Transition Coordinator

Location: Long Island City

Title: Transition Coordinator

Unit: Transitional Services (RISE)

Reports to: Community Operations Supervisors

Status: Full Time
- Regular/Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $27.48 to $30.22 per hour (approximately $50,000 - $55,000 annually)

Days/

Hours:

35 Hours per week, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
Location: NYC Department of Correction Facilities (NYC Jails) and Long Island City, NY 11101

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 Summary:

Under the supervision of the Community Operations Supervisors, the Transition Coordinator (TC) will be responsible for supporting recently incarcerated individuals with their transition to the community from Rikers Island and NYS correctional facilities. The Transition Coordinator will manage a caseload, support with evaluating clients' needs, and make necessary internal and external referrals for needed wrap around supports. The Transition Coordinator will also engage with the participants' support systems and/or other providers to assist with ensuring a successful transition back into the community.

The Transition Coordinator is responsible for conducting weekly visits to Rikers Island to meet with and complete transition plans with incarcerated individuals and provide program information sessions about re-entry services.

Mission and Fit
The TC 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.

Participant Centered, Education & Advocacy
The TC focuses on identifying key needs and housing support opportunities for participants. They can illustrate the highest level of customer care and empathy while thriving to resolve participant concerns and issues. They will also act as a liaison between Fortune and our community partners when creating referrals for individuals in need of support.

Collaboration
The TC is 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 support participants' successful transition. The TC will provide input on department projects, so they should be comfortable contributing constructive feedback and be a team player in supporting the team in completing projects.

The TC is comfortable leading group conversations and facilitating meetings. The TC should be able to prioritize effectively as new projects come up and communicate project progress routinely.

Professional Etiquette & Adaptability
The TC fosters a positive and respectful work environment, making it easier to promote effective collaboration and communication. This includes being mindful and adapting to their communication and behavior, accordingly, based on different situations. The TC will also be respectful of deadlines that are fundamental to meeting participant and program needs. This includes being respectful of others' time. The TC utilizes de-escalation skills to resolve conflicts in a calm and respectful…