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

Brooklyn Justice Initiatives (BJI) seeks to reengineer the experience of criminal court in Brooklyn, New York by providing judges and attorneys meaningful alternatives to bail, fines, and jail sentences. Operating out of Kings County Criminal Court, Brooklyn Justice Initiatives is a team of social service providers, court-based resource coordinators, and others who seek to improve the quality of justice. By providing meaningful pre-trial supervised release and post-conviction sentencing options, Brooklyn Justice Initiatives seeks to use an arrest as a window of opportunity to change the direction of a participant’s life and avoid the harmful effects of incarceration.  

Brooklyn Justice Initiatives is seeking an Intake Specialist to join the Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) team. Reporting to the Senior Program Manager, the Intake Specialist is primarily responsible for assisting with daily intake operations at Brooklyn Justice Initiatives offices. The Intake Specialist provides coverage and services for an array of court-based, ATI programs operated by BJI. This includes the Brooklyn Young Adult Court serving young adults ages 18-24 charged with misdemeanor level offenses and adult Alternative to Incarceration programming, providing both pre and post-plea services for individuals charged with misdemeanors and felonies. The Intake Specialist may be called upon to support with intake for other diversion initiatives and assist with community-based events and attend offsite Brooklyn Justice Initiative/CJI events.

• Conduct intakes and needs-based screenings for newly mandated clients, clearly explaining program requirements and expectations;
• Coordinate and schedule client participation in on-site and off-site services, both in-person and via phone, ensuring timely engagement;
• Respond to participant inquiries across phone, email, and in-person channels, triaging urgent needs and coordinating appropriate follow-up;
• Deliver services using a participant-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach, utilizing de-escalation strategies when needed and escalating concerns appropriately;
• Manage an active caseload, monitoring compliance with court-mandated services and conducting outreach to clients, attorneys, and collateral contacts to support engagement and court reporting;
• Facilitate coordinated service delivery by liaising with internal teams and community-based providers, including securing referrals and verifying attendance;
• Establish and maintain relationships with community partners to support service linkages for court-involved individuals;
• Maintain accurate and timely participant records, including case notes, service updates, and enrollment information, ensuring data integrity across electronic systems;
• Support compliance reporting by gathering updates, preparing documentation, and providing accurate written and verbal reports to court stakeholders;
• Assist with group facilitation and case management sessions, as needed;
• Provide administrative and operational support, including greeting participants, data entry, and supporting Clinical and Court Operations teams, as needed;
• Support the piloting and implementation of new diversion initiatives, as needed;
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and team convenings as scheduled; 
• Assist with other administrative tasks, as necessary;
• Attend Brooklyn Justice Initiatives’ events after hours, as needed; and
• Additional relevant tasks, as needed.

• Associate's degree and 1 year of experience or 2-3 years experience in the criminal justice field as an equivalency is required, a Bachelor's degree is preferred;
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment;
• Demonstrated interest in working with young adults, including individuals with mental health and substance use needs;
• Ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds using a culturally responsive and trauma-informed approach;
• Professional demeanor with the ability to communicate effectively with court stakeholders and partners;
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required; and
• Bilingual skills (English-Spanish or other languages) strongly preferred.

Position Type: Full-time, weekend and evening hours required for BJI operations, as needed.

Position Location: Brooklyn, NY.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $28.57 - $35.44 per hour, annually equivalent to $52,000 - $64,500 based on a 35-hour work week and is commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: 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 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.