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 Justice Center, 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

The Queens Community Justice Center, launched in 2007, runs a diverse portfolio of programs for justice-involved youth, young adults and their families. Programming includes alternative-to-detention programs and leadership, clinical, mentorship, workforce development, gender responsive and family support initiatives. The Justice Center incorporates evidence-based methods for working with high-risk youth, including positive youth development and restorative justice principles, into its programming. Ultimately, the goal of the Justice Center is to provide off-ramps from the justice system, to help participants lead a more meaningful life, and to increase public safety.

The Queens Community Justice Center is seeking a Mentor, Arches Program. Reporting to the Program Coordinator, the mentor will be responsible for facilitating group mentoring and interactive journaling sessions for participants in the Department of Probation funded Arches program. Arches is a neighborhood-based transformative mentoring services program for young adults on probation between the ages of 16 and 24 who reside in or adjacent to Jamaica, Queens.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate Interactive Journaling sessions focused on skill development and goal setting;
• Provide one-on-one mentoring support to participants;
• Provide program participants with additional support in achieving Individual Achievement Plan goals as set by DOP probation officers;
• Work with the Program Coordinator in organizing and facilitating a mentor support group;
• Ensure thorough and accurate file-keeping and reporting on progress and compliance of participants;
• Input data to ensure proper tracking of clients and measure program success;
• Participate in regular staff and team meetings to coordinate program needs and objectives;
• Provide enrollment and administrative coverage when necessary;
• Attend evening and weekend community events when necessary;
• Assist in special events and collaborate on larger QCJC projects as necessary;
• Perform other duties as assigned by Program Coordinator;
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Position Type: Ten hours a week, some weekends when needed.

Position Location: Queens, NY

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma (or higher) with at least 2 years of experience in youth development work and/or mentoring with court-involved populations. The mentor position requires a personable and creative self-starter who can accomplish tasks in a fast-paced environment. This position requires a flexible schedule with regular evening and weekend hours. Candidates should be credible messengers, specially trained adults from Jamaica with backgrounds and characteristics similar to the population served, including life experience, cultural competence, and criminal justice system familiarity. Prior experience with positive youth development, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapies preferred. Demonstrated ability to work in a culturally competent manner that is responsive to the needs of urban youth required. Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Suites, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom is preferred. Additionally, experience utilizing CRM or case management software is preferred. Individuals directly impacted by the criminal legal system are highly encouraged to apply for this position. Additional preferred qualities for these positions include deep connection with the Jamaica community they will be serving and ability to speak English and Spanish. 

Compensation: The compensation for this position is an hourly rate of $27.47 per hour based on a 10 hour work week and is commensurate with experience. 

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.