Title: Facilitator/Discharge Planner
Unit: Transitional Services (RISE)
Reports to: Assistant Director, Jail Based Services
Status: Full Time; Regular/Non-Exempt
Salary Range: $35.71 - 38.46 per hour [Approximately $65,000 - $70,000 annually]
Days/Hours: 35 Hours per week, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm
Location: NYC Department of Correction Facilities (NYC DOC)
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 Facilitator/Discharge Planner, under the supervision of Discharge Planner Team Leader (Operations Supervisor) will be responsible for conducting various evidence based and ad-hoc workshops to individuals in custody in NYC DOC Facilities. The Facilitator/Discharge Planner will also work within the housing units to complete individualized service plans and support the participants’ transition to the community, state facilities, diversion programs, etc. The Facilitator/Discharge Planner will also connect with internal staff and other providers to ensure a smooth transition for our participants.
Mission and Fit
The Facilitator/Discharge Planner 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, Education & Advocacy
The Facilitator/Discharge Planner will focus on prioritizing the participant's needs and preferences when completing transition plans, ensuring that they are actively involved in the process, feeling heard and understood. They will play a vital role in educating participants about the various re-entry opportunities available to them, while helping them navigate various aspects of their incarceration. The Facilitator/Discharge Planner will also act as a liaison between Fortune and our community partners when creating referrals for individuals enrolled in services.
Collaboration & Adaptability
The Facilitator/Discharge Planner should be comfortable collaborating with staff at all levels within RISE, Education and Employment Services, and other department areas to understand complex problems and create solutions to support participants’ successful transition. They must establish a strong partnership with participants in custody, understanding their needs, and ensuring mutual understanding. The Facilitator/Discharge Planner must be familiar with a wide range of community services, and other resources that can assist participants before and after release. The Facilitator/Discharge Planner must also be able to maintain composure and effectiveness under pressure and/or stress.
Professional Etiquette, Knowledge & Development
The Facilitator/Discharge Planner will foster an inclusive environment to encourage participants to feel comfortable sharing their ideas and perspectives. This includes adapting their communication and behavior accordingly. The Facilitator/Discharge Planner will also be sure to be respectful of deadlines that are fundamental to meeting participant and program needs. The Facilitator/Discharge Planner will practice self-care to maintain well-being and prevent burnout and engage in ongoing professional development to enhance skills and knowledge.
Organization, Time Management & Attention to Detail
The Facilitator/Discharge Planner must demonstrate competency to develop systems and processes to organize and keep track of information or work progress; is routinely conscientious, thorough, accurate and reliable when performing and completing job tasks; Facilitator/Discharge Planners handle multiple cases simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage caseloads efficiently.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
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Plan, conduct and facilitate workshops and group activities for participants in custody, support them during incarceration, and establish a lasting bond that will contribute to meaningful discharge, successful transition, and continued post-release contact;
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Create an environment that is conducive to professionalism, learning and self-development;
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Create, prepare and submit daily attendance sheets and enter all required data into the DOC Program Data Tracker;
- Complete transition plans to support participants in custody and identify short term and long-term goals specific to employment, housing, behavioral health treatment, etc.;
- Work closely with participants to ensure that they understand their transition plans and support participants' progress toward achieving the stated goals in their plan;
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Collaborate with RISE Transition Coordinators, other Fortune staff and/or community providers to ensure a smooth transition for participants in custody into either the community, state prisons, diversion programs etc.;
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Continuously seek new resources and opportunities to sustain and/or add any necessary services to satisfy the growing needs of participants;
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Assist Housing Specialists and LMSWs with identifying high needs participants that are eligible for 2010E/Supportive Housing;
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Follow DOC directives and remain vigilant – report any safety concerns;
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Maintain and monitor confidentiality of participant files;
- Establish standards that will ensure appropriate boundaries and suitable behaviors;
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Assume other responsibilities as assigned.
Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in relevant work or field of study (e.g. psychology, criminal justice, social work, education or liberal arts) preferred; High School Diploma or GED/HSE required;
Experience facilitating groups, especially with criminal legal system impacted individuals;
Proficient in Microsoft Office computer applications, specifically Word, Outlook, Excel and Office 365.
Strong verbal, writing, and interpersonal skills;
Ability to take initiative, be dependable, resourceful and be 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 obtain and maintain clearance from the Department of Corrections and work within the constraints of facility guidelines, including but not limited to lock downs, screening of personal items including food and clothing restrictions, which can be changed at the discretion of the Department of Correction;
Bilingual in Spanish/English a plus.
We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.
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.
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.
