Social Worker Jail Based

Job description

Social Worker Jail Based

NY Correctional Facilities Rikers Island - East Elmhurst, NY 11370

Overview

Salary Range $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 Salary/year Position Type Full-Time Exempt

Description

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 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 striving 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 behavioral health services.

Ethical & Professional Etiquette, Knowledge & Development

The LMSW is expected to adhere to a strong ethical code, ensuring their actions align with the principles of integrity, honesty, and respect for client rights. The LMSW must be able to effectively work with individuals and communities from diverse backgrounds, recognizing and valuing differences. They will practice self-care to maintain well-being and prevent burnout and engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills and knowledge.

Assessments & Attention to Detail

The LMSW must demonstrate competency to organize and keep track of information or work progress; is routinely conscientious, thorough, accurate and reliable when performing and completing job tasks. The LMSW will gather and analyze information to understand client needs, strengths, and challenges, ensuring their interventions are tailored to specific circumstances. The LMSW will understand human behavior and its interaction with the social environment and apply knowledge of relevant theories and frameworks.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Meet with jail-based RISE participants to coordinate and plan program activities that will meet their social and emotional needs before, during and after their release;

Work closely with the Jail-Based Housing Specialist to complete mental health reports for participants' 2010E/Supportive Housing applications;

Collaborate with on-site RISE staff to identify high needs and high-risk participants who require additional support;

Assist with internal or external referrals for substance use and mental health services as needed;

Provide brief interventions and short-term support for participants in need;

Maintain ongoing communication and follow up with other parties involved in participant's successful transition (e.g. Facilitator/Discharge Planners, Transition Coordinators, Housing Specialists, referrals sources, partner agencies, and the like);

When appropriate, offer referrals to appropriate community-based organizations, advocacy firms, and governmental agencies who can provide support to participants;

Maintain accurate records and logs and complete all required reporting information;

Assume other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Master's in social work required;

At least 2 years of experience working with justice-involved clients;

At least 2 years of experience facilitating groups and individual sessions;

Familiar with barriers that previously incarcerated individuals face in reentry and how to navigate them;

Proficient in Microsoft Office computer applications, especially Word, Outlook and Excel;

Strong verbal, writing, listening and negotiating skills;

Ability to take initiative, be dependable, resourceful and able to pay keen attention to detail;

Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities at the same time in a time-sensitive manner.

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;

Bilingual in Spanish/English 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.

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.

Worksite address

east elmhurst, NY, 11370, US

Who can apply

Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.