Participant Support Specialist (Rikers Island - Trauma Informed Care Specialist)

Description

The Osborne Association serves individuals, families, and communities affected by the criminal justice system. Through our programs, we offer opportunities for people to heal from and repair harm, restore their lives, and thrive. We challenge systems rooted in racism and retribution and fight for policies and practices that promote true safety, justice, and liberation.

At Osborne, we are guided by core values and shared beliefs. We honor everyone's capacity to change, celebrate our shared humanity, are united in our pursuit of justice and equity, take all possible steps to keep our commitments, and advocate for people and principles with fierce and tenacious determination.

We are seeking a compassionate, experienced, and trauma-informed professional to join our team as a non-clinical Trauma-Informed Care Specialist to join our Workforce Development Team! This role is based on Rikers Island and focuses on supporting individuals impacted by the criminal legal system through assessments, group facilitation, case coordination, and reentry support. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of trauma and its effects on behavior, along with a commitment to restorative and rehabilitative approaches.

This position requires clearance by the New York City Department of Correction. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain Department of Correction (DOC) clearance to work on Rikers Island and/or other applicable facilities operated by the Department of Correction.

Salary: $65,000-$70,000/Year

Requirements

Essential Duties:

• Recruit Individuals to participate in programming through using dynamic outreach strategies on our assigned housing units.
• Conduct intake interviews and gather comprehensive background information in a respectful, client-centered manner
• Complete assessments to identify participants’ needs and develop individualized support plans
• Maintain accurate documentation and perform timely data entry into two case management systems
• Identify behavioral triggers and trauma-related responses to support emotional regulation and improved behavioral outcomes
• Facilitate group workshops grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) principles to promote resilience, insight, and coping skills
• Coordinate and participate in case conferences with internal teams and external partners to monitor participant progress
• Provide referrals and coordinate reentry services to ensure continuity of care upon release, including connections to housing, mental health, employment, and community support
• Collaborate with correctional staff and community-based organizations to ensure a consistent, trauma-informed approach
• Uphold principles of dignity, respect, and cultural competence in all interactions with participants
• In-person attendance is required to collaborate with coworkers
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s degree in Psychology, Criminal Justice, Social Work, or a related field
• At least three (3) years of experience providing trauma-informed services
• At least three (3) years of experience working with individuals impacted by the criminal legal system
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills
• Ability to work effectively within a correctional environment and as part of a multidisciplinary team

Key Competencies:

• Bilingual in Spanish strongly encouraged to apply
• Experience facilitating CBT-based or psychoeducational workshops
• Social Work or other clinical experience preferred
• Ability to travel locally between Osborne offices as needed and Rikers Island
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
• Ability to take initiative
• Strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills

Benefits of Working at Osborne

Generous benefits include four weeks of vacation, tuition reimbursement, a flexible work schedule, excellent Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, and a 403(b) plan with a company match. Career development through ongoing training and individual development plans.

The Osborne Association is an EEO/Affirmative Action employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, unemployment status, or any other protected category. The Osborne Association takes affirmative action in support of its policy to advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Thank you for your interest in the Osborne Association. Be sure to include a cover letter with your application. No phone calls please. We wish we could personally respond to each application. However, we are unable to do so due to the volume of interest received.

** Salary is based on commensurate experience and other qualifications.