Careers
At WPA, you’re not just joining a team—you’re joining a mission.
As the nation’s oldest organization serving justice-impacted women, we’ve built a legacy of compassion, advocacy, and change.
We are a community of professionals who lead with purpose and care deeply about the individuals and families we support. Our staff bring integrity, empathy, and drive to their work—and we support them in return with a collaborative culture, strong benefits, and opportunities to grow. If you're looking for meaningful work in a supportive, equity-focused environment, WPA is the place for you.
View our open roles below.
*Please include cover letter with a resume when applying. Email: jobs@wpaonline.org.
Please note, the anticipated date of hire for this position will be October 2026.
About:
The Women’s Prison Association (WPA) was founded in 1845 in New York City by Quaker abolitionist and prison reformer Abigail Hopper Gibbons. Established in response to the overcrowded and inhumane conditions in New York jails, WPA sought to support incarcerated women, who at the time were often considered “unredeemable.” It was the first organization dedicated to the rights and rehabilitation of system-involved women.
Today, decarceration is our North Star. Based in New York City, WPA strives to make the incarceration of women obsolete. We operate on a gender-responsive, trauma-informed model of support that provides the essential services justice-impacted women need to remain in their communities, heal, and thrive.
WPA is at an exciting and pivotal moment in its evolution. In 2025, WPA adopted a transformative 3-year strategic plan centered around three impact goals:
- Create a comprehensive, high-quality service model, prioritizing housing support and essential care for justice-impacted women.
- Weave an effective, robust community support network so that justice-impacted women receive the opportunities, services, and gender-responsive care they need.
- Shift public opinion and justice system practices and policies so that community-based support, and not incarceration, is the default response to contact with the criminal legal system.
As the organization advances, this role will contribute to WPA's continued growth and stability.
Position Description:
Reporting to the President and Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Finance Officer (CFO) is a key member of the executive leadership team responsible for overseeing WPA’s fiscal health. The CFO is also a key thought partner to the CEO and the Board of Directors, providing a strategic financial vision for the organization.
WPA uses an outsourced professional accounting and financial management services firm. The CFO is responsible for managing WPA’s relationship with its outsourced financial management services provider to ensure timely and accurate financial management by the provider, including maintaining WPA’s financial books and records, managing cash flow and performing the following functions: accounts payable, accounts receivable, budget development, financial grants management, audit process coordination, 990 filing and other tax-related regulatory functions, banking and other financial management functions. Additionally, the CFO will conduct an analysis and a feasibility assessment of WPA’s financial needs, and make recommendations for strengthening and building out the Finance Department to meet the organization’s current and future financial stewardship obligations.
The CFO will also provide operations oversight. They will help strengthen property management and facilities operations of WPA’s transitional and supportive housing portfolio. They will also directly supervise the operations manager, the information systems associate, and WPA’s outsourced information technology services to enhance operational effectiveness and organizational infrastructure.
The ideal candidate will have outstanding finance and business acumen, along with a proven ability to build a financial team and infrastructure from the ground up. They must also be a proven leader with the ability to manage and lead teams effectively. They will also be dedicated and skilled at fostering strong relationships within and between teams. The CFO will continuously optimize systems and processes to help staff work more efficiently and effectively.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) will be responsible for evaluating the organization's financial performance against the annual budget and long-term objectives. This role involves providing actionable and strategic recommendations on finance and operations based on thorough financial analysis, projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue and expense analysis. Additionally, the CFO will identify and mitigate potential financial risks. It is crucial for the CFO to synthesize financial data and metrics into a clear narrative that explains past performance, current conditions, and future possibilities.
Financial Management
- Provides strategic financial management for WPA, including financial planning, analysis, and reporting.
- Manage financial reporting to the Board’s finance and investment committees and support the work of these committees.
- Partners with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Executive Team to assess financial performance against annual budget and long-term objectives, providing actionable, strategic recommendations based on financial analysis and projections, cost identification and allocation, and revenue/expense analysis.
- Collaborate with the Chief Impact Officer and the development team to ensure timely, accurate performance of all contract and grants management responsibilities.
- Identify potential financial risks and implement controls to mitigate these risks while optimizing opportunities for growth.
