Employment Specialist, Level Up Program

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 Justice Center is the nation’s first multi-jurisdictional community court, hearing criminal, housing, and family court matters under one roof with a single judge. The court takes a holistic and problem-solving approach to resolving cases, connecting individuals with resources and opportunities instead of relying on punitive responses such as incarceration or eviction. A wide array of onsite programs and initiatives are available to all litigants, as well as to the community at large. These include: an onsite housing resource center, trauma-informed clinical services, a high-school equivalency (GED) program, restorative justice programs, an AmeriCorps national service program, and a wide range of youth development programs. The winner of multiple national awards for innovation, the Justice Center retains a neighborhood focus while also becoming a model for community-driven justice reform around the world, demonstrating it is possible to reduce both crime and incarceration and improve public safety and quality of life for residents.

Level Up, the Red Hook Community Justice Center’s workforce development initiative housed in the Youth and Community Initiatives (YCI) department, is dedicated to closing the employment and opportunity gaps for young adults in the Red Hook community and nearby areas. Our program offers a personalized approach, offering one-on-one support to justice impacted and system-involved individuals who encounter unique challenges hindering sustained employment. Beyond traditional career readiness assistance, Level Up extends its reach to provide tailored services, including educational and financial support, ensuring participants receive comprehensive aid in their journey toward meaningful employment.

The Youth and Community Initiatives department is seeking an Employment Specialist for its Level Up program. Level Up supports young adults ages 16 to 30 in securing meaningful employment and provides ongoing guidance to help them maintain jobs and pursue long-term career goals. Reporting to the Community Initiatives Manager, the Employment Specialist is responsible for facilitating job readiness workshops, conducting individualized employment assessments, and offering career-focused support services tailored to the needs of young adults. A key aspect of this role involves building and maintaining relationships with employers across New York City to expand job opportunities and strengthen employment initiatives. The Employment Specialist plays a vital role in preparing participants with the tools, skills, and connections necessary to succeed in today’s workforce and build sustainable career pathways.

• Develop and deliver dynamic, interactive workshops for young adults ages 16–30 focused on job readiness, including career exploration and market trends, networking and self-marketing, job maintenance and workplace success;
  • Workplace includes resume and cover letter writing, mock interviewing, workplace etiquette, digital literacy, and time management;
• Facilitate employment and career readiness sessions in both group and one-on-one settings to address participants’ unique needs, learning styles, and employment barriers;
• Manage the workshop presentation process from end-to-end, including designing slide decks, preparing printed materials, and delivering content in an engaging, youth-centered format; and
• Assess and adjust workshop content based on feedback, labor market shifts, participant engagement, and program outcomes.

• Build and maintain meaningful, long-term relationships with employers, hiring managers, and HR professionals across NYC to secure employment opportunities for participants, including full-time, part-time, internship, and apprenticeship roles;
• Dedicate 2–3 days per week to in-person employer engagement — visiting businesses across NYC to identify hiring needs, learn job requirements, understand what hiring managers are looking for, and advocate for participant placement;
• Maintain an up-to-date Outreach Log tracking all employer interactions, point-of-contact names and titles, positions available, employment types, participant referrals, and outcomes;
• Create and manage an Job Openings Spreadsheet, ensuring it is current, categorized by hiring urgency, and includes full details (job role, location, contact info, qualifications, etc.);
• Represent Level Up at job fairs, hiring events, employer panels, and community meetings to promote the program and establish new partnerships;
• Collaborate with local agencies (e.g. Pathways to Graduation, YCI, SBS Workforce1, etc.) to increase participant access to services, training, and resources;
• Participate and prepare for weekly or biweekly team meetings to assess program performance, review enrollment and placement data, and plan outreach and engagement strategies; and
• Assists the program's Case Manager with recruiting participants through coordinated outreach with partner agencies, schools, and community organizations; support onboarding and smooth program entry.

