Bilingual Social Worker

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

Launched in 1993, the award-winning Midtown Community Justice Center is one of the country’s first problem-solving courts. It provides alternatives to fines and jail as a response to low-level crime. Seeking to reduce crime and incarceration, and increase public trust in justice, the Midtown Community Justice Center works with neighborhood stakeholders to improve Midtown Manhattan, and to serve the vibrant Midtown community, specifically those in need of services. The Justice Center’s court responds creatively to low-level offending, seeking sentences that are restorative to the defendant and community. In 2023, Midtown Community Justice Center celebrated 30 years of operation and was renamed to Midtown Community Justice Center to reflect the work we do in the community. The work has continued to move upstream and beyond the walls of our physical space through expanded diversion initiatives, street outreach, and community engagement.

The Midtown Community Justice Center is seeking a Bilingual Social Worker for its court-based, community-based, and voluntary programs, which includes the Emerging Adult Court for 18-25-year-olds, Misdemeanor Mental Health Court, Community Court, and referrals from downtown Manhattan Center site, Manhattan Justice Opportunities. The Bilingual Social Worker will be responsible for conducting assessments and intakes, making referrals to community-based service providers, offering comprehensive trauma-informed individual counseling and case management sessions, and facilitating psychoeducational groups.

• Conduct individual counseling sessions, psychoeducational and therapeutic groups, and clinical assessments;
• Provide recommendations for services and monitor treatment for court-mandated clients;
• Provide comprehensive, trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, clinical and case management services to clients (and, where appropriate, their families) that address issues such as substance use, mental health issues, trauma, interpersonal violence, housing, and educational and vocational needs;
• Attend interdisciplinary case conferences to help clients navigate the court;
• Collaborate with court staff and stakeholders, including defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and court officers;
• Maintain appropriate client information in electronic databases and paper files;
• Report on client progress and compliance to court partners (judges, defense attorneys, and prosecutors);
• Establish and maintain linkages with community partners who can provide appropriate interventions and services to court-involved individuals;
• Provide ongoing crisis intervention and de-escalation, as needed;
• Collaborate with team members to design and participate in community events;
• Participate in, and at times facilitate, staff meetings, team-building exercises, trainings, and site visits;
• Participate in evening and weekend community meetings, events, and programming, as needed; and
• Perform other relevant duties, including coverage and support, as needed to support the Midtown Community Justice Center and Center for Justice Innovation.

• Bilingual (Spanish-English) required;  
• LMSW and a minimum of 2 years prior work in criminal justice and/or a related field required. Candidates with a MSW will be required to obtain their license within 90 days of employment;
• Experience working within a harm reduction framework and commitment to staying up to date on harm reduction best practices required;
• Experience conducting clinical assessments;
• Experience with drug/alcohol treatment, mental health services, co-occurring disorders, trauma- informed, and anti-oppressive practice required;
• Candidates must be willing and able to work collaboratively with colleagues and a variety of court personnel and partner agencies in a high-pressure/fast paced work environment. Court-based social work is a unique and demanding area of practice, and candidates must be open to constructive engagement with differing and, at times, competing perspectives;
• Experience with/or comfortability in learning to facilitate conversations related to identity, oppression, and privilege is a must;
• Experience and/or comfort working with ages 18 and over;
• Experience and commitment to creating, promoting, and maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and anti-racist work environment; and
• SIFI certification preferred;

Position Location: Midtown, Manhattan.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $57,500 - $70,000 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.