- Conduct analysis and a feasibility assessment of WPA’s financial needs, and make recommendations for strengthening and building out the Finance Department to meet the organization’s current and future fiscal goals.
- Collaborate with the Chief Program Officer to ensure continued clear and effective communication between program staff and the fiscal team.
- Ensure a strong system of oversight and administration for all funding sources, including government contracts, private grants, and foundation funding, through accurate and detailed record keeping and grant reporting.
Operations
- Lead, develop, and manage the performance of finance and operations staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
- Develop and manage capital budgets and systems for capital reserve management and growth.
- Assess the staffing models of the residential facilities, identify areas of improvement in the organizational infrastructure to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Ensure essential functions within the identified roles, support operational and programmatic needs, optimize resource allocation, and foster a culture of collaboration and accountability across departments.
- Manage adherence to all regulatory requirements.
Strategic Plan Implementation
- Serve as an essential thought partner to the CEO, executive team, and partners throughout the organization in implementing the organization’s strategic plan.
- Partner with the CEO, CPO, and CIO to develop organization-wide metrics to assess the success and progress of our impact as we develop the operations infrastructure to support our strategy.
- Provide strategic operational guidance and operational planning support as new initiatives are developed and implemented
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Exceptional strategic financial and business acumen, with the ability to interpret and apply understanding of key financial indicators to support high-quality decision-making. Demonstrated experience leading complex nonprofit financial operations, forecasting, and strategic financial planning.
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in finance and business management.
- Strong analytical and financial modeling and forecasting skills as well as knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for nonprofits; if coming from the for-profit sector, significant nonprofit board experience or the equivalent is required.
- Experience managing contracts and grants from New York City and New York State government agencies.
- Demonstrated commitment to WPA’s mission of serving communities, families, and individuals impacted by the criminal legal system.
- An intersectional analysis of racial, gender, and socioeconomic dynamics of underserved communities, with a particular familiarity with issues facing systems-involved women.
- Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the intellectual depth and maturity to work with executive leaders, staff, and vendors across WPA.
- Proven track record of strong change management, with demonstrable experience in methodically tracking progress and plans to achieve short- and long-term goals.
- Deep experience leading and managing diverse teams, serving as a coach and mentor to staff in a range of functional areas, particularly around giving constructive feedback, developing supervisory skills, assessing, and supporting the professional growth of staff.
- Deep experience developing strong partnerships in government and with non-profit organizations across a variety of sectors.
- Outstanding organizational and project management skills with overall execution orientation and close attention to detail.
- Strong emotional intelligence skills.
- Joy and a sense of humor.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits*:
Annual Salary: $165-180,000, commensurate with education and experience.
WPA offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, employer-paid dental insurance, generous paid time off, paid leave, as well as:
Health & Wellness
- Health & Vision insurance
- Employer-paid dental coverage
- 100% premium paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Paid family and medical leave
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Companywide Wellness Challenges
Time Off & Flexibility
- 12 paid holidays, including a paid holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s
- Floating holidays and Personal days
- Hybrid work options for various roles
Financial Benefits
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Tax-deferred commuting benefits via ThrivePass
- 529 college savings plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program
Growth & Development
- WPA University ~ Learning Management System (LMS) for on-demand learning
- Internal & External training opportunities
- CUNY sponsored scholarship to HSCAS for employee education
Extra Perks
- Access to the “Alcott HR Marketplace” employee discount program
- Milestone Celebrations & Awards
*Benefits eligibility may vary based on the number of hours worked.
WPA strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We recruit, employ, train, and promote regardless of systems involvement and race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic, or any other protected status. Faithful to our mission, all of our employees share in these commitments as a guide to engage one another with dignity and respect. Individuals with criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@wpaonline.org. You must include "Chief Finance Officer" in the subject line of your email.
About:
The Women’s Prison Association (WPA) was founded in 1845 in New York City by Quaker abolitionist and prison reformer Abigail Hopper Gibbons. Established in response to the overcrowded and inhumane conditions in New York jails, WPA sought to support incarcerated women, who at the time were often considered “unredeemable.” It was the first organization dedicated to the rights and rehabilitation of system-involved women.
