THE ORGANIZATION
The Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) is a non-profit organization that works with communities and justice systems to advance equity, increase safety, and help individuals and communities thrive. The Center's goal is to identify and resolve as early as possible the challenges that bring people into the criminal and civil legal systems. It does this in a number of ways-by developing and running programs that reduce the need for incarceration and enhance economic opportunity, conducting original research to identify what works, and sharing what we learn from our programming and research with those seeking to transform the justice system around the world.
The Center is an 800-employee, $100 million nonprofit that accomplishes its vision through three pillars of work: creating and scaling operating programs to test new ideas and solve problems, performing original research to determine what works (and what doesn't), and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to justice reformers around the world.
Operating Programs
The Center's operating programs, including the award-winning Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Court, test new ideas, solve difficult problems, and attempt to achieve systemic change within the justice system. Our projects include community-based violence prevention programs, alternatives to incarceration, reentry initiatives, and court-based initiatives that reduce the use of unnecessary incarceration and promote positive individual and family change. Through this programming, we have produced tangible results like safer streets, reduced incarceration, and improved neighborhood perceptions of justice.
Research
The Center's research teams are staffed with social scientists, data analysts, and lawyers who are academically-trained or have lived experience and who conduct research in the U.S. and globally on diverse criminal-legal system and justice issues. Their work includes evaluating programs and policies; conducting exploratory, community-based studies; and providing research translation and strategic planning for system actors. The Center has published studies on topics including court and jail reform, intimate partner violence, restorative justice, gun violence, reentry, sixth amendment rights, and progressive prosecution. The research teams strive to make their work meaningful and actionable to the communities they work with, policymakers, and practitioners.
Policy & Expert Assistance
The Center provides hands-on, planning and implementation assistance to a wide range of jurisdictions in areas of reform such as problem-solving courts (e.g., community courts, treatment courts, domestic violence courts), tribal justice, reducing incarceration and the use of fines/fees and reducing crime and violence. Our current expert assistance takes many forms, including help with analyzing data, strategic planning and consultation, policy guidance, and hosting site visits to its operating programs in the New York City area.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Through its Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) and diversion programs, the Queens Community Justice Center offers meaningful responses to low-level offenses such as shoplifting, reckless driving, and illegal drug use. Individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses often struggle with underlying issues such as substance use disorder, mental illness, unemployment, and trauma. As a response to low-level charges, judges may mandate participation in a range of social services designed to assist participants with their needs, which take a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.
The Queens Community Justice Center seeks a Clinical Specialist for its Focus Forward program. Focus Forward provides employment-focused services as an alternative to incarceration or as an addition to a probation mandate. Focus Forward serves young adults ages 18 to 35 with moderate to high employment needs. Focus Forward will deliver evidence-based programming to assist participants in obtaining employment and provide them with case management support to ensure they can maintain employment and work towards a long-term career. Reporting to the Senior Program Manager, the Clinical Specialist will provide direct participant support and increase the range of employment opportunities available to participants using participant interests, experiences, and ambitions as the foundation for participant job placements and, more broadly, for the identification and cultivation of potential employers for prospect portfolios.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate Cognitive Behavioral Intervention and Employment Readiness group sessions and workshops to build employment readiness skills;
• Lead sessions focused on job readiness and retention, emphasizing life skills and job search skills workshops.
• Conduct outreach to court partners to receive referrals to Focus Forward, including conducting public presentations.
• Conduct screenings, intakes, and clinical/employment assessments with participants.
• Provide clinical services (including one-on-one individual counseling sessions), case management, crisis intervention, and support services;
• Attend mandatory required cognitive behavioral intervention and employment readiness training
• Form partnerships with community stakeholders, organizations, and agencies to strengthen systems of support for participants;
• Engage participants in ongoing discussions about their employment goals;
• Provide ongoing support to participants placed in transitional employment opportunities by continuing case management and guiding them through onboarding processes;
• Document all participant and employer contact, activities, and outcomes daily in our case management system (Salesforce);
• Regularly discuss each participant's job start-ready progress with the Focus Forward team, including the Job Developer; problem-solving with colleagues when needed;
• Review participants' daily performance ratings provided by their worksite supervisor;
• Record and report monthly progress summaries for each participant, detailing steps taken to resolve challenges and the quality of overall participant participation;
• Performing other tasks and responsibilities that will be assigned from time to time
• Participate in staff meetings and training;
• Attend evening community events and meetings as needed; and
• Perform other relevant duties to support the Queens Community Justice Center and department activities.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have an MSW or other clinical master's degree in a related field, with at least two years' experience. Must be highly organized and can multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a willingness and interest in engaging individuals with mental health and substance abuse needs. Experience in Motivational Interviewing is a plus. Candidates must be able to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a culturally competent manner. Candidates must also be comfortable working with adolescents, adults, and families and be able to communicate appropriately with stakeholders-excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required. Bilingual (English-Spanish or other languages) preferred.
Position Type: Full-time. 9:00am-5:00pm and occasional evening or weekend hours.
Position Location : Queens, NY
Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $60,000 - $65,000 and is commensurate with experience. 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%.
Note: This range is required by the funder.
The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and as such, we do 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 welcome 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. Our aim is to create a supportive and respectful environment where every individual, irrespective of their background or identity, feels valued and included.
As of February 10, 2023, New York City Executive Order 25 rescinded the requirement of the COVID-19 vaccination for City workers, new hires, and contracted employees. Accordingly, the Center does not require all new hires be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus; however, the Center recommends all staff, interns, and volunteers stay up-to-date on the vaccination.
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. Kindly refer to the job posting for the relevant contact information. If the contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from making inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.