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

The Center for Justice Innovation’s Upstate New York Project, located in Syracuse, New York, is seeking a Program Coordinator for its newly created opioid harm reduction initiative, Westside Community First (“WCF”). The aim of WCF is to provide harm reduction services by building trusting and supportive relationships with people who use opioids and ultimately linking those individuals to treatment, mental health services, housing support, and other kinds of social services as needed. WCF is a partnership between the Center for Justice Innovation, Onondaga County, and other local and neighborhood-based agencies. The WCF Program Coordinator will report to the Deputy Project Director of the Center’s Upstate Office.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide direct supervision to Peer Support Workers;
• Assist in coordinating case management supervision to local Substance Use Disorder providers;
• Implement and oversee the day-to-day operations of WCF programming which includes daily outreach and case management responsibilities;
• Work collaboratively with Clinical Supervisor, Planner and Evaluator to increase reach and boost outcomes for engaged community members;
• Work collaboratively with Clinical Supervisor, Planner and Evaluator to maintain data collection protocols;
• Work collaboratively with Clinical Supervisor, Planner and Evaluator to proactively improve program design, training modules, and case management support;
• Take part in active community outreach efforts including:
  • Performing community outreach in the downtown, westside and Syracuse community;
  • Identifying and building relationships with individuals who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, substance use disorders, mental health crises, or in need of other supportive services;
  • Working with a diverse population in a mutually respectful manner, using a strengths-based approach;
  • Providing clients with support and linkages to programs and opportunities in the community (e.g., benefits, job programs, health, housing, and treatment services);
  • Knowing how to properly administer, and train how to use, a Narcan Kit;
  • Conducting phone and physical outreach to engage clients and assist their linkages to social services and external case managers;
• Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses that can provide additional support (e.g., employment opportunities, access to bathrooms, access to free food and supplies);
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of local resources for health and wellness as well as public benefits;
• Collaborate on broader county-wide projects and events, where necessary;
• Represent the Center and the WCF program in meetings with grant managers, auditors, outside evaluators, and visitors;
• Participate in and facilitate staff meetings, trainings, and on- and off-site visits;
• Participate in community engagement projects, meetings, and events, including during evenings and weekends, as needed;
• Perform additional relevant tasks, as needed.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree and three years of experience providing case management or supervising a team of case managers; or equivalent experience. Supervisory experience is preferred. Excellent written and verbal communication and computer skills required. Candidates must be outgoing, personable, and professional who can think creatively and critically about their approach to helping people overcome barriers to wellness. The candidate must understand and support harm reduction principles and efforts. The ideal candidate will be a detail-oriented self-starter who takes initiative and can succeed in a high-paced environment. Knowledge of the science of addiction, evidence-based treatment modules, local service providers, reentry services, fatherhood support services, criminal and family court, intimate partner violence, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing a plus. The ideal candidate will be motivated and committed to advancing programmatic goals while leading a team. Must be comfortable working with diverse client populations. CASAC certification preferred or willingness to obtain this credential. Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred.

Position Type: Full-time. It is a one-year program. The standard work week is 35 hours, Monday through Friday.

Position Location: Syracuse, NY

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $55,410 - $72,090 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. 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 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. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls or emails please.

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