Vocational Specialist

Location: Long Island City, NY and other Fortune Offices, as needed

Days/Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm; some evenings and weekends as required

Organization Overview: The Fortune Society, Inc. (Fortune) has been working for over 57 years in service to its 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.

Position Summary: Under the direction of the Director, Workforce Development, the Vocational Instructor will work with the Employment Services team to deliver digital skills and customer service/retail training to formerly incarcerated individuals as they reintegrate into the community, supporting reentry, employment, and personal empowerment. The ideal candidate is a compassionate educator and facilitator dedicated to helping individuals build essential digital and customer service skills for reintegration into a digital society that will support them being successful in the workplace.

Core Competencies: Mission and FitAttention to Detail Participant Centered Collaboration

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Collaboratively work with team and management to implement innovative and engaging interdisciplinary, interactive, and experiential learning activities in the workshops, including job readiness skills and life skills related to the development and enhancement of pre-employment competencies; Facilitate digital skills and customer service/retail training in-person and online; Develop and update training materials such as curricula, handouts, presentations, etc.; Participate in collaborative meetings with Employment Services and Digital Equity teams to assess programming effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements; Monitor, report, and document participants' attendance, progress towards goals, and overall class performance in the case management database system; Conduct research and stay up to date on the latest trends and best practices in customer service, retail, digital equity and technology education; Attend networking events and training workshops to remain informed; Model safe and positive workplace behavior and work readiness skills (teamwork, conflict resolution, positive attitude, timeliness, etc.); Utilize trauma-informed practices to support participants; establish constructive relationships with participants as a positive role model; Participate in regular, ongoing professional development opportunities including trainings, and receive ongoing coaching and feedback; Engage in regular participant case conferences and planning meetings with staff; Collaborate with internal departments as needed; Attend and participate in all necessary meetings, conferences, and trainings; Engage in his/her/their own ongoing professional development; and Perform other related duties as needed.

Qualifications: Associate degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Education or a related field or other life/professional experience equivalent to an Associate's degree preferred; A minimum of 1-2 years of experience in teaching, training, or working in correctional or reentry programs; digital literacy or digital equity experience is strongly preferred; Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred; Ability to break down technical jargon into easy-to-understand terms for the non-technical person; Ability to communicate clearly, respectfully, and effectively with a diverse range of participants and correctional facility staff; Skilled communicator who can liaise interdepartmentally as well as with community partners and stakeholders; Ability to work a flexible schedule; Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365, Google Workspace, video conferencing applications and digital safety best practices; Ability to apply skills learned from prior work experience, or formal academic training in a related subject area, to the day-to-day project activities; and demonstrated success in being participant-centered, self-motivated with excellent relationship skills. Ability to work well with personnel, with a patient and flexible approach to work; Ability to work independently and on a team; Ability to secure volunteer services clearance; Experience and/or desire to work with a culturally diverse population. We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.

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.