Community Outreach Peer Specialist

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a non-profit entity dedicated to collaborating with communities and justice systems to promote equity, enhance safety, and empower individuals and communities. The organization's mission is to identify and address the challenges that lead individuals into the criminal and civil legal systems as early as possible. This is achieved through the development and implementation of programs aimed at reducing incarceration and improving economic opportunities, alongside conducting original research to identify effective solutions and disseminating insights to those working to reform the justice system globally.

The Center operates with a workforce of 900 employees and an annual budget of $100 million, achieving its objectives through three main pillars: creating and scaling operational programs to test innovative ideas, conducting original research to evaluate effectiveness, and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to justice reformers worldwide.

Operational Programs

The Center's operational initiatives, such as the acclaimed Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Justice Center, are designed to test innovative concepts, address complex issues, and drive systemic change within the justice framework. These projects encompass community-based violence prevention, alternatives to incarceration, reentry programs, and court-based initiatives that aim to minimize unnecessary incarceration while fostering positive changes for individuals and families. The outcomes of these initiatives include safer neighborhoods, reduced incarceration rates, and improved community perceptions of justice.

Research Initiatives

The Center's research teams, comprised of social scientists, data analysts, and legal professionals with academic training or lived experience, conduct research on various criminal-legal system and justice issues both domestically and internationally. Their work includes evaluating programs and policies, conducting exploratory community-based studies, and providing research translation and strategic planning for system stakeholders. The Center has published findings on topics such as court and jail reform, intimate partner violence, restorative justice, gun violence, reentry, sixth amendment rights, and progressive prosecution, striving to make their research actionable and relevant to the communities they serve.

Policy and Expert Guidance

The Center offers practical planning and implementation support to various jurisdictions focusing on reform areas such as problem-solving courts, tribal justice, and strategies to reduce incarceration and crime. Their expert assistance includes data analysis, strategic planning, policy guidance, and hosting site visits to their operational programs.

Support Structure

A dedicated support team within the Center ensures efficient operations across multiple domains, including finance, legal, technology, human resources, fundraising, real estate, and communications. This team, representing 15% of the organization’s workforce, provides essential infrastructure support and innovative solutions aligned with the Center's mission.

THE ROLE

The Red Hook Community Justice Center, recognized as the nation's first multi-jurisdictional community court, is seeking a Peer Specialist focused on Harm Reduction. This role involves extensive outreach to program participants and treatment service providers to facilitate communication and care, ultimately enhancing program treatment outcomes through meaningful engagement. Reporting to the Community Healing and Wellness Clinical Director, the Peer Specialist will serve as a community-based outreach professional, educating individuals about the services and resources available at the Center.

The Peer Specialist will be responsible for training on the use of Narcan, drug testing strips, and other harm reduction tools, as well as coordinating the treatment referral process and initial assessments to ensure effective participant engagement and outcomes.

• Evaluate individuals using controlled substances, encourage clients to pursue treatment, harm reduction, or recovery support, and collaborate on developing an initial action plan addressing substance use issues.
• Facilitate individualized education tailored to the specific interests and needs of clients, focusing on treatment, harm reduction, or relapse prevention.
• Coordinate referrals and provide follow-up support as necessary.
• Offer crisis intervention and support to program participants when required.
• Train community members, participants, and staff on the use of Narcan, fentanyl strips, Xylazine strips, and other harm reduction resources.
• Engage with a diverse population respectfully, employing a strengths-based approach.
• Collaborate with appropriate staff to ensure the provision of adequate support efficiently.
• Adhere to established policies and procedures for each service offered by the program.
• Document all client interactions accurately and efficiently.
• Participate in community outreach efforts, including in-person engagement with individuals referred to Community Healing and Wellness.
• Utilize a company vehicle for community outreach and immediate client engagement, transporting participants to referred services as needed.
• Assist with loading and replenishing materials in the vehicle.
• Attend team meetings, supervision sessions, training, and perform other administrative duties as required.
• Participate in project events, community gatherings, and meetings outside of regular hours as necessary.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

• High school diploma with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in integrated substance abuse assessment and treatment, motivational interviewing techniques, and stage-wise treatment is essential.
• Comfortable working in a court environment and as part of a collaborative team.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) are preferred.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• Preferred credentials include CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Advocate), Peer Recovery Coach, or CASAC-T (Certified Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Trainee).
• Familiarity with harm reduction principles and practices is essential.

Position Type: Full-time

Compensation: The salary range for this position is $52,000 - $57,500, commensurate with experience. The Center for Justice Innovation offers a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, dental coverage, vision insurance, disability insurance, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts. The organization prioritizes mental health care for its staff and provides access to services like Talkspace and Ginger. Additionally, a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5% is available.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other protected category. We strongly encourage applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system, aiming to create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and included.

In compliance with federal law, all hired individuals will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an employment eligibility verification document upon hire.