Case Manager, Workforce Development

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 is seeking a Case Manager for its Workforce Development department which includes programs such as Works Plus and Grow’n (Gardening Raises Opportunities and Wealth in Neighborhoods). Works Plus consists of an array of services designed to help participants (16-29 years old) reach a higher level of work readiness/employability. Works Plus also offers career awareness services, connection to educational opportunities, assistance with job search competencies, and case management putting an emphasis on soft skill and basic life skills development as a means towards work readiness. The Grow’n program uses urban agriculture and garden-based learning techniques to teach youth and adults about food sources, healthy eating, environmental stewardship, and to provide training for employment in the green economy. Participants build and maintain hydroponic systems, learn to grow vegetables in an urban environment, and obtain experience for jobs in the environmental sector.

Reporting to the Associate Director, the Case Manager is responsible for the case management of youth involved with the Queens Community Justice Center’s Workforce Development programs and implementing programming to support social-emotional learning for all participants. They will be responsible for tracking participant progress throughout the programs. The Case Manager will provide supervision and oversight to youth involved in programming during after-school hours and will work with stakeholders and staff to ensure effective delivery of services to participants and their families.

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Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Facilitate weekly Workforce Development groups;
• Develop goals and an individualized plan of action with participants;
• Review identified participants’ casework and ensure that appropriate follow-up occurs from engagement through comprehensive aftercare;
• Maintain records of identified participants’ contacts to produce regularly scheduled reports;
• Maintain proper communication with community partners, and/or Department of Probation staff to ensure all program needs and expectations are being met;
• Provide all services in a culturally competent manner that is responsive to the needs of youth;
• Manage a caseload of youth, which includes outreach, case management, coaching, crisis
  response, follow-up, coordination of care, referral services and aftercare;
• Assist in the implementation of a comprehensive community outreach plan for youth who are eligible for Workforce Development programming;
• Refer youth and/or families to appropriate services and resources and respond with innovative solutions when challenges present;
• Build and maintain relationships with local service providers and program partners, including law enforcement, faith leaders, stakeholder and community-based organizations to identify neighborhood resources;
• Attend community meetings and events and other partner meetings, as requested;
• Develop and implement youth enrichment activities including field trips, retreats, academic enrichment, and employment readiness;
• Maintain administrative responsibilities including but not limited to completing participant case notes, stipend logs, permission slip documents;
• Maintain program records, data entry, and program reporting;
• 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 Associate Director;
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 3-4 years of experience working in a social service setting. Experience working in a court or criminal justice setting strongly preferred. Must be highly organized with an ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment. Candidate must be a skilled communicator able to work in a multi-disciplinary setting and maintain strong relationships with multiple agencies and organizations both onsite and in the community.
 

Position Type: Full-time.

Position Location: Queens, NY

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $27.48 - $29.67 per hour based on a 35-hour work week 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%.

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.

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