Community Engagement Specialist

The Center for Court Innovation is a non-profit organization that works to create a more effective and humane justice system by performing original research and helping launch reforms by guiding justice innovators, nationally and internationally. The Center creates operating projects that have been documented to reduce the use of jail and prison, assist victims of crime, and strengthen communities.

The Staten Island Justice Center (SIJC or "Justice Center") offers an array of programming for both youth and adults in Staten Island, focusing on engaging those with current or past justice involvement. The Justice Center’s new reentry program will provide participants with wraparound services focused on employment/educational support, mentorship, and social-emotional support. 

The Justice Center is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist to join the Supervised Release team. This position will work as a part of an interdisciplinary team utilizing a strengths-based and community-based model to engage those mandated to pre-trial services in Staten Island. Reporting to the Director, Community Justice Initiatives, the Community Engagement Specialist is primarily responsible for engaging clients in the community and helping clients navigate community appointments and court dates. 

The Justice Center strongly encourages and seeks applications from women, people of color, LGBTQ community members, as well as individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

• Conduct individual check-ins with clients to ensure program compliance;
• Assist clients in scheduling court and community appointments;
• Assist clients in obtaining resources, benefits, and housing;
• Provide clients with immediate resources in the community;
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary staff on client engagement planning;
• Coordinate referrals and follow up with participants, as needed;
• Provide crisis intervention and support to program participants, as needed;
• Facilitate a range of psychoeducational and skills development groups;
• Provide one-on-one case management to individuals when needed;
• Communicate with community-based service providers to facilitate, follow-up and assist participants with voluntary service referrals; 
• Complete all necessary documentation and input data into computer database; 
• Engage with the Staten Island community, including attending community events, conducting outreach, and supporting Justice Center initiatives; 
• Assist with the development of on-site programming that is responsive to participants’ needs; 
• Attend staff meetings and on-going trainings as well as participate in community events; 
• Assist with data collection; 
• Perform other relevant tasks, as needed. 

Qualifications:  The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma as well as 2 years of relevant experience in community outreach or small group facilitation, preferably with court-involved populations. Candidate must be a skilled communicator, able to work in a multi-disciplinary setting, and able to maintain strong relationships with organizations, both on-site and in the community. Maturity, reliability, excellent judgment and sensitivity to working with people in a culturally-competent manner required. We are seeking a self-starter who can successfully be part of a diverse team. Experience and commitment to creating, promoting, and maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and anti-racist work environment required. Knowledge of community-based resources throughout Staten Island required. Valid driver’s license required.