Social Worker

Job DetailsJob Location: NY Correctional Facilities Rikers Island - East Elmhurst, NY 11370Position Type: Full-Time ExemptSalary Range: $75,000.00 - $75,000.00 Salary/yearTitle: Social Worker (LMSW/LMHC)

Unit: Behavioral Health

Reports to: Clinical Supervisor. Substance Misuse Program Manager

Status: Full Time; Regular; Exempt

Salary: $75,000  Annually                            

Location: Rikers Island, New York Correctional Facilities (NYC jails)

Days/Hours: 35 hours per week, generally Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 5:00pm

This position is represented by OPEIU Local 153

Position Summary:

This exciting new position builds upon Fortune’s decades-long partnership with the NYC Department of Correction (DOC) and NYC Health + Hospitals/Correctional Health Services (CHS) to offer vital services aimed at preventing substance misuse among persons in custody (PICs) on Rikers Island and facilitating connections to treatment services and other community supports post-release.  

The candidate in this role will work closely with the Clinical Supervisor to engage with non-classed individuals within the general population to conduct evidence-based screenings for those who may struggle with substance use disorder or mental health needs.  These assessments will be in line with the Mental Health Report for 2010e applications and will be prioritized for individuals with upcoming court dates who could potentially be considered for an alternative to incarceration (ATI) program. While the main focus of this part of the role is to complete assessments, social workers may engage in the occasional individual counseling session/risk assessment/safety planning for the PICs they screen. They will not carry an on-island caseload or conduct regularly scheduled therapy visits for PIC.

Core Competencies:

Mission and Fit

The ideal candidate(s) will demonstrate an interest in, and talent for, working with people with criminal justice system involvement within the NYC jail environment.  The successful candidate will understand the impacts that exposure to the criminal justice system may have had, and continues to have, on clients and will demonstrate commitment to providing support. Candidates will also have demonstrated a commitment to using respectful, constructive means of communication when interacting with clients and colleagues.  Individuals within this role must also utilize a strengths-based, person-centered model and endorse the concept of looking for the best in people, rather than judging them by their worst decision(s). 

Client Engagement

The successful candidate will be able to complete evidence-based screening tools (including the SMAST, DAST-10, PHQ-9) and build comprehensive psychosocial evaluations with preliminary MH and SUD diagnoses.  While engaging in services with clients, the successful candidate will be able to practice multiple theoretical frameworks and tailor their therapeutic approach based on individual need.  Social workers will have practical experience engaging with individuals with SUD and co-occurring diagnoses.  The ideal candidate will also have experience conducting risk assessments and safety planning. 

Time Management & Documentation

This position requires solid time management skills as the person must manage conducting scheduled assessments in multiple NYC jail housing units with ad hoc assessments that may be time sensitive. The ideal candidate will be able to utilize their time management skills to remain flexible in keeping to schedules that can change on short notice, while staying current with various ancillary tasks.  The successful candidate will be excellent at maintaining personal organization in pursuing numerous tasks in parallel, managing his/her/their time to maximize efficiency, and will be good at completing paperwork accurately and in a timely manner.   All of this requires good computer skills, familiarity with using an electronic health record (EHR) system, and solid typing skills.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Interview participants utilizing Evidence-Based screening tools to complete initial assessment and comprehensive psychosocial evaluation;
Complete documentation of assessments to meet criteria for 2010e Mental Health Report; provide documentation with recommendations for ATI consideration and/or for specialized housing placement when appropriate;
Collaborate with on-site LCSW to obtain vital records and incorporate relevant information into clinical assessment outcomes;
Prepare assessments, supporting documentation, and service recommendations for court presentation when necessary;
Collaborate with in-court peer support specialists when individuals have scheduled appearances, informing them of potential service needs;
Create, prepare, and submit tracking sheets for monitoring of completed, scheduled, and upcoming assessments;
Create service plan when requested, which will include wrap-around, person-centered services identified and case conference with Fortune’s on-island team on high-risk individuals;
Assist with internal and external referrals for substance use, mental health, and care management programs;
Maintain proper case records, with all case notes completed within 48 hours of interaction;
Maintain on-going clinical communication with supervisor;
Participate in training opportunities;
Perform other duties as assigned.

QualificationsQualifications:

LMSW or LMHC required;
Minimum of one year overall clinical experience required;
Experience in dealing with either psychiatric issues, trauma, or incarceration desired;
Familiar with barriers that previously incarcerated individuals face in reentry and how to navigate them;
Proficient in Microsoft Office computer applications, especially Word, Outlook and Excel;
Strong verbal, writing, listening and negotiating skills;
Ability to take initiative, be dependable, resourceful and able to pay keen attention to detail;
Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities at the same time in a time-sensitive manner.

Travel Requirements: 

Required to travel to Rikers Island and Fortune Society offices
May be required to offices for meetings and/or trainings
Must be willing to travel between DOC facilities, if necessary

Physical Demands:

Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time;
Ability to travel corridors and walk up and down stairs frequently;
Ability to remove yourself expeditiously if any risks are presented.

We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission.  Relevant personal experience is a plus.

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