Workforce Development Hard Skills Group Facilitator

Title: Workforce Development Hard Skills Group Facilitator

Unit: Transitional Services (RISE)

Salary: $41.21 to $43.96 per hour [Approximately $75,000 to $80,000 annually]

Reports to: Assistant Director, Jail Based Services

Status: Full Time; Regular; Non-Exempt

Location: NYC Department of Correction Facilities (NYC DOC)

Days/Hours: Monday - Friday, 9am-5pm

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 just under $85 million in annual budget with just under 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 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 Fortune Society is seeking to fill the position of Workforce Development Hard Skills Group Facilitator to provide instruction in OSHA 30, Site Safety Training and Scaffolding Training pre-release to individuals currently in custody at NYC DOC facilities. Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, Jail Based Services, the facilitator will be responsible for conducting instructional workshops on training individuals in construction-based industry recognized credentials. The facilitator will lead groups, administer assignments and exams, track participant performance, and complete reports to document all program activities and engagement.

Mission and Fit

The facilitator must embody the values and mission of the Fortune Society. This includes meeting our participants where they are in the re-entry process, demonstrating our values through compassion and understanding; and affirming that none of us should be measured against the worse things we have done. The second chance is the Fortune Way.

Participant Centered

The facilitator focuses on opportunities to support participants. They have the ability to illustrate the highest level of customer care and empathy while thriving to resolve participant concerns and issues.

Collaboration

The facilitator expresses disagreement constructively (e.g. by emphasizing points of agreement, suggesting alternatives that may be acceptable to the group). They also have the ability to work effectively with others to ensure participants receive necessary support to thrive in vocational and other pre-release training programs.

Feedback and Modeling

The facilitator encourages and promotes a classroom environment in which all individual differences are valued, respected, and welcome. They promote helpful, behavioral specific feedback, both positive and constructive, to participants on performance and engagement. The facilitator reinforces efforts and checks on participant progress. They explain, demonstrate, and reinforce expected behaviors, knowledge, and skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Design and facilitate innovative and engaging curricula for OSHA 30. Site Safety, Scaffolding, and Flaggers training at NYC DOC facilities that includes industry best practices in construction; complying with HIPAA regulations and confidentiality; motivational interviewing; case management administration and relationship building;
• Collaborate with Transitional Services team to identify and enroll participants in trainings;
• Design and facilitate dynamic curricula for individuals in custody to develop and enhance core competencies in computer proficiency needed to succeed in the workforce, including activities relating to email development and usage, editing documents (resume, cover letters), and best practices using search engines for self-directed job search;
• Assist the Jail Based team in coordinating and administrating exams, maintaining records and physical copies of credentials earned and update resumes with credentials once obtained;
• Maintain a positive and productive working relationship with the agency’s IT and Facilities team to ensure the program’s computer and related technological needs are noted and addressed in a manner that does not interrupt program services;
• Will consistently stay updated on regulations, keeping up with changes in regulations and industry best practices;
• Enter electronic attendance data, maintain student attendance logs, progress and test folders;
• Interact in regular participant case conference and planning meetings with Jail Based and Employment Services’ program team;
• Participate in staff meetings and other staff development activities; and
• Perform other duties as needed.