Rising Ground was founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 50 programs in 70 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity is shown not just through our work with supported persons, but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in downtown Brooklyn.

Antiracism Statement:

Rising Ground is comprised of unique and valued individuals who together make the organization effective in assisting the children, adults and families who come to us for support. We believe that only when all employees contribute fully as their true selves can Rising Ground's true strength, vision, and values be realized. We recognize the ubiquitous social biases and structures that impact and shape the experiences of all people, including our own staff and people supported. Among the many biases present in our society that shape our personal and professional experiences race, gender, sexual orientation, and gender expression are all factors that can present hurdles. As such, Rising Ground is committed to being an anti-racist and inclusive organization that will actively strive to overcome both systemic and interpersonal biases that perpetuate oppression.

Job Summary:

As a key member of the Diversity, Fairness, & Belonging Team, the DFB Specialist will play a central role in ensuring that Rising Ground’s antiracist and inclusivity policies and goals are embodied in the practices of our program staff.

This position involves working closely with the Senior Vice President of Diversity, Fairness, and Belonging to effectuate the diversity, fairness, and belonging strategic plan by:

· Facilitate discussions among program/department staff about practices that may have lead persons supported to have to engage with systems historically identified as oppressive, or that diminish persons supported’s power or potential.

· Assist program staff in their continued evaluation of program practices, including identifying strategies to make inroads in each program.

· Encourage staff to identify the role of bias in their work, implement techniques to counter bias, engage alternative practices (such as restorative justice, better use of de-escalation techniques, creating environments that reduce tension or are less likely to trigger, etc.) as a means of avoiding engagement with potentially oppressive systems.

· Help program staff to collectively think through their own needs, such as safety concerns, and restorative practices in response to persons supported.

· Facilitate Safe Spaces conversations.

· Periodically identify trends within the organization that may assist the SVP of DFB with developing DFB strategies.

· Assist with the development and delivery of inclusion-related content and programming.

· Bachelors required.

· Master’s preferred in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, Social Work, Counseling, or comparable social sciences

 - Certificate in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion considered.

Supervisory Responsibility

· No

Work Environment:

· Hybrid

Travel (if required):

· Requires travel within the five Burroughs.

Salary Range: $80,000.00