Policy Analyst, Behavioral Health (Hybrid or Remote)

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments Justice Center works across the country to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities. To further this mission, we work with partners inside and outside of government to reduce crime and incarceration among youth and adults in contact with the justice system. We bring people from diverse systems and perspectives together to improve policy and practice. And we transform data and research findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers.

We're focused on three strategic goals:

• Break the cycle of incarceration.
• Advance health, opportunity, and equity.
• Use data to improve safety and justice.

When you join the CSG Justice Center, you join an organization that is uniquely positioned to cultivate innovation and drive data-driven reform nationally. We have approximately 120 employees-expected to grow to about 150 by the end of this year-based in more than 20 states who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

How you'll fit in:

The Behavioral Health Division is seeking four Policy Analysts to work on the following programs:

• Crisis Stabilization and Community Reentry
• JMHCP
• PMHC
• Community responder

Each policy analyst will serve as an integral member of the CSG Justice Center's Behavioral Health Division, bringing expertise in data-driven strategies to identify and improve responses to people with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. Policy analysts will provide direct technical assistance to behavioral health and criminal justice leaders and stakeholders to help communities address challenges at the intersection of the behavioral health and criminal justice systems. This will include examining existing programs, policies, and practices and providing policy recommendations to behavioral health and criminal justice agencies. Policy analysts will also be responsible for developing resources and advising other CSG Justice Center staff on behavioral health and criminal justice-related policies and innovations. Each policy analyst will report to a project manager in the Behavioral Health Division.

The Behavioral Health Division works with jurisdictions nationally to improve outcomes for people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders who come into contact with the criminal justice system. This work includes the development of fieldwide training and technical assistance and resources to equip judicial, law enforcement, and behavioral health leaders to increase appropriate connections to community-based treatment while protecting public safety.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the policy analyst include the following:

• Provide technical assistance to jurisdictions that are implementing and expanding programs at the intersection of behavioral health and criminal justice systems.
• Provide content knowledge to sites on mental illness, substance use disorders, health policy, and criminal justice issues, including Medicaid, crisis response, pretrial release, behavioral health diversion, problem-solving courts, housing, law enforcement, emergency response, and identification of gaps and strategies for improved collaboration and communication between systems.
• Support the development of peer learning opportunities for sites across the country.
• Work with a wide range of interested parties on law enforcement, juvenile justice, criminal justice, and behavioral health-related technical assistance efforts within local, state, and Tribal governments.
• Develop resources that promote best practices within criminal justice and mental/behavioral health systems, including convenings, briefs, webinars, and toolkits.
• Develop and expand a knowledge base on criminal justice and behavioral health systems and how they function at the local and state levels.

What you'll bring:

• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
• At least three years of training and technical assistance, research, or policy analysis experience in criminal justice, mental health, and behavioral health as it relates to adult and juvenile justice or educational equivalency in fields such as counseling, criminal justice, psychology, public health, or social work
• Knowledge of mental health, substance use, and criminal justice best practices and evidence-based strategies across a variety of settings and points along the criminal justice system
• Understanding of and ability to apply trauma-informed care, racial equity, cultural humility, and gender-responsive lenses to programming and technical assistance support
• Experience in collaborative planning efforts involving government, nonprofit, philanthropic, Tribal, and private sector partners
• Demonstrated success in meeting project deadlines
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise, accessible way
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including maturity and an ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Reliable and secure internet/data connection and flexibility for using a personal device for internet connectivity during business travel. A cost offset is provided by the CSG Justice Center.

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you must upload the following elements with your application (missing items will disqualify your application):

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Writing sample
4. At least three professional references

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relevant to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience and geography. The NYC-based salary range for this position is $65,475- $81,900. The starting salary for this position outside of NYC may be as low as $61,000. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Our organization offers flexibility in work arrangements, allowing for remote work or a hybrid model. Candidates residing in the NYC metropolitan area will be considered for hybrid model employment.

To learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center, and about our comprehensive benefit offerings, including medical, dental, vision, retirement, paid time off, PSLF eligibility and more, please visit our website here.

We welcome and value diversity in our staff, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, protected veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system.

CSG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. CSG participates in E-Verify.