AmeriCorps - Housing Community Engagement Specialist

Brooklyn, NY
Temporary
Red Hook Justice Center
Student (High School)

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

  1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
  2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
  3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Red Hook Community Resilience Corps is an AmeriCorps National Service Program that seeks to make Red Hook a safer, stronger and a more resilient community for individuals ages 18+. AmeriCorps members are part of our unconventional programs and services throughout the Center that engage residents and promote public safety. Members work directly with community members to provide services and referrals to address needs centered on economic mobility, housing issues and many other areas. Furthermore, members also will perform service projects throughout the neighborhood and by the end of their service year, members will gain the skills needed to plan and execute their own project.

The Housing Resource Center provides different services and support to tenants living in NYCHA and assists them with navigating the court system process and communicating with the landlords. The program provides legal information and referrals to landlord and tenants with housing issues, including court cases, code compliance and rental assistance.

The Center is seeking a Housing Community Engagement Specialist. Reporting to the AmeriCorps Coordinator, the Housing Community Engagement Specialist will be a key liaison in Red Hook, serving as the first contact at the Red Hook Community Justice Center for residents seeking housing help. The role involves assisting residents with affordable housing, navigating housing court, and accessing benefits and services. They will also run outreach programs to raise resource awareness and strengthen ties between residents, community groups, and city agencies, enhancing community support.

AVAILABILITY

The start date for this position is December 1, 2025, with an end date of September 30, 2026. Applicants must be available to commit to serve 30-hours a week, Monday-Friday between the hours of 9-5pm with occasional evenings and weekends. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Outreach & Engagement:

  • Lead outreach campaigns such as door knocking, canvassing, and tabling at events to connect residents with housing, health, and financial resources;
  • Assist with planning and coordinating community education sessions, workshops, and resource fairs;
  • Distribute flyers, guides, and event materials across Red Hook Houses and nearby communities; and
  • Collect sign-in sheets, surveys, and resident feedback to strengthen engagement strategies.

Community Relations:

  • Build and maintain relationships with resident leaders, local organizations, and partner agencies;
  • Help facilitate group discussions, listening sessions, and focus groups with tenants; and
  • Document outreach activity and resident engagement in the JCA database.

Program Support:

  • Provide back-up coverage at the Help Desk (greeting residents, answering phones, handling voicemails);
  • Assist with intake assessments, repair reporting, recertification, and HRA applications when needed;
  • Support residents in preparing court forms and copies;
  • Help with housing court reminders and navigation;
  • Maintain flyers, bulletin boards, and resource displays; and
  • Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent; and
  • Interest in working with communities and/or service.

Position Type: Temporary full-time for 10 months.

Position Location: Brooklyn, New York.

Benefits: Our program has a variety of full-time and minimum-time opportunities. Serving is a great way to strengthen your professional network, make a difference within communities and social justice.

During service, you will receive:

  • Full-Time members receive a living allowance of $14,400, and an educational award of $7,395 upon successful completion of their term;
  • Childcare and/or health benefits (available to some members); and
  • Skills-based and professional development training.

After service, you will receive: 

  • Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to use on future educational expenses or to pay back qualified student loans. The value is dependent on length of service. Members 55+ are eligible to transfer their Education Award to a family member; and
  • Competitive job edge in your job search, including access to a network of over 600 employers of National Service

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on 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 LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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