Today, decarceration is our North Star. Based in New York City, WPA strives to make the incarceration of women obsolete. We operate on a gender-responsive, trauma-informed model of support that provides the essential services justice-impacted women need to remain in their communities, heal, and thrive.
WPA is at an exciting and pivotal moment in its evolution. In 2025, WPA adopted a transformative 3-year strategic plan centered around three impact goals:
- Create a comprehensive, high-quality service model, prioritizing housing support and essential care for justice-impacted women.
- Weave an effective, robust community support network so that justice-impacted women receive the opportunities, services, and gender-responsive care they need.
- Shift public opinion and justice system practices and policies so that community-based support, and not incarceration, is the default response to contact with the criminal legal system.
As the organization advances, this role will contribute to WPA's continued growth and stability.
Position Description:
The Women’s Prison Association (WPA) is seeking a trauma-responsive Social Worker to provide clinical services and support to residents at WPA’s supportive housing, the Rise. The Social Worker will engage all WPA residents, provide individual counseling, co-facilitate group interventions, plan community events and contribute to a collaborative, strengths-based care model.
Responsibilities:
Clinical Counseling & Support
- Provide individual supportive counseling to participants using trauma-responsive, strengths-based approaches
- Develop and maintain individualized service plans in collaboration with participants, revisiting regularly to reflect evolving goals and needs
Group Facilitation
- Create new engaging programming for the Rise Tenants
- Co-facilitate psychoeducational and therapeutic groups
- Foster a safe, inclusive group environment that promotes engagement, connection, and skill-building
- Support delivery of culturally responsive programming, including Spanish-language groups as needed
Collaboration & Program Support
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and monthly case conferences
- Collaborate with case managers and facility staff to support participant engagement and program delivery
- Contribute to a supportive, trauma-informed environment within the facility
- Support psychoeducation efforts, including staff trainings on trauma and substance use
- Participate in required training sessions and ongoing professional development
- Perform other duties or special projects as assigned by supervisor or leadership
Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) required
- LMSW or LCSW preferred (or eligibility to obtain licensure)
Experienced Required:
- Minimum 1–3 years of clinical experience, preferably with justice-involved populations, substance use, or trauma
- Experience writing psychosocial or mitigation reports strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and harm reduction approaches
- Experience with group facilitation and evidence-based practices (e.g., CBT, TF-CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety)
- Commitment to anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, and participant-centered practice
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred
Competencies:
- Strong clinical writing and assessment skills, including the ability to synthesize complex histories into clear, compelling reports
- Strong clinical judgment and boundaries in complex environments
- Flexibility, adaptability, and collaborative mindset
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Commitment to dignity, respect, and self-determination of all participants
- Commitment to confidentiality, cultural humility, and professional integrity
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, particularly in high-pressure or crisis situations
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with a passion for social justice
- Alignment with WPA’s vision to make incarceration obsolete by supporting women in their communities
Compensation, Perks & Benefits*:
Annual Salary: $66,500
WPA offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our staff. Our benefits reflect our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported.
Health & Wellness
- Health & Vision insurance
- Employer-paid dental coverage
- 100% premium paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Paid family and medical leave
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Companywide Wellness Challenges
Time Off & Flexibility
- 12 paid holidays, including a paid holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s
- Floating holidays and Personal days
- Hybrid work options for various roles
Financial Benefits
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Tax-deferred commuting benefits via ThrivePass
- 529 college savings plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program
Growth & Development
- WPA University ~ Learning Management System (LMS) for on-demand learning
- Internal & External training opportunities
- CUNY sponsored scholarship to HSCAS for employee education
Extra Perks
- Access to the “Alcott HR Marketplace” employee discount program
- Milestone Celebrations & Awards
*Benefits eligibility may vary based on the number of hours worked
WPA strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We recruit, employ, train, and promote regardless of systems involvement and race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic, or any other protected status. Faithful to our mission, all of our employees share in these commitments as a guide to engage one another with dignity and respect. Individuals with criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@wpaonline.org. You must include "Social Worker, The Rise” in the subject line of your email.
About:
The Women’s Prison Association (WPA) was founded in 1845 in New York City by Quaker abolitionist and prison reformer Abigail Hopper Gibbons. Established in response to the overcrowded and inhumane conditions in New York jails, WPA sought to support incarcerated women, who at the time were often considered “unredeemable.” It was the first organization dedicated to the rights and rehabilitation of system-involved women.
