Central Visiting Case Manager- Rikers at Hourchildren.org – Long Island City, New York

Position Title: Central Visiting Case Manager- Rikers

Location: NY, Long Island City
Shift: Various Shifts

Description:

Job Description

Title: Central Visiting Case Manager

Reports to: Program Director, Hour Children

Location: Family Support at Central Visit, Benjamin Ward Central Visit Center (Rikers Island) & Community-Based Office

Status: Part-time/Per diem (20 hours per week)

Work Schedule: Two 8-hour shifts at the Central Visiting Center at Rikers

Wednesday & Thursday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday: 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

One 4-hour shift (Monday/Tuesday or Friday) in Community-Based Office (4 hours between 9:00-5:00 pm).

Salary: $31.00/hour

Job Summary

Hour Children is a mission-driven organization supporting formerly incarcerated women and their children in rebuilding safe, healthy, and independent lives. We offer a compassionate, anti-discriminatory, and inclusive environment rooted in values of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Case Manager to provide direct support to families visiting incarcerated loved ones at Rikers Island. This role is key in promoting positive parent-child engagement during visits and ensuring that families, especially children, receive the emotional, practical, and community-based support they need. This role is based primarily at the Benjamin Ward Central Visit Center (Rikers Island), four days per week, with one day dedicated to community-based case management work. The goal is to support incarcerated parents by helping their families navigate the challenges of incarceration with empathy, dignity, and culturally competent care.

Applicant must be eligible to obtain NYC Department of Correction clearance.

Duties and Responsibilities

Be present at Central Visits 2 days per week, conducting outreach to families in need of support, with a focus on those with children

Provide therapeutic visit coaching and general guidance to family members as they wait to visit their incarcerated loved ones

Address challenges and concerns that visitors experienced in previous visits; offer strategies for conflict resolution and improved engagement

Conduct brief family strengths and needs assessments to identify support areas and refer families to relevant community resources

Facilitate referrals to external agencies for assistance with financial support, benefits, employment, education, counseling, trauma services, and more

Share information about available resources and workshops for incarcerated individuals within DOC facilities

Use trauma-informed and motivational interviewing techniques to build trust, promote open communication, and support family growth and healing

Schedule follow-up appointments at the community-based office for comprehensive needs assessments and continued support

Conduct outreach and follow-up with family members via mail, phone, and email to encourage engagement in available services (e.g., trauma counseling, support groups, child therapy)

Assist families with scheduling virtual visits as needed

Collect and track service delivery data and family engagement metrics

Collaborate with the Visit Facilitator, DOC uniformed staff, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth and respectful coordination of services

Coordinate with the Family Visiting Assistance Program team to ensure coverage during scheduled absences or changes in staffing needs

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in counseling, Social Work, Human Services, Social Sciences, or a related field with a minimum of three years' work experience in case management, social services, or related direct-service work with vulnerable populations.

Minimum of six (6) years of experience in case management, social services, or related direct-service work with vulnerable populations

Familiarity with issues impacting justice-involved families and children

Strong understanding of parent-child relationships and family dynamics, particularly in the context of trauma, separation, and reunification

Proficiency in trauma-informed and/or motivational interviewing or similar person-centered engagement techniques is a plus

Bilingual (Spanish/English) is strongly preferred but not required

Core Strengths and Attributes

Demonstrated empathy and compassion for individuals impacted by the criminal-legal system

Ability to build trust and communicate effectively with a diverse range of visitors and families in emotionally charged situations

Lived experience with the criminal-legal system or a strong understanding of its impact on individuals and families is welcomed and valued

Prior experience working with vulnerable populations, including those who have been incarcerated or otherwise affected by the criminal-legal system

Strong judgment and ability to work independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Flexible, adaptable, and able to adjust to sudden changes or operational shifts without resistance

Comfortable navigating the complexities of a jail environment, including engaging with uniformed staff and navigating facility protocols

Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills; an ability to de-escalate conflict and advocate effectively

Collaborative mindset; an ability to work closely with Visit Facilitators, Department of Corrections (DOC) staff, and other on-site team members

Professionalism, discretion, and the ability to manage sensitive information and interactions with care

EOE Statement:

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Category: Justice Initiatives

Position Requirements:

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Req Number: JUS-25-00011

Location: III HC Main Office

About the Organization:

Hour Children is a leading provider of services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women in New York State. Focused on women and their children, we support families during a mother's incarceration and help families get back on their feet upon release. We do this by providing housing, childcare, job training, and mental health services.