Program Director, Transitional Jobs bei FORTUNE SOCIETY INC

Description

Title:                           Program Director, Transitional Jobs

Unit:                           Atlas Workforce Program

Salary:                        $90,000 to $95,000

Reports to:                 Senior Director, Workforce Development                

Status:                        Full Time; Regular, Exempt              

Location:                    502 East 163^rd Street, Bronx, NY 10451

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

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 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 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

Under the direction of Fortune, the Program Director, Transitional Jobs, will work alongside the Program Director, Outreach to lead the implementation of the Atlas Workforce Program, which is designed to address community violence through outreach, transitional jobs, cognitive behavioral interventions, coaching, and case management. This role is pivotal in integrating various program components to achieve significant violence reduction and participant reintegration outcomes.

Mission and Fit

The PD 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.

Leadership

The PD will set the vision and direction for the program, ensuring it provides the necessary support and resources to empower participants to achieve success post program participation. The PDs strong leadership will be instrumental in fostering a positive and supportive environment where participants can develop the skills and confidence they need to build a brighter future.

Supervision

The PD should be able to communicate vision to direct reports and ensures that the team understands and strives towards defined performance goals.  The PD carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.  Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding, coaching, and mentoring employees; addressing employee relations and resolving problems.

Attention to Detail

The PD 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 PD must work closely with their team to use informed program trends to enhance the program services. The PD will build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, employers, and stakeholders to expand program reach and impact.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Leadership

• Guide the overall strategy and execution of the Atlas Workforce Program.
• Supervise program components, specifically Transitional Jobs activities, ensuring cohesive operation and alignment with the Atlas Initiative’s objectives.
• Recruit, train, and oversee crew staff  and operations teams, ensuring alignment with program goals.
• Promote a continuous learning and adaptation culture to meet evolving program needs.
• Act as a primary liaison with community organizations, government agencies, and funders.
• Foster collaborative relationships to enhance program reach and impact.

Relentless Engagement

• Oversee methods of relentless engagement to recruit participants at elevated risk of violence.
• Ensure community navigation teams, staffed by Credible Messengers, effectively engage and support potential participants through responsive and material support.
• Direct the provision of coaching and case management throughout all program phases.
• Oversee the Develop individualized plans for participants, connecting them to services to reduce engagement barriers and support goal achievement.

Cognitive Behavioral Intervention (CBI)

• Ensure the delivery of a structured CBI curriculum tailored for the program’s target demographic.
• Train outreach and transitional employment staff in CBI delivery and participant progress assessment.
• Collaborate with experts to continuously enhance the CBI curriculum for maximal participant benefit.

Transitional Employment

• Oversee the hiring of participants into transitional jobs post-CBI and personal development sessions.
• Supervise on-the-job support from supervisors and coaches, ensuring the application of CBI skills in the workplace.
• Manage the integration of participants into transitional roles following CBI, supporting their on-the-job development with targeted coaching.

Data Management and Reporting

• Oversee data collection and analysis to assess program effectiveness and inform strategic adjustments.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting to stakeholders and funders.

Budget and Resources Management

• Administer the program budget, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently and effectively.
• Monitor expenditure against budgetary allocations and program objectives.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in Sociology/Social Work/Criminal Justice/Public Administration or other life/professional experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree;
• A minimum of three years of experience in management capacity, with at least five years working in social service, criminal justice or workforce programming;
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred;
• Skilled communicator who is able to liaise interdepartmentally as well as with community partners and stakeholders;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Outlook and Office 365;
• Ability to work independently and on a team;
• Experience working with the community in the South Bronx, a plus;
• Experience and/or desire to work with a culturally diverse population; and
• 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 New York City 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.