Job Description
The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not‑for‑profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. CJA is the city’s main pretrial services agency, combining operations, pilot projects, and research under one roof. CJA utilizes procedural justice practices to provide pretrial services to over 100,000 persons arrested annually in New York City. Information collected about these arrestees and subsequent case processing is maintained in the agency’s internal and externally shared database systems, which are used to conduct descriptive and evaluation research on arrestee characteristics, case processing and court outcomes, and on issues and potential reforms to criminal justice policy in New York City. CJA’s programs operate in the criminal courts and detention facilities 24 hours a day seven days a week within the 5 boroughs of NYC, employing over 300 employees, citywide.
PROGRAM SUMMARY
CJA operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court for defendants of all ages who are charged with felonies and misdemeanors, and who present a substantial likelihood of detention, but are at risk of failing to appear in court if released on recognizance. The program, which operates during the day and night court, screens targeted defendants for release, subject to specific conditions including maintaining face‑to‑face and telephone contact with the program, participating in a screening protocol for substance abuse and mental health issues, and agreeing to program monitoring and reporting of non‑compliance, re‑arrests and scheduled court appearances.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Supervising Clinical Case Manager and under the direction of the Clinical Director, the Case Manager is a dynamic, knowledgeable, and experienced individual with a social service, psychology, or clinical background to help make an impact on the ever‑changing role of the court system and alternative initiatives aimed at reducing detention and crime rates in the city. The Case Manager hired for this position will be working on a team that serves both youth and adult clients (ages 16 years and older). The Case Manager in this role will be responsible for building relationships with participants and their support systems. In building these relationships, the Case Manager will coach and connect people with resources to meet their unique needs, such as education and employment programs, career assessments, job readiness, and other opportunities aligned with their personal goals and interests.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Needs Assessments
Conducting the intake/assessment interview to identify participants’ immediate needs, including risk factors for recidivism.
Assessing for mental health and substance abuse problems, making outside referrals as appropriate.
Working with people to explore interests and create plans to take steps towards meeting goals.
Assessing for school and/or job readiness and connecting young participants to quality school and job programming, vocational trainings, technical skills classes or other certification programs, as well as peer support services, based on their personal interests and goals.
Verifying participant contact information and age‑appropriate activities and responsibilities to assign to participants at a designated level of supervision.
Client Engagement
Build relationships with program participants ages 16 years and older.
Identify and collaborate with support systems, such as guardians and significant others in participant’s life.
Reviewing with participants the conditions of release, program agreement, and consents for disclosure.
Maintaining face‑to‑face and telephone contact with participants, monitoring re‑arrests, and preparing on‑calendar and off‑calendar reports for court.
Utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, including using interactive journaling in applicable sessions.
Run psychoeducational and supportive psychotherapeutic groups for participants ages 16‑24 years old.
Motivating participants to engage in voluntary services.
Documentation and Reporting
Updating computerized case management appointments accordingly to produce periodic reports on participants’ compliance.
Writing formal progress reports for each court date, in accordance with program requirements and quality standards; advocate for graduated sanctions for eligible clients.
Completing all necessary documentation and maintaining all data set reporting requirements in the program’s case management database.
Teamwork and Relationship Building
Maintaining professional communication with defense attorneys, Assistant District Attorneys, and referral agencies until transfer or completion of reporting responsibilities.
Appearing and advocating in court regarding participants’ compliance as necessary.
Participating in clinical supervision, case conference meetings, staff meetings, and on‑service trainings; identify new opportunities for staff development.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, criminal justice, or other related field.
2 years of experience in case management; at least 1 of those years working with an adolescent population.
Must be willing to work evening and weekend hours, as operations expand.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of NYC Court Operations.
Familiarity with the Alternative to Detention (ATD), Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or other advocacy program models.
Working knowledge of treatment programs (substance abuse, mental health, etc.) and other support services (GED, job training, YIP, etc.) for referrals.
Ability to exercise sound and quick judgment.
Excellent communication and writing skills.
Computer literate with the ability to quickly adapt to changing technology.
Bilingual skills preferred (Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, French‑Creole, a plus). Those with other language skills are also encouraged to apply.
Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) or Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor in Trainee (CASACT) encouraged to apply.
NOTE
This position is expected to operate on a hybrid schedule with in‑person work 4 days per week and 1 remote day . The successful hire must be able to assume responsibilities that are both remote and on‑site, in accordance with CJA policy at the time of hire.
SALARY
$67,165
Location
Long Island City or Kew Gardens
Internal Applicants Note
Internal applicants must be at least 1 year in their current role and in good standing (no disciplinary action within the last 90 days) to be eligible for this role.
CJA VALUES
Commitment : We are committed to being active partners in criminal justice reform through initiatives and creative problem‑solving that evaluate different methods and strategies for alternatives to detention.
Fairness : We are guided by fairness and the presumption of innocence for those who are detained and work with integrity and without bias to protect the privacy and interest of court‑involved people and their families.
Innovation : We value curiosity as a driving force to lead the way in pretrial services. We use innovative techniques in research, pilot programs, and engaging justice‑involved communities to execute our mission of reducing unnecessary pretrial detention.
BENEFITS
CJA offers a very generous benefit plan including health, dental and vision insurance, a comprehensive mental health and wellness (EAP) plan, four weeks’ vacation, paid holidays and a retirement plan with employer matching contributions. CJA is also strongly committed to professional learning and development for its staff members and offers staff varied opportunities for learning and development through partnerships and vendor services for web‑based, in‑person professional development training, as well as in‑house job training and development.
EEO Statement
CJA is committed to embodying the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging as cornerstones of our mission and culture.
The New York City Criminal Justice Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
CJA is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.
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Job Tags
Traineeship, Work at office, Immediate start, Remote work, Night shift, Weekend work, Afternoon shift