Today, decarceration is our North Star. Based in New York City, WPA strives to make the incarceration of women obsolete. We operate on a gender-responsive, trauma-informed model of support that provides the essential services justice-impacted women need to remain in their communities, heal, and thrive.
WPA is at an exciting and pivotal moment in its evolution. In 2025, WPA adopted a transformative 3-year strategic plan centered around three impact goals:
- Create a comprehensive, high-quality service model, prioritizing housing support and essential care for justice-impacted women.
- Weave an effective, robust community support network so that justice-impacted women receive the opportunities, services, and gender-responsive care they need.
- Shift public opinion and justice system practices and policies so that community-based support, and not incarceration, is the default response to contact with the criminal legal system.
As the organization advances, this role will contribute to WPA's continued growth and stability.
Position Description:
The Women’s Prison Association (WPA) is seeking a trauma-responsive Social Worker to provide clinical services within a gender-responsive substance misuse recovery program at Rikers Island. This role will require being at Rikers Island at least 2 days a week.
The Social Worker will deliver individual counseling, co-facilitate group interventions, support reentry planning, and contribute to a collaborative, strengths-based care model. The role also includes developing trauma-responsive mitigation reports to support participants’ legal advocacy and reentry outcomes. This position is ideal for a clinician committed to anti-carceral, trauma-responsive practice and working alongside individuals impacted by incarceration.
Responsibilities:
Clinical Counseling & Support
- Provide weekly individual supportive counseling to participants using trauma-responsive, strengths-based approaches
- Support participants in exploring the relationship between substance use, trauma, and coping strategies
- Utilize evidence-based modalities including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Seeking Safety, and Motivational Interviewing
- Develop and maintain individualized service plans in collaboration with participants, revisiting regularly to reflect evolving goals and needs
- Provide continuous care for people released from Rikers into community
Group Facilitation
- Co-facilitate up to three weekly psychoeducational and therapeutic groups using the Seeking Safety curriculum
- Deliver structured 5/6-session cycles covering topics such as grounding, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, and conflict resolution
- Foster a safe, inclusive group environment that promotes engagement, connection, and skill-building
- Support delivery of culturally responsive programming, including Spanish-language groups as needed
Screening & Assessment
- Conduct trauma-informed screenings and assessments, including the Women’s Risk/Needs Assessment (WRNA)
- Integrate findings into collaborative care planning and service delivery
- Engage participants in a strengths-based dialogue about their experiences and needs
Trauma-Responsive Mitigation & Advocacy
- Develop trauma-responsive mitigation reports that contextualize participants’ life experiences, including histories of trauma, substance use, and structural inequities, for use in legal advocacy
- Collaborate with legal teams to ensure reports are clinically grounded, strengths-based, and aligned with participants’ goals
- Translate clinical insights into clear, accessible narratives that support alternative sentencing, release planning, or other advocacy efforts
Collaboration & Program Support
- Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and monthly case conferences
- Collaborate with case managers and facility staff to support participant engagement and program delivery
- Contribute to a supportive, trauma-informed environment within the facility
- Support psychoeducation efforts, including staff trainings on trauma and substance use
- Participate in required training sessions and ongoing professional development
- Perform other duties or special projects as assigned by supervisor or leadership
Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) required
- LMSW or LCSW preferred (or eligibility to obtain licensure)
Experienced Required:
- Minimum 1–3 years of clinical experience, preferably with justice-involved populations, substance use, or trauma
- Experience writing psychosocial or mitigation reports strongly preferred
- Strong understanding of trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and harm reduction approaches
- Experience with group facilitation and evidence-based practices (e.g., CBT, TF-CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety)
- Commitment to anti-oppressive, culturally responsive, and participant-centered practice
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred
Competencies:
- Strong clinical writing and assessment skills, including the ability to synthesize complex histories into clear, compelling reports
- Strong clinical judgment and boundaries in complex environments
- Flexibility, adaptability, and collaborative mindset
- Excellent communication and documentation skills
- Commitment to dignity, respect, and self-determination of all participants
- Commitment to confidentiality, cultural humility, and professional integrity
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, particularly in high-pressure or crisis situations
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with a passion for social justice
- Alignment with WPA’s vision to make incarceration obsolete by supporting women in their communities
Compensation, Perks & Benefits*:
Annual Salary: $66,500
WPA offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our staff. Our benefits reflect our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported.
