Safety Coordinator/Residential Aide

Title:                      Safety Coordinator/Residential Aide
Unit:                       Atlas HOPE Program 
Salary:                   $31.87 to $35.72 (Approximately $58,000 to $65,000 annually)
Reports to:            Program Director, Community Navigation
Status:                   Full Time; Regular Non-Exempt
Location:              Bronx, NY 10451
Days/Hours:         Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, Evenings as needed
 

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 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 program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation. We have locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

Position Overview: 

Under the direction of the Community Navigation Program Director, the Safety Coordinator is responsible for implementing safety protocols, assisting with safety planning for participants, staff, and guests. This role involves direct and indirect contact with participants, developing safety plans, and practicing violence interruption. The candidate must have experience, knowledge, or understanding of trauma-informed approaches. The candidate will learn and apply Cognitive-Based Interventions and program curriculum to effectively navigate challenges presented by participants, staff, and guests.  

Core Competencies:

Mission and Fit: Embodies Fortune’s mission and values 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 Fortune’s core value that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.

Attention to Detail 

The Safety Coordinator must demonstrate strong competency in developing systems and processes to organize information and track work progress. They must consistently perform tasks in a conscientious, thorough, accurate, and reliable manner. The candidate should have the ability to recognize trends, identify inconsistencies, and focus on critical details. They must also be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and effectively prioritize tasks to meet deadlines. 

Collaboration 

The Safety Coordinator collaborates to ensure necessary coverage is provided and support is offered to program participants. Additionally, they will need to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, in addition to ensuring individuals at the site accept the safety protocols that have been outlined. 

Problem Solving and Decision-Making Skills  

The Safety Coordinator must have sound decision-making skills to assess potential threats within the programming space and threats involving participants. They will be called upon to assess safety-related issues and develop recommendations based on their observations in collaboration with the Safety Coordinator.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Monitor and implement safety protocols across all program activities and locations, ensuring the safety measures align with program curriculum and standard operating procedures; 

• Develop and support the implementation of participant safety plans in collaboration with program leadership and staff;

• Serve as a lead trainer and mentor on conflict resolution, de-escalation, and harm reduction techniques;

• Educate staff on trauma-informed safety practices and ensure understanding of CBI-aligned safety interventions;

• Prepare and review incident reports for quality assurance, identify patterns, and suggest improvements;

• Conduct regular site visits of program sites to ensure a secure environment and demonstrate best safety practices;

• Monitor entry and exit points for all participants and guests; assist with surveillance and safety technology systems (e.g., cameras, weapon detection);

• Respond appropriately to crises, including providing first aid when necessary;

• Participate in and facilitate safety and wellness checks with the Community Navigation team;

• Maintain and review the site log; escalate issues to leadership as needed;

• Organize and lead safety-focused support sessions with staff and/or participants;

• Attend team meetings and keep open communication with internal and external stakeholders;

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Public Administration preferred, or equivalent professional or life experience;

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, preferably in a social service or community-based safety environment;

• Has two years experience as a Security Guard or has an active license as a trained Security Guard; 

• Certified in CPR and First Aid a plus. Upon employment, you will be required to obtain CPR and First Aid Certification. Certification in safety and basic health training (i.e., Mental Health First Aid, First Aid, and CPR) is a primary requirement and can be completed within the first 90 days;

• Experience, knowledge, or understanding of violence interruption and a deep understanding of trauma-informed care;

• Experience working in an institutional setting and/or providing security services, monitoring safety equipment, and cameras for any incidents throughout the program site;

• De-escalation, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing preferred;

• Skilled communicator able to liaise interdepartmentally and with community partners and stakeholders;

• Excellent judgment and conflict resolution skills;

• Experience working with diverse and system-impacted communities; South Bronx experience is a plus;

• Valid Driver’s License required;

• Bilingual candidates are highly encouraged to apply. 

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 

Travel to Long Island City office, other Fortune offices, conferences, and other relevant events.  

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.