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 around the world. The Center creates operating projects that have been documented to reduce the use of jail and prison, assist victims of crime, and strengthen communities. Nationally and internationally, the Center performs original research and provides consulting services to justice innovators.

The Center for Court Innovation has operated an office in Syracuse, New York since 2004. The Upstate Office assists in the development of new problem-solving court initiatives, provides technical assistance to existing problem-solving courts throughout Upstate New York, and plans and implements new programs focused on improving the delivery of justice.

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for coordinating the OVC FY21 improving Criminal Justice Responses grant through the New York State Unified Court System (UCS). This position will report directly to the Director of the Center for Court Innovation’s Upstate New York office in Syracuse, New York.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply, as are candidates with experience in community organizing, planning and implementing projects, is necessary. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Maintain a caseload of Emerging Adult (18-25 year old) defendants in the Onondaga County Integrated Domestic Violence (IDV) Court and the Syracuse Domestic Violence (DV) Court. Track compliance with court programming and report to the court. Assess, screen and refer defendants to the Alternatives Program and other programs;
• Work with the Director on program design, development and implementation of the OVC grant;
• Work with the Director and UCS staff to maintain data collection protocols, ensuring that case notes capture all defendant compliance and programming completion. Additionally, facilitate the delivery of monthly data reports to the UCS;
• Facilitate and plan the agenda of monthly meetings of the Coordinated Community Response (CCR) Team;
• Hold case conferencing meetings, as needed, with UCS resource coordinators to discuss client progress, coordinate services and compliance hearings;
• Coordinate and schedule training for stakeholders of the IDV and DV courts; 
• Network with community-based organizations to make appropriate referrals for additional services, particularly with organizations that serve Emerging Adults, unemployed/underemployed, deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals, New Americans and refugee populations;
• Perform other duties as assigned by Director.

Qualifications: 

• M.S.W or similar degree required and 2-3 years of equivalent experience maintaining caseloads, community outreach, and facilitating or mentoring, preferably with court-involved populations;
• Prior experience with community supervision, domestic violence or criminal justice agencies preferred;
• Ability to communicate with many different types of people is required;
• Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• The candidate must be able to prioritize tasks and remain flexible;
• This position requires a creative, aggressive self-starter who can work well with others and get things done in a fast-paced environment. Must be comfortable working in downtown Syracuse in the courthouse.

Position Type: Full-time; the standard work week is 35 hours, Monday through Friday.

Compensation: Salary range starts at $60,021 and is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package including comprehensive health, dental and life insurance, four weeks paid vacation, paid sick time, TransitChek, Flexible Spending Account plans for health and dependent care, a 403(b) retirement plan and a 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match.

The Center for Court Innovation is an equal opportunity employer. The Center does not discriminate on the basis of 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 seek applications from women, people of color, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities as well as individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system.

As of September 9, 2021, all new hires are required to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for medical, disability or religious reasons by the Center’s Human Resources Department.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete an employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.