Social Worker / Community Navigator (Independent Contractor, Part-Time)

About Justice Catalyst Partnerships

Justice Catalyst Partnerships (JCP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to drive innovation in the legal system. We connect funders, advocates, and legal practitioners to develop new approaches to social and economic injustice — launching and supporting bold, justice-seeking projects at organizations across the country.

About the Role

JCP is seeking an experienced, mission-driven social worker to join our team as a part-time independent contractor. In this role, you will provide direct case management and community navigation services to individuals who are formerly incarcerated, experiencing housing instability, managing Substance Use Disorder (SUD), and facing economic vulnerability.

This is a meaningful, flexible opportunity for a seasoned professional who is passionate about criminal re-entry, economic justice, and working with people who have limited access to resources.

What You'll Do

• Housing navigation — Help clients find and secure stable housing, including halfway houses and transitional housing options for individuals with criminal records
• Benefits and services coordination — Identify programs clients are eligible for; assist with applications, enrollment, and ongoing participation across food, healthcare, income support, and more
• Employment support — Identify job opportunities and help clients apply, with particular attention to barriers facing formerly incarcerated individuals
• Crisis response — Provide same-day rapid response for clients facing eviction, loss of healthcare, food insecurity, or loss of income
• Ongoing client contact — Maintain consistent communication with a caseload of up to 25–30 clients nationwide, with 5–10 particularly "active" cases at any given time
• Advocacy — Advocate on behalf of clients with service providers and help clients navigate bureaucratic systems

Schedule & Commitment

• Estimated 20 hours/week to start, leveling off over time to ~10 hours/week
• Flexible, self-directed schedule
• Primarily remote, with occasional travel to meet clients in person as needed (predominantly in the Northeast, Alabama, West Virginia, Washington State, North Carolina, South Carolina, and surrounding areas)

Compensation

• $50–$75 per hour, commensurate with experience

Required Qualifications

• Active social work license (any U.S. state)
• Strong knowledge of community resources and social service navigation
• Experience with criminal re-entry, halfway housing, and reintegration support
• Comfortable working independently and managing a geographically dispersed caseload
• Available to start immediately (candidates unable to start right away will not be considered at this time)

Preferred Qualifications

• MSW or equivalent advanced degree
• 10 years of experience working with populations experiencing criminal legal involvement, housing instability, SUD, and/or economic vulnerability
• Experience working across multiple states and navigating varied state/local resource landscapes

How to Apply

Send the following to Renée Schomp, Deputy Director, Justice Catalyst Partnerships at rschomp@justicecatalyst.org with the subject line "Social Worker Application":

1. Resume
2. Two professional references
3. Desired hourly rate
4. Short statement of interest (why this role, why now)
5. Confirmation of immediate availability

Flexible, self-directed schedule

English