Discharge Planner Team Lead
FORTUNE SOCIETY INC - East Elmhurst, NY
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Title: Discharge Planner Team Leader (Operations Supervisor)Unit: Transitional Services (RISE)Reports to: Director of Jail-Based ServicesStatus: Full Time; Regular/ExemptSalary Range: $75,000 - $80,000Days/Hours: 35 Hours per week, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pmLocation: NYC Department of Correction Facilities (NYC DOC)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 Discharge Planner Team Leader, (TL) under the supervision of the Assistant Director, Jail Based Services, will be responsible for supervising jail based staff, ensuring proper daily collection and reporting of data, preparation of calendars, recruitment of participants, coordination of events and community days, coverage of groups, as well as providing continuity of services for city sentenced individuals being released from NYC DOC facilities. The Discharge Planner Team Leader will also connect with internal staff and other community providers to ensure a smooth transition for our participants into their next phase and support the day-to-day operations for RISE staff while inside the facilities. Mission and FitThe TL 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. Integrity, Emotional Intelligence & SupervisionThe TL will maintain ethical standards while empathizing with both participants and team members to build strong relationships and foster a positive work environment. They will focus on identifying key needs and various re-entry opportunities for participants. They will effectively communicate goals, expectations, and updates to team members and actively listen to their feedback to inspire them to achieve their full potential by giving them a sense of ownership and purpose. This will also include assigning tasks and defining clear performance expectations. The TL will provide guidance, mentorship, and opportunities for team members to grow and develop their skills.Collaboration, Adaptability & Decision MakingThe TL should be comfortable collaborating with internal and external staff at all levels to understand complex problems and create solutions to support participants' successful transition. The TL will be asked for input on department projects, so they should be comfortable contributing constructive feedback and be a team player in supporting the team in completing projects. The TL should be comfortable leading group conversations, facilitating meetings, and capable of making sound judgments based on available information and considering different perspectives.Professional Etiquette, Knowledge & DevelopmentThe TL will adjust their strategies and approaches as needed to address various situations constructively and effectively and find mutually agreeable solutions. They will be mindful of different situations and adapt their communication and behavior accordingly. The TL will also be sure to be respectful of deadlines that are fundamental to meeting participant and program needs. 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 DetailThe TL 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; TLs handle multiple people simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and manage teams efficiently. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Provide administrative support, training, supervision and programmatic guidance to the staff, while ensuring the delivery of quality services to participants; Support the Assistant Director with program operations in NYC DOC facilities, including reviewing daily workshop attendance sheets and completed transition plans to ensure accurate and thoroughly completed documentation and data entry, approving timesheets, creating calendars, organizing schedules, and preparing performance evaluations, the coordination of in-person and remote days for jail-based RISE staff as well as DOC sanctioned events; Work with the Assistant Director on the collection, assessment, and accounting of data and reports related to the achievement of program outcomes; Help coordinate staff activities, meetings and trainings; Assist with coverage, including but not limited to completing transition plans and conducting workshops when staff are out of office, as well as managing program operations when the Assistant Director is out of the office or unavailable; Establish and maintain strong relationships with NYC DOC correctional staff and service providers that have a presence at the NYC DOC Facilities; Collaborate with Community Operations Supervisors, other Fortune staff and/or community providers to ensure a smooth transition for participants in custody into either the community, state prisons, diversion programs etc.; Support the Jail-Based Housing Specialist with obtaining participant documents for 2010E/Supportive Housing applications; Follow DOC directives and remain vigilant - report any safety concerns; Maintain and monitor confidentiality of participant files; Establish standards that will ensure appropriate boundaries and suitable behaviors; Assume other responsibilities as assigned.Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in relevant work or field of study (e.g. psychology, criminal justice, social work, education or liberal arts) preferred; High School Diploma or GED/HSE required; Experience facilitating groups, especially with criminal legal system impacted individuals; At least 1 year of experience with team management and operations; Proficient in Microsoft Office computer applications, specifically Word, Outlook, Excel and Office 365. Strong verbal, writing, and interpersonal skills; Ability to take initiative, be dependable, resourceful and be able to pay keen attention to detail; Excellent organizational skills to manage multiple priorities at the same time in a time-sensitive manner; Ability to secure NYC DOC Volunteer Services clearance and work within the constraints of facility guidelines, including but not limited to lock downs, screening of personal items such as food and clothing restrictions, which can be changed at the discretion of the Department of Correction; Bilingual in Spanish/English a plus. 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: Required to travel to NYC DOC Facilities. May be required to travel to Fortune Society offices for meetings and/or training. Must be willing to travel between NYC DOC facilities.Physical Demands: Ability to walk and stand for extended periods of time. Ability to travel corridors and walk up and down stairs frequently, daily. Ability to remove yourself expeditiously if any risks are presented.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.
Created: 2026-04-02