Case Manager

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a community justice organization that centers safety and racial justice. Since our founding in 1996, the Center has partnered with community members, courts, and the people most impacted to create stronger, healthier, more just communities. Our decades of experience in courts and communities, coupled with our field-leading research and practitioner expertise, help us drive justice nationwide in innovative, powerful, and durable ways. For more information on how and where we work, please visit www.innovatingjustice.org.  

The Center is a 900-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 Justice Center, 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. 

Center Support

A dedicated support team within the Center ensures the smooth functioning of operations across various domains, including finance, legal, technology, human resources, fundraising, real estate, and communications. Comprising 15% of the organization's staff, these teams provide essential infrastructure support and innovative solutions aligned with the Center's mission and values. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

Level Up, the Red Hook Community Justice Center’s workforce development initiative, 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 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 Red Hook Community Justice Center is seeking a Case Manger, for its Level Up program. Level Up serves young adults, ages 16 to 30, with obtaining employment and provide them with case management support to ensure they can maintain employment and work towards a long-term career. Reporting to the Community Initiatives Manger, the Case Managers are responsible for leading workshops on job readiness for young adults and assisting with providing comprehensive administrative support and case management type of services to young adults. The Case Manager plays a crucial part in equipping young adults with the skills and resources needed to succeed in their career endeavors. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Workshop Facilitation:  

• Develop and deliver engaging workshops for a cohort of youth and adults focused on job readiness with an emphasis on resume building, interview skills and job search preparation;
• Lead employment and career readiness services through in-person group facilitation for young adults ages and provide individualized one on one support sessions; and
• Manage the presentation design process from start to finish by formatting slides and supporting materials, and presenting completed presentations. 

Community Engagement & Program Liaison: 

• Build and maintain relationships with employers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to expand job opportunities for program participants;
• Create and maintain a network of support and job opportunities;
• Represent Level Up at community events, job fairs, and networking sessions to promote the program visibility and establish partnerships;
• Collaborate with local agencies to access additional resources and support services for participants;
• Lead team discussions with Pathways to Graduation and YCI staff to assess program performance, review enrollment data and create action plans;
• Develop and implement outreach strategies to recruit students in partnership with Pathways to Graduation staff;
• Connect current students and recent graduates to program resources and opportunities within the Red Hook Community Justice Center; and
• Coordinate program enrollment and intakes with Pathways to Graduation staff to ensure smooth enrollment process and procedures. 

Direct Participant Support: 

• Engage participants in ongoing discussions about their employment goals;
• Conduct initial assessments to determine participants' skills, interests, and employment goals;
• Develop individualized employment plans in collaboration with participants, outlining short-term and long-term goals, and managing retention towards milestones;
• Provide ongoing case management to monitor progress, address barriers, and offer support to ensure successful program completion;
• Coordinate and facilitate regular weekly check-ins with participants to assess their needs, provide guidance, and track their progress to interview readiness;
• Guide and coach participants in key preparatory activities tied to employment, including writing professional resumes, networking, and mock interviewing and interview follow-up;
• Assist participants to become job-start ready by promoting their development and effective utilization of communication and self-presentation skills. 

Employment Assistance: 

• Identify and connect participants with relevant job opportunities based on their skills and interests;
• Provide guidance on interview preparation, job search strategies, and effective networking to help participants become job-start ready; and
• Research, conduct outreach to, and build relationships with prospective employers willing to hire Level Up participants and have hiring needs that match the skills. 

Administrative Support: 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant records, documenting all interactions, assessments, and progress notes in our case management system (JCA);
• Regularly discuss each participant's job start-ready progress with the Level Up team, problem-solving with colleagues when needed;
• Assist in the preparation of reports, presentations, and other program-related documentation;
• Collaborate with program staff to ensure timely and efficient delivery of services;
• Manage program-related paperwork, including enrollment forms, consent forms, and other documentation;
• Participate in staff meetings and trainings;
• Attend community events, job fairs and meetings as needed; and
• Other relevant tasks as necessary. 

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a minimum of a Bachelor's degree and 3-4 years experience in youth and community development. Must be highly organized with an ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have a willingness and interest in engaging individuals who may be justice involved and system impacted. Experience in motivational Interviewing is a plus. Candidates must have the ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a culturally competent manner. Candidates must also be comfortable working with adolescents, adults, and families and be able to communicate appropriately with stakeholders. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication and writing skills required. Bilingual (English-Spanish, or other languages) preferred. Other qualifications include: 

• Proven experience in case management and administrative support. 
• Knowledge of employment programs and resources for young adults;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Comfortable speaking and presenting in large crowds;
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations;
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities; and
• Proficient in using office software and case management systems.

Position Type:  Full-time. 9:00am-5:00pm and occasional evening or weekend hours. 

Position Location: Brooklyn, NY.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $52,000 - $63,500 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. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and as such, we do 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 welcome 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. Our aim is to create a supportive and respectful environment where every individual, irrespective of their background or identity, feels valued and included.

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. Kindly refer to the job posting for the relevant contact information. If the contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from making inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.