• Conduct individualized intake and employment readiness assessments to determine participants’ skills, work history, interests, education level, and employment barriers on an as-needed basis;
• Develop and maintain Individualized Employment Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with each participant, outlining both short- and long-term career goals, training needs, and milestone targets;
• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive, one-on-one coaching to guide participants through the job search process, address challenges, and promote growth;
• Support participants in building professional resumes, practicing mock interviews, creating LinkedIn profiles, and developing job application materials;
• Conduct biweekly check-ins with participants to:
  • Provide job application and resume support;
  • Prepare for upcoming interviews;
  • Offer guidance to newly employed participants; and
  • Address retention challenges and sustain long-term employment success.
• Assist participants in identifying appropriate training or certification programs based on career interests and employment goals; and
• Refer participants to external services (e.g. housing, legal aid, counseling, childcare) as needed and help them navigate available community resources.

• Proactively research, identify, and connect participants with jobs that align with their skills, career goals, and accessibility needs;
• Recommend qualified participants to employers and hiring managers based on open positions, tailoring referrals to employer requirements and culture;
• Continue to build and manage your portfolio of employer partnerships that demonstrates a consistent track record of successful placements, strong employer relationships, and ongoing collaboration;
• Assist with job matching and the recruitment, enrollment, and placement of participants, ensuring alignment with employer expectations and program goals;
• Track job placements and retention outcomes to ensure participants are maintaining employment and meeting their IEP goals;
• Provide follow-up support to employers and participants to ensure smooth onboarding, troubleshoot issues, and support job retention; and
• Conduct monthly/ quarterly visits to participants in their respective employments to provide support and celebrate milestones

• Participate in supervision, program meetings, YCI team meetings and All Staff Meetings;
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records, including employment outcomes, progress toward goals, and services provided, using internal systems such as JCA and Case Management Spreadsheets;
• Keep a detailed and up-to-date Job Openings Spreadsheet that tracks all current openings, employer contacts (e.g. DM/GM), role requirements, and hiring timelines;
• Monitor and track all program metrics and key performance indicators, including outreach contacts, job leads, placements, workshop attendance, retention rates, and participant progress;
• Generate monthly reports and data summaries for internal supervisors, program funders, and evaluators, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of required deliverables;
• Document all employer interactions, referrals, placements, and outcomes in a centralized outreach and engagement log, maintaining transparency and audit-readiness; and
• Ensure full compliance with data confidentiality laws, funder requirements, and organizational policies related to employment programs.

• Prioritize Level Up Program job responsibilities and reports directly to the Level Up Program Manager;
• Cultivate a collaborative workplace that encourages teamwork and open communication;
• Participate in the strategic planning and implementation of current and future youth community-based initiatives and services that ensures they are responsive to the needs of the community, based on availability;
• Represent the Youth and Community Initiatives (YCI) department during site visits and provide support for RHCJC, community and YCI events and initiatives as needed, including evenings and weekends, based on availability;
• Be able to lift 5-15 lbs. of furniture and supplies for event set up and room organization;
• Dedicated to advancing the mission and values of the Justice Center;
• Operate company vehicle in the community for community outreach and immediate client engagement and drive participants to referred services when needed;
• Help with loading and replenishment of materials needed in the vehicle; and
• Perform additional tasks as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Social Work, Human Services, Business Administration, Psychology, or related discipline) and 5 years of experience in employment specialist industry;
• A Valid Driver's license is required;
• Must be highly organized, with the ability to multi-task and thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment;
• Willingness and genuine interest in working with individuals who are justice-involved or system- impacted is essential;
• Experience with Motivational Interviewing or other coaching techniques is a strong plus;
• Must demonstrate the ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse racial, cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds in a culturally competent manner;
• Comfortable working with adolescents, adults, and families, and capable of maintaining professional, appropriate communication with participants and external stakeholders;
• Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; and
• Bilingual (English and other relevant languages such as Creole, Russian, Cantonese and/or Mandarin) strongly preferred.

• Proven experience in case management and administrative support within youth-focused or workforce development programs;
• Strong knowledge of employment programs, workforce systems, and training resources tailored to young adults;
• Confidence and competence in public speaking and group facilitation, including presenting to large audiences or employer partners;
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and diverse populations;
• Exceptional time management and follow-through skills with the ability to meet multiple programmatic and reporting deadlines; and
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and case management systems (e.g., JCA, Salesforce, Apricot, or other CRM platforms).

Position Type: Full-time from Monday - Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, occasional working evenings and weekends as needed.

Position Location: Brooklyn, NY.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $52,000 - $61,800 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%.