Family Engagement Specialist

Description

Title: Family Engagement Specialist 
Unit: Court Advocacy, Atlas HOPE Program
Reports to: Behavioral Health Manager

Status: Full Time; Regular, Non-Exempt

Salary: $37.36 - $ 39.56 per hour (approximately $68,000 - $72,000 annually)
Location: Bronx, NY 
Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, typically 9:00am– 5:00pm; evenings and weekends, as needed
 

Organization Overview

The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 54 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 annual budget of now $80 million with approximately 600 staff. We anticipate that we will keep growing, both in size and in 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 13,000 people a year. Our client 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

Atlas HOPE (AH) aims to add to the existing community violence intervention and prevention strategies in New York City by creating a continuum of care for adult men most likely to engage in serious community violence and least likely to receive the supportive services necessary to end cycles of trauma and violence. The AH program aims to meet the economic, emotional, and mental health needs of adult men, ages 25 and older who have had a history of trauma, lived experience with violence, and involvement in the criminal legal system by providing outreach, transitional employment, behavioral health supports delivered primarily through CBI, and coaching and case management.

Under the direction of the Behavioral Health Manager, the Family Engagement Specialist is responsible for connecting family members of Atlas HOPE participants to needed resources and services. This role involves frequent, direct contact with families, developing support plans, and practicing trauma-informed care. Strategies include psycho-education and support to participants and their families on various topics through workshops, group activities, case management, and linkage referrals. The position requires a firm knowledge base of accessible, trauma-informed, culturally relevant resources proven to support individuals experiencing complex trauma caused by prolonged exposure to poverty, crime, and victimization. They will facilitate this by attending and/or tabling at offsite community events to connect to external resource partners, visiting programs to determine they suit the needs of the family members being referred and creating a resource manual in order to refer individuals as needed to the appropriate service.

Mission, Culture and Fit

The Family Engagement Specialist 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.

Collaboration

The Family Engagement Specialist must collaborate and coordinate with the Atlas HOPE team to provide care and support to those in need of higher supervision levels. They will also need to collaborate with external providers where family members are receiving voluntary services to ensure care is conducted.

Participant Centered

The Family Engagement Specialist will focus on identifying the key needs and support opportunities for family members of Atlas HOPE participants. They have an ability to 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 that refer individuals to our agency for social service support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Connect families/households of Atlas HOPE participants to resources and services, providing support and guidance through consistent outreach
• Provide training and mentoring to staff on family engagement, trauma-informed care, and case management.
• Practice trauma-informed care principles to ensure families receive compassionate and effective support.
• Connect participant families to clinical bereavement support, peer support groups, and family services;
• Prepare and submit accurate case notes and reports, ensuring all family-related interactions are documented and addressed appropriately.
• Develop and execute support plans for families, enhancing their well-being and stability and integrating family goals.
• Support the Behavioral Health Manager with cultivation and maintenance of strategic partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and key stakeholders. Leverage these relationships to enhance program resources and support networks.
• Participate in regular team meetings and case conferences, one-on-one sessions, and maintain open communication lines within the team and the broader community.
• Engage directly with families, conducting home visits and community interactions to assess needs and provide assistance.

Qualifications

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree is preferred, preferably in public health, human services, criminal justice, sociology, or a related field.

• Three or more years of full-time experience as a case manager, preferably with large caseloads, preferably in a nonprofit social service setting.

• Experience with delivering trauma-informed care and a deep understanding of its principles.

• Experience working with evidence-based models is a plus

• Skilled communicator able to liaise interdepartmentally and with community partners and stakeholders.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel, case management systems.

• Ability to work independently and on a team.

• Experience working with the community in the South Bronx is a plus.

• Experience and/or desire to work with a culturally diverse population.

• Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply

• Having a valid driver’s license with a clean driving history is preferred;

• We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission.  Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Travel Requirements

Travel throughout the Bronx is required.

Physical Demands

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 accommodations 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.

Salary : $68,000 - $72,000