Employment Specialist

Title:                           Employment Specialist

Unit:                           Employment Services

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

Reports to:                 Program Manager, Employment Services            

Status:                         Full Time; Regular, Non-Exempt             

Location:                    Long Island City Location, NYC DOC jails

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 just under $79 million in annual budget with just under 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and in 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 direction of Program Manager, the Employment Specialist (ES) is responsible for assisting individuals in finding, securing, and maintaining employment. This role involves providing career counseling, job search assistance, and support services to both job seekers, beginning while they are in custody at NYC DOC facilities, and employers. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of labor market trends, creating job leads for participants’ and have excellent communication skills, with the ability to achieve departmental goals.

Mission, Culture and Fit

The ES 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.

Attention to Detail

The ES must demonstrate competency to develop systems and processes to organize and keep track of placement, case management efforts, employer research and work progress; is routinely conscientious, thorough, accurate and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; and recognizes trends, detects inconsistencies, and determines essential details. Ability to multi-task is preferable.

Collaboration

The ES must collaborate and coordinate with one another to provide care and support to those who need higher levels of supervision and/or more support in developing the soft skills required in order to maintain employment, anchoring support from the supervisor when necessary before someone is placed. The ES will also collaborate with Transition Planning team members at NYC DOC facilities in order to begin connecting individuals to the community Employment Services’ team prior to their release from incarceration. Additionally, the ES will need to collaborate with the Business Services Coordinator and other Employment Specialists’ to effectively place individuals for employment post release with employer partners engaged through their direct outreach efforts.

Networking

The ES has a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, leveraging various communication outlets.

They also have a demonstrated ability to connect others to active networking sources. The ES will remain informed and participate in networking events to support and enhance their role, with the intent to use networking events to increase resources and referral opportunities that will lead to employment opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct one-on-one employment counseling sessions with program participants pre-release at NYC DOC facilities and post release as needed to assess their skills, interest and employment goals and support any barriers to employment. Develop personalized job search strategies and career development plans;
• Assist participants with editing their resumes, cover letters, and interview techniques. Support with on-site and off-site job/resource fairs;
• Build and maintain relationships with local employers to identify job openings and employment opportunities. Create employer engagement events to increase new employment opportunities and placements. Promote program services to organizations and businesses to foster employer partnerships;
• Match participants with appropriate job openings based on their skills and qualifications. Support clients throughout the hiring process, providing guidance and advocacy as needed. Support EES case manager’s with obtaining post-placement retention verification;
• Track and evaluate the process and outcomes. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of participants and employers’ interactions in our database. Generate reports and provide regular updates on placement activity, performance metrics, and market trends. Establish and maintain strong relationships with participants by providing support, guidance, and feedback throughout the placement process. Monitor participants progress in their new jobs and provide post-placement support to ensure retention. Address any barriers to employment and connect clients with relevant resources;
• Maintain accurate records of participants interactions, job placements, and outcomes. Prepare reports and statistics on employment services provided. Document all engagement in Case Worthy to ensure all parties involved are aware in real-time of participant activities, and support is provided where appropriate. Maintain regular phone, email, and in-person communication within account base document all pertinent discussions, milestones, events, and incidents in real-time;
• Stay informed about labor market trends, job search techniques, and employment resources. Participate in internal and external training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge. Educate employers on the socioeconomic advantages of hiring from Fortune’s pool of candidates; be able to cite recent departmental employment statistics and competitive advantages of hiring from The Fortune Society;
• Attend workforce networking events and training workshops to remain informed;
• Model safe and positive workplace behavior and work readiness skills (teamwork, conflict resolution, positive attitude, timeliness, etc.);
• Utilize trauma-informed practices to support participants; establish constructive relationships with participants as a positive role model;
• Participate in collaborative meetings with Employment Services’ teams to assess participant progress and further develop their individualized plans for placement. Ensure that relevant information is shared with the team to aid in service planning;
• Participate in regular, ongoing professional development opportunities including: trainings, skill practice, and receiving ongoing coaching and feedback;
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Business/Sociology/Social Work/Criminal Justice/Public Administration or other life/professional experience equivalent to an Associate’s degree preferred; High School Diploma or GED/HSE required; 
• A minimum of one – two years of experience working in social service, criminal justice or workforce programming;
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred;
• Skilled communicator who is able to liaise interdepartmentally as well as with community partners, employers and stakeholders;
• Knowledge of up to date labor market trends and resources a plus;
• 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;
• 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;
• Must be willing to work in a fast-paced environment with varying demands and achieve set goals.
• 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. 

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.