THE ORGANIZATION The Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) is a non-profit organization that works with communities and justice systems to advance equity, increase safety, and help individuals and communities thrive. The Center's goal is to identify and resolve as early as possible the challenges that bring people into the criminal and civil legal systems. It does this in a number of ways-by developing and running programs that reduce the need for incarceration and enhance economic opportunity, conducting original research to identify what works, and sharing what we learn from our programming and research with those seeking to transform the justice system around the world. The Center is an 800-employee, $100 million nonprofit that accomplishes its vision through three pillars of work: creating and scaling operating programs to test new ideas and solve problems, performing original research to determine what works (and what doesn't), and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to justice reformers around the world. Operating Programs The Center's operating programs, including the award-winning Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Justice Center, test new ideas, solve difficult problems, and attempt to achieve systemic change within the justice system. Our projects include community-based violence prevention programs, alternatives to incarceration, reentry initiatives, and court-based initiatives that reduce the use of unnecessary incarceration and promote positive individual and family change. Through this programming, we have produced tangible results like safer streets, reduced incarceration, and improved neighborhood perceptions of justice. Research The Center's research teams are staffed with social scientists, data analysts, and lawyers who are academically-trained or have lived experience and who conduct research in the U.S. and globally on diverse criminal-legal system and justice issues. Their work includes evaluating programs and policies; conducting exploratory, community-based studies; and providing research translation and strategic planning for system actors. The Center has published studies on topics including court and jail reform, intimate partner violence, restorative justice, gun violence, reentry, sixth amendment rights, and progressive prosecution. The research teams strive to make their work meaningful and actionable to the communities they work with, policymakers, and practitioners. Policy & Expert Assistance The Center provides hands-on, planning and implementation assistance to a wide range of jurisdictions in areas of reform such as problem-solving courts (e.g., community courts, treatment courts, domestic violence courts), tribal justice, reducing incarceration and the use of fines/fees and reducing crime and violence. Our current expert assistance takes many forms, including help with analyzing data, strategic planning and consultation, policy guidance, and hosting site visits to its operating programs in the New York City area. Center Support A dedicated support team within the Center ensures the smooth functioning of operations across various domains, including finance, legal, technology, human resources, fundraising, real estate, and communications. Comprising 15% of the organization's staff, these teams provide essential infrastructure support and innovative solutions aligned with the Center's mission and values. THE OPPORTUNITY Neighbors In Action (NIA), a program of the Center for Justice Innovation, is a unique neighborhood institution that works to improve community problem solving, collaboration, and inter-group relations in Bedford Stuyvesant and Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Operating out of a storefront since 1998, Neighbors in Action provides anti-violence programs, youth programs, and resource links to community residents. Its mission is to encourage communication and understanding, prevent future conflicts, and help foster stronger, healthier neighborhoods with a focus on people who have been failed by multiple systems. Neighbors in Action is seeking an Outreach Worker for the Children's Center, which is one of three Administration for Children's Services (ACS) sites. The Outreach Worker position will report to the Program Coordinator. The Outreach Worker will work individually and as a team to prevent violence and reduce conflict within the facility. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Collaborate with Children's Center staff on youth program-related issues;
- Provide individual and group mentoring sessions for youth placed at the Children's Center;
- Facilitate regular pro-social activities for the Children's Center youth;
- Work closely with the Program Coordinator and Program Manager, Youth Programs to integrate restorative practices into daily interactions between Children's Center staff and youth;
- Keep appropriate records of and communicate with supervisors about participant meetings;
- Attend court appearances with Children's Center residents, as necessary;
- Participate in group sessions with Children's Center staff for gender specific groups at the Children's Center;
- Participate in special events for the Children's Center youth;
- Participate in community safety strategies to ensure youth housed at the Children's Center can maintain safety outside of the residence;
- Attend, participate and complete all program trainings including ACS;
- Attend NIA and Save Our Streets (S.O.S.) Brooklyn staff meetings;
- Represent NIA, S.O.S. Brooklyn at the Children's Center while supporting young people with reentering communities;
- Report to the Program Coordinator and Program Manager, Youth Programs of any issues, updates, needs, concerns and supports as well as inform of all relevant information;
- Utilize the Cure Violence model to identify conflict within the community that might spill over into the facility;
- Support other ACS contracts as needed (Horizon Detention Center and Close to Home);
- Attend community events with S.O.S. staff to enhance their gun violence intervention work, as necessary;
- Canvass community alongside S.O.S. staff, as necessary;
- Perform other duties, as assigned.
Position Type: Full-time, evenings and weekends. Schedule may be flexible, changing, and include late nights. Position Location: Brooklyn, NY. Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma as well as a minimum of 2 years' experience or the equivalent in a related area, knowledge of mental health illness and understanding of psychosocial triggers, strengths and personal needs. Individuals who are formerly incarcerated or have other experience in the criminal legal system are particularly invited to apply. Excellent written skills are a must. Experience providing group and individual mentoring with youth preferred. Experience in a fast-paced environment is preferred. The ideal candidate should have an understanding of trauma and trauma reactions in individuals. Candidate must be a skilled communicator able to work in a multi-disciplinary setting and maintain strong relationships with multiple agencies and organizations both onsite and in the community. The ideal candidate will also possess a positive attitude toward people whose opinions, cultural traditions, and religious beliefs are different from their own. Every effort will be made to hire an Outreach Worker who is familiar with the needs of the youth impacted by the child welfare/criminal justice systems. Professional or personal experience with the criminal justice system is preferred. Candidate must be able to walk 30 blocks or more on a regular basis, pass a drug screening, and work a flexible schedule that includes late evenings, weekends, and holidays. Must be willing to work in inclement weather. Additional qualifications include:
- Previous experience facilitating restorative justice-based programming, and/or a familiarity with principles of restorative justice, preferred;
- Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a culturally-competent manner;
- Comfort working with adolescents;
- Resides in or is familiar with the Brooklyn community;
- Knowledge of community-based resources throughout New York City preferred;
- ACS knowledge or experience; and
- A self-starter who can successfully be part of a diverse workforce and get things done in a fast-paced environment.
Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $55,000 - $58,400 and is commensurate with experience. The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%. The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and as such, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, as well as individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our aim is to create a supportive and respectful environment where every individual, irrespective of their background or identity, feels valued and included. As of February 10, 2023, New York City Executive Order 25 rescinded the requirement of the COVID-19 vaccination for City workers, new hires, and contracted employees. Accordingly, the Center does not require all new hires be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus; however, the Center recommends all staff, interns, and volunteers stay up-to-date on the vaccination. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete an employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Kindly refer to the job posting for the relevant contact information. If the contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from making inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.