Health & Wellness
- Health & Vision insurance
- Employer-paid dental coverage
- 100% premium paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Paid family and medical leave
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Companywide Wellness Challenges
Time Off & Flexibility
- 12 paid holidays, including a paid holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s
- Floating holidays and Personal days
- Hybrid work options for various roles
Financial Benefits
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Tax-deferred commuting benefits via ThrivePass
- 529 college savings plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program
Growth & Development
- WPA University ~ Learning Management System (LMS) for on-demand learning
- Internal & External training opportunities
- CUNY sponsored scholarship to HSCAS for employee education
Extra Perks
- Access to the “Alcott HR Marketplace” employee discount program
- Milestone Celebrations & Awards
*Benefits eligibility may vary based on the number of hours worked
WPA strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We recruit, employ, train, and promote regardless of systems involvement and race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic, or any other protected status. Faithful to our mission, all of our employees share in these commitments as a guide to engage one another with dignity and respect. Individuals with criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@wpaonline.org. You must include "Social Worker, Rikers and Community-Based” in the subject line of your email.
Position Description:
The Resident Monitor, SPHH (Full-time) plays a critical role in the daily orderly operation of our Manhattan-based family shelter. The role will maintain a safe and secure environment for residents, staff and visitors at WPA’s DHS-funded 28-family shelter for women and children with/without criminal legal involvement. Resident Monitors also work closely with residents on supporting their day-to-day independent living plan goals, teaching and modeling strategies for living independently in the community.
The Resident Monitor, SPHH (Full-time) will be organized, technically savvy, adaptable, and enjoy collaborating with a team in providing support and essential services to families residing in temporary shelter.
Responsibilities:
- Provide clerical support by answering telephone inquiries, data entry, light typing, filing and sorting of mail and other files as needed.
- Conduct monthly emergency fire drills under the direction of Director of Facilities.
Adherence to all policies and procedures developed by DHS and WPA. - Intervene and diffuse crisis situations as needed.
- Participate in required training and maintain certification, including CPR/First Aid Certification and FDNY Fire Safety Coordinator for Shelters (F-80) and FDNY Fire Guard (F-02).
- Monitor and document all resident and staff departure/arrival times and activities in the internal communications book.
- Assist the clients with checking in and out of SPHH, monitoring and assessing their behavior and overall well-being. Notifying the Sr. Resident Monitor and Director of Facilities with any concerns.
- Conduct daily security and safety walkthroughs, including the laundry room and other rooms as assigned by Director of Facilities, document findings and monitor security camera feeds.
- Oversee and record use of any/all facility rooms – Multi-purpose, Conference and Laundry room. Maintain a log of all areas and conduct inspections of spaces before and after each use.
- Notify Director of Facilities of any suspicious or concerning activities.
- Complies with 42CFR confidentiality and HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
- Assist with provision of on-site recreational activities.
- Perform any other department or agency related duties or special projects as directed by supervisor.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- High school diploma/GED strongly preferred; BA preferred.
NYS Security Guard Licensed - In possession of FDNY Fire Safety Coordinator for Shelters (F-80) and FDNY Fire Guard (F-02) or able to secure within 90 days
- Ability to interact with a diverse population challenged by issues such as substance abuse, incarceration, HIV/ AIDS, mental health, domestic abuse and communication barriers
- At least 2 years of documented relevant human services experience
Certificate in First Aid, CPR or ability to obtain certificate - Ability to effectively analyze situations quickly and apply sound judgment
- Ability to work and build rapport with others
- Good documentation skills, computer literate or willingness to learn; knowledge of CARES database a plus
- Ability to distinguish boundary issues and transference issues with clients
- Excellent written and verbal skills
- Must be highly organized, process driven, detail oriented, solution oriented, and able to work under pressure while managing
- conflicting priorities and meeting/coordinating both short and long-term deadlines.
- Strong written, verbal, and training interpersonal skills.
- Must have professional maturity and maintain confidentiality around all participant records.
