Recovery Specialist (Peer Specialist I)

Title:                                  Recovery Specialist (Peer Specialist I)

Unit:                                  NEST/Admissions

Reports to:                        Program Coordinator

Salary Range:                  $22.00 per hour (approximately $40,040 annually)

Status:                               Full Time; Regular; Non-Exempt

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 close to $90 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 program models are recognized, both nationally and internationally, for their quality and innovation. We have locations in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens.

Fortune has grown steadily over the years to an agency just under $60 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 11,000 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

Reporting to the NEST Program Coordinator, the Recovery Specialist will function as a role model, exhibiting competency in personal recovery and use of coping skills, and will serve as an advocate providing peer support and resources for clients served.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist clients with identifying sustaining coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Assist clients with working with their Case Manager in determining steps deemed necessary to achieve goals.
• Escort clients as needed to various appointments via public transportation.
• Conduct client follow-up via telephone, text, e-mail, and/or in-person visits.
• Pick up newly released clients from various locations.
• Other duties as necessary.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or High School Equivalency Diploma (HSE).
• Ability to educate individuals and family members on the domains of recovery.
• Ability to work under strict confidentiality and to be receptive of feedback and supervision for improvement.
• Basic computer skills, text messaging, e-mailing, and Internet navigation.
• Appropriate written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to interact with diverse internal and external individuals.
• Will undergo funder required background check through OASAS

We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to the mission of the Fortune Society

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel throughout the five boroughs via public transportation and/or agency vehicle.

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 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, citizenship status, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.

Salary : $22