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.