- Must believe in WPAs mission, with a passion to serve underserved populations.
- A keen perception of the racial, gender, and socioeconomic dynamics of underserved communities, with a particular familiarity with issues facing systems-involved women.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits*:
Salary range is $20/hour commensurate with certifications, education and experience. WPA offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our staff. Our benefits reflect our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported.
Health & Wellness
- Health & Vision insurance
- Employer-paid dental coverage
- 100% premium paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Paid family and medical leave
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Companywide Wellness Challenges
Time Off & Flexibility
- 12 paid holidays, including a paid holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s
- Floating holidays and Personal days
- Hybrid work options for various roles
Financial Benefits
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Tax-deferred commuting benefits via ThrivePass
- 529 college savings plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program
Growth & Development
- WPA University ~ Learning Management System (LMS) for on-demand learning
- Internal & External training opportunities
- CUNY sponsored scholarship to HSCAS for employee education
Extra Perks
- Access to the “Alcott HR Marketplace” employee discount program
- Milestone Celebrations & Awards
*Benefits eligibility may vary based on the number of hours worked
WPA strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We recruit, employ, train, and promote regardless of systems involvement and race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic, or any other protected status. Faithful to our mission, all of our employees share in these commitments as a guide to engage one another with dignity and respect. Individuals with criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@wpaonline.org. You must include "Resident Monitor, SPHH (Full-time)” in the subject line of your email.
About:
The Women’s Prison Association (WPA) was founded in 1845 in New York City by Quaker abolitionist and prison reformer Abigail Hopper Gibbons. Established in response to the overcrowded and inhumane conditions in New York jails, WPA sought to support incarcerated women, who at the time were often considered “unredeemable.” It was the first organization dedicated to the rights and rehabilitation of system-involved women.
Today, decarceration is our North Star. Based in New York City, WPA strives to make the incarceration of women obsolete. We operate on a gender-responsive, trauma-informed model of support that provides the essential services justice-impacted women need to remain in their communities, heal, and thrive.
WPA is at an exciting and pivotal moment in its evolution. In 2025, WPA adopted a transformative 3-year strategic plan centered around three impact goals:
- Create a comprehensive, high-quality service model, prioritizing housing support and essential care for justice-impacted women.
- Weave an effective, robust community support network so that justice-impacted women receive the opportunities, services, and gender-responsive care they need.
- Shift public opinion and justice system practices and policies so that community-based support, and not incarceration, is the default response to contact with the criminal legal system.
As the organization advances, this role will contribute to WPA's continued growth and stability.
Position Description:
The Resident Monitor (Part-time) plays a key role in the daily operations of WPA’s 28-family shelter for women and children, which serves individuals with and without involvement in the criminal legal system. Located in Manhattan and funded by the Department of Homeless Services (DHS), the shelter relies on RMs to help maintain a safe, secure, and supportive environment for residents, staff, and visitors.
Resident Monitors (Part-time) oversee building access, conduct safety walkthroughs, respond to emergencies, and help de-escalate crisis situations as needed. They work directly with families to support independent living goals, model positive daily routines, and reinforce life skills that promote long-term stability. This role also involves documenting activity, upholding confidentiality standards, and ensuring compliance with city and state safety protocols. It is ideal for someone who is reliable, adaptable, tech-savvy, and committed to working collaboratively in a mission-driven shelter environment.
Responsibilities:
- Provide general clerical support, including answering phone inquiries, data entry, light typing, filing, and sorting mail.
- Monitor all individuals entering and exiting the building, document activity in the internal communication log.
- Support client check-in, assess general behavior and well-being, and report concerns as needed.
- Conduct daily safety walkthroughs and monitor live camera feeds to ensure site safety.
- Assist in delivering on-site recreational and community-building activities for residents.
- Conduct periodic emergency fire drills under the direction of the Residential Support Specialist
- Intervene and de-escalate crisis situations as they arise to maintain a safe and stable environment.
- Adhere to all DHS policies, shelter procedures, and safety protocols.
- Ensure compliance with 42 CFR confidentiality standards and HIPAA privacy and security regulations.
- Participate in required training sessions and ongoing professional development as directed.
