Youth Engagement Specialist

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we've worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn't; and
3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Staten Island Justice Center (SIJC)offers an array of programming for both youth and adults in Staten Island, focusing on engaging those with current or past justice involvement or at-risk of justice-involvement. SIJC operates diversion, alternative to detention and incarceration, supervised release, reentry, mental health and wellness, workforce development, peer-led restorative justice and leadership development programs. The Justice Center's youth justice initiatives provide judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys with alternative community sentencing options that hold individuals accountable in a way that is meaningful, proportionate, and restorative. The goal is to provide participants with individual and group services that help them to avoid future contact with the justice system and promote swift case resolutions that bolster public confidence in justice.  

SIJC is seeking a Youth Engagement Specialist who will support as a Mentor in working with youth justice initiatives participants ages 13 to 18. Reporting to the Youth Justice Initiatives Program Manager, the Youth Engagement Specialist will develop and oversee mentorship programming activities—including group workshops and individual mentorship sessions. These activities will take place virtually, on-site, and in the community. The Youth Engagement Specialist will work individually and with a team to assist participants in addressing the individual and societal factors that may impact their behavior.  

• Engage in one-on-one relationships with mentees and their families, including, but not limited to, scheduling and facilitating individual mentorship meetings in participant's homes and in the community several times per week and scheduling and participating in family events and outings;
• Facilitate group programming including, but not limited to, community engagement projects, group outings, weekly trauma informed group sessions, restorative justice circles, and workshops on topics related to positive youth development and skill-building, and leadership development;
• Carry out accurate and adequate case planning for mentees, including scheduling and participating in meetings related to mentees' well-being, as well as family team meetings, school meetings, meetings with external service providers, court appearances, and probation meetings, among others;
• Assist with monitoring youth compliance for mentees, including curfew monitoring, educational outreach, and weekly programming activities with probation, court mandates and disposition orders and maintain consistent communication with family and criminal court stakeholders such as lawyers, probation officers, and judges;
• Act as point person for participant's support system—such as family members, neighborhood supports, and school staff— as needed;
• Utilize online databases to track participant activities and outcomes;
• Operate company vehicle in the community for community outreach and immediate client engagement and drive participants to referred services when needed;
• Help with loading and replenishment of materials needed in the vehicle;
• Provide coverage and support for other SIJC youth programming as needed;
• Participate in SIJC all-staff meetings, committees, and staff development activities;
• Attend SIJC events or community meetings after hours or on weekends; and
• Perform other activities and duties, as assigned. 

Qualifications: High school diploma with 2-5 years of experience working with youth from marginalized communities and/or youth who have been involved in the juvenile or criminal system, or equivalent lived experience in a related area, preferably as a criminal justice practitioner. A valid driver's license is required. Strong knowledge of community resources in the North Shore of Staten Island is a plus. For this role, candidate must be able to seek direction and advice when necessary and make independent decisions when possible. Good judgment, a trauma-informed approach, excellent communication, and organizational and multitasking abilities are a must for this role. The candidate should have a strong ability to balance participation in a collaborative work environment with independent work. Computer literacy and knowledge of the juvenile justice system preferred. Candidates must have the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and be able to provide crisis management as needed. The candidate should be comfortable with technology and video platforms such as Zoom. 

Position Type: Full-time, in-person position working 5 days per week. Candidate must be able to work a flexible schedule including evenings, holidays and weekends. 

Position Location: Staten Island, New York.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $52,000 - $59,900 and is commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

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 category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.