Client Coordinator, Community Engagement

Description

CFR is seeking a Community Engagement Coordinator. This is a full time position. This individual will work under the supervision of the Parent Advocate Supervisor of Community Engagement to help shepherd the overall coordination and daily work of the department on a range of CFR’s community engagement initiatives and projects for cultivating and maintaining the organization's work with community partners. 

It is critical that, as a Public Defender, CFR engages directly with the communities that we represent. The first time the community meets CFR, and learns of the assistance we can provide, should not be when they are faced with a family policing investigation or other government intrusion. CFR designed our Community Engagement Unit to help streamline CFR’s work in this area. Under the supervision and guidance of CFR’s Parent Advocate Supervisor of Community Engagement, the Community Engagement Coordinator’s primary responsibility will be to work collaboratively with their supervisor to continue to grow our community presence in all of the boroughs where CFR has offices. As a member of CFR’s staff, this position will work collaboratively with attorneys, social work staff, and parent advocate staff. The role is expected to work closely with CFR’s Early Defense Team, Policy Team, and Development Team as needed. This individual will be expected to develop a strong understanding of CFR’s interdisciplinary model and work. They should come to CFR equipped with a familiarity with the community resources and needs of at least one or more of the boroughs in which CFR practices. CFR values the experience of those who have been directly impacted by the systems in which we work (family policing/child welfare, criminal legal system, juvenile delinquency system, immigration system). We require any case to have been closed for a minimum of 3 years prior to starting work at CFR. 

This position will receive supervision from the Parent Advocate Supervisor for Community Engagement. 

Specific responsibilities may include but are not limited to: 

Community Engagement and Relationship Building 

• Providing input and assistance with Development efforts where appropriate (i.e. site visits with foundations); 
• In collaboration with the Parent Advocate Supervisor Community Engagement Specialist work on special projects/initiatives 
• In collaboration with the Supervisor Government and Community Affairs and the Parent Advocate Supervisor for Community Engagement: 
  • Cultivate relationships with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Tenant Associations in the communities CFR serves to provide information about CFR’s services and how to access support
  • Cultivate relationships with community based organizations to alert them to the support that CFR provides and resources for their client base; 
  • Coordinate community events including know your rights and  community roundtables and other informational sessions 

• Attend meetings with the Policy Team, Early Defense Team, and other internal and external meetings as organizational needs arise 
• Provide support to the Early Defense and Family Defense Teams as needed to support program outreach efforts 

Administrative Support 

• Assist with any data entry or tracking needs
• Keep detailed records of all community engagement activities 
• Assist with keeping CFR staff up to date on the activities of the Community Engagement Team 
• Maintain a database of community based organizations we have made contact with 
• Assist with distributing flyers and informational pamphlets 

Travel 

This position may be based in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens or Staten Island but the person filling this role should expect to frequently participate in community events or meetings related to their role and participate in Know Your Rights presentations regarding the Family Policing System. These events may take place anywhere in the five boroughs.

Location 

CFR currently has offices in Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island and Queens. CFR has a generous telecommuting policy that allows staff the flexibility to work from home when there are no in-person client or organizational obligations.

Schedule

This position will be expected to work after 5pm and on some weekends to meet organizational needs and client needs of the communities we serve, which may require adjustments to the regular 9-5, M-F work schedule

Qualifications

Candidates for this position who have personally experienced and navigated the child welfare and/or family policing systems or criminal legal system, youth legal system, or immigration enforcement system in the past are strongly preferred. Please note the following: 

Required Qualifications 

• Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or relevant work experience, preferably with one-year of prior experience with the NYC child welfare, education, housing or public benefits’ systems or other social justice experience.
• At least 3 years experience advocating on behalf of New York City communities 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 
• Experience planning events 
• Experience tabling and information sharing with the general public 
• Knowledge of community resources in 1 or more of the boroughs in which CFR practices  
• Ability to work as part of a team and a commitment to building strong relationships in the communities we work within.
• Strong time management and communication skills 
• Self-motivated
• Experience in public speaking  
• Ability to work nights and some weekends to attend community events (see “Schedule” above for more details) 

Ideal candidates will also have: 

• Fluency in Spanish 
• Experience being directly impacted by the family policing system, criminal legal system, immigration enforcement system, or the youth legal system
• Experience working alongside attorneys, social workers, and parent advocates 
•  Experience in community organizing and advocacy

Salary & Benefits: 

CFR offers a generous compensation package, including a competitive base salary as well as health, 403(b) and vacation benefits. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between CFR and the CFR Union, part of ALAA (Association of Legal Aid Attorneys) UAW 2325. CFR strives to create an inclusive and antiracist environment for all of its staff, and candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply; CFR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Salary Range: $65,800 (L02) - $84,600 (L17) annualized salary 

Apply 

Candidates should submit their application and resume through CFR’s Career Portal.

Salary : $65,800 - $84,600