- Perform additional duties or special projects assigned by supervisor or leadership.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification Requirements
- High school diploma or GED preferred; additional education a plus.
- Current New York State Security Guard License required.
- Possession of FDNY Fire Safety Coordinator for Shelters (F-80) and FDNY Fire Guard (F-02) certifications—or ability to obtain both within 90 days of hire.
- Certified in First Aid and CPR—or able to obtain certification shortly after hire.
Experience Required
- 2+ years of documented experience in a relevant human services setting.
- Experience working with individuals impacted by substance use, incarceration, HIV/AIDS, mental health challenges, domestic violence, and/or communication barriers.
- Experience using the CARES database a plus.
Competencies
- Ability to assess situations quickly and apply sound judgment, especially in high-pressure or crisis scenarios.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with a diverse client population.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; accurate documentation and note-taking abilities.
- Computer literacy or willingness to learn new systems; CARES database knowledge is a plus.
- Understanding of professional boundaries and ability to navigate transference issues appropriately.
- Organized, detail-oriented, and process-driven; able to manage conflicting priorities and deadlines.
- Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive resident information with discretion and professionalism.
- Demonstrates cultural awareness and sensitivity to racial, gender, and socioeconomic issues impacting justice-involved women.
- Strongly aligned with WPA’s mission and committed to serving underserved communities.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits*:
Salary range is $20/hour commensurate with certifications, education and experience. WPA offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our staff. Our benefits reflect our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported.
Health & Wellness
- Health & Vision insurance
- Employer-paid dental coverage
- 100% premium paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Paid family and medical leave
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Companywide Wellness Challenges
Time Off & Flexibility
- 12 paid holidays, including a paid holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s
- Floating holidays and Personal days
- Hybrid work options for various roles
Financial Benefits
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Direct deposit and Brinks MoneyCard option
- Tax-deferred commuting benefits via ThrivePass
- 529 college savings plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program
Growth & Development
- WPA University ~ Learning Management System (LMS) for on-demand learning
- Internal & External training opportunities
- CUNY sponsored scholarship to HSCAS for employee education
Extra Perks
- Access to the “Alcott HR Marketplace” employee discount program
- Milestone Celebrations & Awards
*Benefits eligibility may vary based on the number of hours worked
WPA strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We recruit, employ, train, and promote regardless of systems involvement and race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic, or any other protected status. Faithful to our mission, all of our employees share in these commitments as a guide to engage one another with dignity and respect. Individuals with criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@wpaonline.org. You must include "Resident Monitor, SPHH (Part-time)” in the subject line of your email.
About:
The Women’s Prison Association (WPA) was founded in 1845 in New York City by Quaker abolitionist and prison reformer Abigail Hopper Gibbons. Established in response to the overcrowded and inhumane conditions in New York jails, WPA sought to support incarcerated women, who at the time were often considered “unredeemable.” It was the first organization dedicated to the rights and rehabilitation of system-involved women.
Today, decarceration is our North Star. Based in New York City, WPA strives to make the incarceration of women obsolete. We operate on a gender-responsive, trauma-informed model of support that provides the essential services justice-impacted women need to remain in their communities, heal, and thrive.
WPA is at an exciting and pivotal moment in its evolution. In 2025, WPA adopted a transformative 3-year strategic plan centered around three impact goals:
- Create a comprehensive, high-quality service model, prioritizing housing support and essential care for justice-impacted women.
- Weave an effective, robust community support network so that justice-impacted women receive the opportunities, services, and gender-responsive care they need.
- Shift public opinion and justice system practices and policies so that community-based support, and not incarceration, is the default response to contact with the criminal legal system.
As the organization advances, this role will contribute to WPA's continued growth and stability.
Position Description:
The Custodian plays an essential role in the daily, orderly operation of WPA’s Manhattan-based family shelter. This position is responsible for routine cleaning, basic maintenance, and ensuring that all spaces are safe, sanitary, and welcoming for staff and residents. The schedule for this position includes four (4) weekdays and one (1) weekend day per week.
The Custodian will work closely with Social Services and Security staff, as well as the facility’s Maintenance Mechanic, to support smooth shelter operations. The ideal candidate is organized, dependable, adaptable, and team-oriented, with a commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for families residing in temporary shelter.
