Community Services Coordinator

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to collaborating with communities and justice systems to promote fairness, enhance safety, and empower individuals and communities. The Center aims to identify and address the challenges that lead individuals into the criminal and civil legal systems as early as possible. This is achieved through various initiatives, including developing and implementing programs that minimize incarceration and improve economic opportunities, conducting original research to determine effective practices, and disseminating insights gained from both programming and research to those working to reform justice systems globally.

The Center operates with a workforce of 900 employees and an annual budget of $100 million, executing its mission through three main pillars: creating and scaling operational programs to test innovative solutions, conducting original research to evaluate effectiveness, and offering expert guidance and policy support to justice reform advocates worldwide.

Operational Programs

The Center's operational programs, such as the acclaimed Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Justice Center, are designed to test innovative ideas, tackle complex issues, and strive for systemic transformation within the justice system. These initiatives encompass community-based violence prevention, alternatives to incarceration, reentry programs, and court-based efforts aimed at reducing unnecessary incarceration while fostering positive changes for individuals and families. Through these efforts, the Center has achieved significant outcomes, including safer neighborhoods, reduced incarceration rates, and improved community perceptions of justice.

Research Initiatives

The Center's research teams consist of social scientists, data analysts, and legal professionals who possess academic training or lived experience. They conduct research on a wide range of issues related to the criminal legal system both domestically and internationally. Their work includes evaluating programs and policies, performing exploratory community-based studies, and providing research translation and strategic planning for stakeholders. The Center has published studies on various topics, including court and jail reform, intimate partner violence, restorative justice, gun violence, reentry, sixth amendment rights, and progressive prosecution. The research teams are committed to ensuring their findings are meaningful and actionable for the communities they serve, as well as for policymakers and practitioners.

Policy and Expert Guidance

The Center offers hands-on planning and implementation support to jurisdictions seeking reform in areas such as problem-solving courts (including community courts, treatment courts, and domestic violence courts), tribal justice, and strategies to reduce incarceration and crime. The expert assistance provided encompasses data analysis, strategic planning, policy guidance, and hosting site visits to its operational programs.

POSITION SUMMARY

Manhattan Justice Opportunities is focused on reimagining justice in Manhattan and developing a justice system that is more attuned to the needs of individuals and communities. Manhattan Justice serves as a centralized, court-based screening, resource, and referral hub that equips judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys with a diverse range of social service-based sentencing options for misdemeanor and felony cases. The program offers on-site case management, psycho-educational groups, and restorative justice programming, along with referrals to community-based service providers addressing mental health, substance use, employment, primary healthcare services, and more. These services are accessible to anyone in need, including families and friends of mandated participants, as well as others impacted by the criminal justice system, assisting individuals in tackling underlying issues, establishing stability, and reducing the likelihood of further justice involvement.

Manhattan Justice is in search of a case manager to deliver alternative-to-incarceration programming for individuals charged with misdemeanors. Reporting to the Clinical Coordinator, the case manager will play a vital role in the work with both court-mandated and voluntary participants. Key responsibilities include conducting assessments for new participants and providing ongoing case management services for a designated caseload.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct intakes and needs assessments for newly mandated and voluntary participants.
• Deliver comprehensive case management services to address various needs, including substance use, mental health, housing, employment, and educational challenges.
• Assist participants in processing their experiences within the justice system and orient them to the services offered by Manhattan Justice.
• Provide referrals to community-based services addressing issues such as substance use, mental health, trauma, domestic violence, housing, and educational needs.
• Facilitate on-site psycho-educational groups as necessary.
• Monitor compliance with treatment mandates and coordinate care with service providers.
• Prepare written and verbal compliance reports for legal parties and manage responses to non-compliance issues.
• Offer crisis intervention and de-escalation as needed.
• Engage with participants and defense attorneys to ensure effective participation, including rescheduling services when required.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant information, including assessments, case management, attendance, and outcomes.
• Provide voluntary services to program participants post-mandate.
• Facilitate coordinated service delivery from on-site agencies and community partners.
• Collaborate closely with other case managers, social workers, and staff to effectively support participants.
• Participate in clinical group supervision, staff meetings, and training sessions as scheduled.
• Assist with programmatic and administrative tasks as assigned by the Clinical Coordinator and Project Director.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or 3-4 years of experience as a case manager or in a related role, preferably within a court or criminal justice environment.
• Knowledge or lived experience related to the criminal justice system and its community impacts.
• Experience with substance use treatment, mental health services, and trauma-informed approaches is preferred.
• Commitment to participant-centered, holistic, and strengths-based approaches, along with cultural humility in working with diverse populations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with various court personnel and partner agencies in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish is strongly preferred.

Position Type: Full-time

Compensation: The salary range for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience, accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package.

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, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We 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 all individuals feel valued and included.