Unit: Atlas Workforce Program
Salary: $72,000 - $78,000
Reports to: Program Director, Outreach
Status: Full Time; Regular, Exempt
Location: 502 East 163rd Street, Bronx, NY 10451
Days/Hours: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Date Prepared: June 10th, 2024
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 and, as we approach $60 million in annual revenue with nearly 600 staff, we anticipate that growth to continue - both in size and in depth of service. Our organization has a dual mission: advocacy and service. Our advocacy focuses on building a more just criminal legal system and reducing the barriers for reentry into society. On the service side Fortune encompasses a broad range of programs. We started with employment and education and now offer a robust array of services including: 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, a women’s initiative, and an arts program. Each service we provide is informed by the needs of the population we serve. Fortune currently serves approximately 11,000 people a year. Our client population mirrors the incarcerated population - approximately 85% are male and over 90% are people of color. Our program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation.
United Way of New York City (UWNYC) is a nonprofit mobilizing people and organizations to eradicate barriers and create opportunities that improve the lives of low-income New Yorkers. United Way of New York City administers ATLAS Workforce in collaboration with The Fortune Society to engage individuals at the highest risk of becoming victims or perpetrators of gun violence in a 12-month wage-subsidized transitional job (TJ) and cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) program pilot. The goals of this pilot are to: decrease community violence among those at highest risk of gun violence; create new opportunities for these same individuals to change their life trajectory and decrease their involvement with the criminal justice system; and help build an infrastructure at the community level to promote long-term safety and opportunity.
Position Summary
Under the direction of Fortune, the Behavioral Health Manager is responsible for collaborating across interdisciplinary teams to advise, develop, and guide staff practice to influence positive behavior change in Atlas Workforce participants. The position requires strong familiarity with interventions for positive behavior change, crisis de-escalation strategies, and strong self-management skills. The Behavioral Health Manager will adhere to the model prescribed by United Way of New York City, philosophies and approaches, manuals, and policies, exude a collegial nature that is rooted in authentic engagement, and relish in the opportunity to collaborate with members across teams proactively. This position requires a keen understanding of the environmental triggers that commonly impact men of color from communities with prevalent gang violence, criminal justice involvement, and substance abuse. The Behavioral Health Manager must have experience working with frontline service workers who engage high-risk youth and adults in structured programming.
Mission, Culture and Fit
The BMS must embody the values and mission of the Fortune Society. This includes meeting our participants where they’re at in their journey, demonstrating our values through compassion and understanding, and affirming that none of us should be measured against the worst things we have done.
Attention to Detail
The BMS 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; and recognizes trends, detects inconsistencies, and determines essential details.
Collaboration
The BMS must collaborate and coordinate with the AW team, particularly those on the Outreach and Transitional Employment teams, to provide care and support to those in need of higher supervision levels. They will also need to collaborate with external providers where individuals are receiving voluntary services to ensure care is done in a coordinated manner.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Oversee and support a team of Coaches, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and strategies to foster positive behavioral changes in participants;
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Develop and utilize standardized tools to conduct structured observations of program staff as they engage in key program activities such as cognitive behavioral group facilitation, individual participant coaching, and verbal de-escalation interventions;
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Engage directly with staff to share feedback regarding observed performance, support the implementation of evidence-based interventions, strengthen facilitation practice, and promote self-regulatory behaviors in participants;
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Design and execute a comprehensive training covering CBI and evidence-based curriculum for Coaches and other relevant staff, highlighting cutting-edge behavior modification techniques, crisis management, and the application of evidence-based practices;
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Utilize a robust qualitative and quantitative analysis framework to evaluate program effectiveness. Initiate data-driven adjustments to behavior modification plans, aiming for measurable improvements in participant outcomes;
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Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships with community organizations, educational institutions, and key stakeholders. Leverage these relationships to enhance program resources and support networks.
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Assist with the development and integration of trauma-informed policies, practices, and services for participants;
- Serve as the linchpin for a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative culture that values knowledge sharing and collective problem-solving. Lead by example in promoting a proactive approach to participant engagement and staff development;
- Uphold the highest standards of professional conduct, ensuring all interactions and program activities maintain participant confidentiality and respect for individual rights.
Qualifications:
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LMSW preferred. MSW, MFT, MHC, or CASAC with at least 2 years relevant experience will be considered;
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred;
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Skilled communicator who can liaise interdepartmentally as well as with community partners and stakeholders;
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Ability to work a flexible schedule;
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel;
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Valid Driver’s License required;
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Ability to work independently and on a team;
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Experience working with the community in the South Bronx, a plus;
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Experience and/or desire to work with a culturally diverse population;
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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.
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