workforce Development Group Facilitator

Unit:                              Transitional Services (RISE)

Salary:                           $35.71 - 38.46 per hour [Approximately $65,000 to $70,000 annually]

Reports to:                    Assistant Director, Jail Based Services

Status:                           Full Time; Regular, Non-Exempt                

Location:                       NYC Department of Correction Facilities (NYC DOC)

Days/Hours:                 Monday - Friday, 9am-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 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 of 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:

Under the supervision of the Discharge Planner Team Leader (Operations Supervisor) will be responsible for conducting evidence-based workforce readiness workshops, assessing the work readiness skills of participants, providing administrative support regarding enrollments and client follow-up. The Group Facilitator will administer these workshops in the community at our LIC office, and NYC jails. Group Facilitators will also assist with conducting individual assessments to complete service plans to support transition to community.

Mission, Culture and Fit

The GF 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.

Feedback and Modeling

The GF encourages and promotes a classroom environment in which all individual differences are valued, respected, and welcome. They promote helpful, behavioral specific feedback, both positive and corrective, to participants on performance and engagement. GFs reinforce efforts and check on participant progress. GFs explain, demonstrate, and reinforce expected behaviors, knowledge, and skills.

Participant Centered

The GF focuses on opportunities to support participants. They have the ability to illustrate the highest level of customer care and empathy while thriving to resolve participant concerns and issues.

Collaboration

The GF expresses disagreement constructively (e.g. by emphasizing points of agreement, suggesting alternatives that may be acceptable to the group). They also have the ability to work effectively with others to ensure participants receive necessary support to thrive in the workshop. GFs will need to collaborate with Case Managers to effectively support them in managing their case and ensure attention to coordination in care for other wrap-around services needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaboratively work with team and management to implement innovative and engaging interdisciplinary, interactive, and experiential learning activities in the in workshops, including job readiness skills and life skills related to the development and enhancement of pre-employment competencies;

• Assist participants in developing a Work Readiness Portfolio that includes a resume, sample

application, cover letter, thank you letter, reference sheet (professional/personal), and a mock

interview evaluation form;

• Conduct cognitive behavioral interventions as prescribed by cognitive behavioral curricula in adherence with the program model;
• Conduct activities to improve motivation and communication skills of job-seeking participants;
• Monitor, report, and document participants’ attendance, progress towards goals, and overall class performance;
• Engage in regular participant case conferences and planning meetings with staff;
• Implement systems for assisting participants in learning skills necessary for success in the workplace;
• Notify supervisor of participant-specific or program issues and problems with regard to the soft skills training program or participant transition;
• Assist with orientation, screening, assessments, mock interviews, retention, client follow up, recruitment and job development activities;
• Collaboratively work with volunteers to support mock interviews;
• Maintain both physical and digital participant files; maintain cohort and individual fellow folders in SharePoint and CRM system, Case worthy;
• Complete all necessary documentation and input data into case management database in a timely manner;
• Collaborate with CJRN and other internal departments as needed
• Attend and participate in all necessary meetings, conferences, and training.
• Engage in his/her own ongoing professional development; and
• Additional responsibilities as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in relevant work or field of study (e.g. psychology, criminal justice, social work, education or liberal arts) preferred; High School Diploma or GED/HSE required;  
• A minimum of 2 years of professional experience training, counseling, providing workforce development services, or instruction;
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus;
• Experience with job readiness and/or cognitive behavioral curricula facilitation including Thinking for a Change, OWDS, ART (Aggression Replacement Training), or similar preferable;
• Skilled communicator who can liaise interdepartmentally as well as with community partners and stakeholders;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Outlook and Office 365;
• Familiarity with the Fair Chance Act a plus;
• Ability to apply skills learned from prior work experience, or formal academic training in a related subject area, to the day-to-day project activities; and demonstrated success in being participant-centered, self-motivated with excellent relationship skills.
• Ability to work independently and on a team;
• 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;
• 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:

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.