Responsibilities:
- Perform daily cleaning and sanitation of dormitories, restrooms, offices, hallways, common areas, and building entrances to ensure a safe, orderly, and welcoming environment.
- Collect, remove, and properly dispose of garbage; sort and discard recyclables in accordance with building policies and NYC Department of Sanitation regulations.
- Complete routine maintenance tasks including painting, patching, simple carpentry, and adjusting basic fixtures in coordination with the Facilities Maintenance Mechanic.
- Regularly monitor the facility to identify, report, and help address needed or anticipated repairs.
- Complete preventive maintenance checklists and scheduled tasks as directed by supervisor.
- Assist in preparing the facility for inspections by DHS, OTDA, FDNY, DOHMH, DOB, and other regulatory agencies.
- Maintain inventory of cleaning products and paper goods; request replenishments to ensure supplies remain stocked.
- Load, unload, and distribute equipment and supplies throughout the facility.
- Accept and verify deliveries of equipment and supplies, ensuring accurate documentation and providing receipts to supervisor.
- Arrange furniture, equipment, and program space as needed for resident and staff use.
- Escort outside contractors, inspectors, and visitors throughout the building as directed by supervisor.
- Collaborate closely with Program and Security staff to address maintenance needs and ensure smooth daily operations.
- Participate in required training sessions and ongoing professional development.
- Perform other duties or special projects as assigned by supervisor or leadership.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Trade school or formal training in building maintenance and repairs preferred.
- Valid driver’s license and excellent driving record preferred.
Experience Required
- Experience in facility cleaning, general maintenance, and repairs.
- Basic skills in plumbing, electrical, carpentry, drywall, painting, and other related trades a plus.
- Prior experience working with diverse populations, including individuals impacted by substance abuse, incarceration, HIV/AIDS, mental health, and domestic violence, preferred.
- Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred but not required.
Competencies
- Ability to handle physical tasks such as lifting, carrying, and moving heavy items, as well as prolonged standing, stair climbing, and ladder use.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills when engaging with staff and residents.
- Demonstrated empathy and compassion for the client population served by WPA.
- Reliable, adaptable, and attentive to detail in completing maintenance and custodial tasks.
- Commitment to confidentiality, cultural humility, and professional integrity.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, particularly in high-pressure or crisis situations.
- Strong commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, with a passion for social justice.
- Alignment with WPA’s vision to make incarceration obsolete by supporting women in their communities.
Compensation, Perks & Benefits*:
Salary range is $20/hour commensurate with certifications, education and experience. WPA offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being, growth, and success of our staff. Our benefits reflect our commitment to creating a workplace where people feel valued and supported.
Health & Wellness
- Health & Vision insurance
- Employer-paid dental coverage
- 100% premium paid Short- and Long-Term Disability
- Paid family and medical leave
- Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Companywide Wellness Challenges
Time Off & Flexibility
- 12 paid holidays, including a paid holiday week between Christmas and New Year’s
- Floating holidays and Personal days
- Hybrid work options for various roles
Financial Benefits
- 403(b) retirement plan
- Credit union membership options
- Direct deposit and Brinks MoneyCard option
- Tax-deferred commuting benefits via ThrivePass
- 529 college savings plan
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- “Aspiring Professionals” Scholarship Program
Growth & Development
- WPA University ~ Learning Management System (LMS) for on-demand learning
- Internal & External training opportunities
- CUNY sponsored scholarship to HSCAS for employee education
Extra Perks
- Access to the “Alcott HR Marketplace” employee discount program
- Milestone Celebrations & Awards
*Benefits eligibility may vary based on the number of hours worked
WPA strongly values diversity and inclusivity in the workplace. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All hires to our team are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. We recruit, employ, train, and promote regardless of systems involvement and race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, genetic characteristic, or any other protected status. Faithful to our mission, all of our employees share in these commitments as a guide to engage one another with dignity and respect. Individuals with criminal justice involvement are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please email your resume, cover letter, and salary requirements to jobs@wpaonline.org. You must include "Custodian (Full-time)” in the subject line of your email.
About WPA
WPA empowers participants to redefine their lives in the face of injustice and incarceration.
Programs
WPA offers comprehensive programs and services before, during, and after incarceration.