Social Worker Jail Based

Title:                          Jail-Based Social Worker (LMSW)

Unit:                                Transitional Services (RISE)

Reports to:                      Director of Jail-Based Services

Status:                             Full Time; Regular/Exempt

Salary Range:                 $70,000 - $75,000

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

Location:                         Long Island City Location, NYC DOC jails

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 LMSW hired for this role will engage the Re-entry for Individual Success and Elevation (RISE) Program’s participants in custody with the goal of destigmatizing mental health and substance use treatment using psychoeducation, brief clinical intervention, and assistance with referrals for additional support. The LMSW will support the Jail-Based Housing Specialist with completing Mental Health Reports for RISE participants in custody that are eligible for 2010E/Supportive Housing. Additionally, the LMSW will be an additional support, responsible for assisting Facilitators/Discharge Planners to heal, create community, and provide a positive environment for participants in custody.

Mission, Culture and Fit

The LMSW 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 LMSW will focus on identifying the key needs and behavioral health support opportunities for participants, sometimes implementing evidence-based interventions to address client needs and promote well-being, using a variety of approaches and strategies They have the ability to illustrate the highest level of customer care and empathy while