Housing Specialist (Jail Based)

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Title: Housing Specialist (Jail-Based)

Unit: Transitional Services (RISE)

Reports to: Discharge Planner Team Leaders (Operations Supervisors)

Status: Full Time; Regular/Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $30.22 - $32.97 per hour [Approximately $55,000-60,000 annually]

Days/Hours: 35 Hours per week, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm

Location: NYC Department of Correction Facilities (NYC 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 Housing Specialist (HS) hired for this role will support The Fortune Society’s Re-entry for Individual Success and Elevation (RISE) jail-based program participants with becoming housing ready; better preparing them to secure safe and appropriate temporary and/or long-term housing including emergency shelter, transitional and supportive housing, upon their release from NYC Department of Correction Facilities. The Housing Specialist works collaboratively with RISE Facilitators/Discharge Planners, who use an individualized Service Plan to identify the participants’ housing needs, enabling the HS to prepare them for housing placement. The primary function of the Housing Specialist is to assist with the preparation of 2010E/Supportive Housing Application documentation for long-term placement. The Housing Specialist will also provide group and individual instruction about the NYC Housing process. In addition to placing participants in various housing options, the Housing Specialist will develop a robust network of housing referral agencies and connect with internal and external providers when necessary to ensure a continuum of care for our participants.

Mission and Fit

The HS 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 HS will focus on identifying the key needs and housing support opportunities for participants. They have the ability to illustrate the highest level of customer care and empathy while thriving to resolve participant concerns and issues. They will play a vital role in educating participants about the various housing opportunities available to them, while helping them navigate certain aspects of their incarceration. The HS will also act as a liaison between Fortune and our community partners when creating referrals for individuals in need of housing support.

Collaboration & Communication

The HS should be comfortable collaborating with staff at all levels (senior staff and peers) within RISE, Education and Employment Services, and other department areas to understand complex problems and create solutions to reduce barriers to housing. The HS will need to communicate clearly and effectively with participants, landlords, agencies and other professionals. They must be able to explain complex housing programs and policies in a way that clients can understand. The HS should be comfortable contributing constructive feedback and be a team player in supporting the team in completing projects. They should be able to prioritize effectively as new projects come up and communicate project progress routinely.

Professional Etiquette & Adaptability

The HS will foster a positive and respectful work environment, making it easier to promote effective collaboration and communication. This includes being mindful and adapting their communication and behavior, accordingly, based on different situations. The HS will also be sure to be respectful of deadlines that are fundamental to meeting housing needs. This includes being respectful of others’ time. The HS will utilize de-escalation skills to resolve conflicts in a calm and respectful manner at all times, both on and off-site. They 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 HS 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; especially when compiling the necessary documents for participants’ housing opportunities. HS’s handle multiple cases simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage caseloads efficiently.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Meet with individuals in custody to discuss housing needs, assess barriers to housing and leverage supportive services to remove barriers and guide participants toward self-sufficiency;
Connect with Community-Based Housing Specialist to ensure a continuation of housing-related services for the individuals we meet in custody with release dates, including but not limited to completing Transitional Housing referrals and 2010E/Supportive Housing applications;
Maintain an accurate and detailed list of all types of available housing options and rental subsidy programs;
Collaborate with other providers in NYC Jails to ensure the completion of all necessary documentation for participants who are eligible for 2010E/Supportive Housing;
Collect housing related documentation and maintain an organized filing system, upload all documents into the agency data management system (Case Worthy) and file in the appropriate section of participants’ folders;
Use the DOC Program Data Tracker to document the participants who attended the Housing workshops;
Maintain ongoing communication and follow up with other parties and/or providers involved in participant’s success (e.g. Facilitators/Discharge Planners, referral sources, partner agencies, LMSWs);
Make referrals for necessary support to appropriate community-based organizations, advocacy firms, and governmental agencies;
Offer housing workshops to participants in custody on Rikers Island to explain the different housing option available to them upon their release;
Assume other responsibilities as assigned.