Associate Director, Youth and Family Programs

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) is a non-profit organization that works with communities and justice systems to advance equity, increase safety, and help individuals and communities thrive. The Center's goal is to identify and resolve as early as possible the challenges that bring people into the criminal and civil legal systems. It does this in a number of ways—by developing and running programs that reduce the need for incarceration and enhance economic opportunity, conducting original research to identify what works, and sharing what we learn from our programming and research with those seeking to transform the justice system around the world.

The Center is an 800-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 Court, 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. 

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Staten Island Justice Center (Justice Center) offers an array of programming for both youth and adults in Staten Island, focusing on engaging those with current or past justice involvement. The Justice Center provide judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys with alternative community sentencing options that hold individuals accountable in a way that is meaningful, proportionate, and restorative. The goal is to provide participants with individual and group services, including community-based supervision, that help them to avoid future contact with the justice system and promote swift case resolutions that bolster public confidence in justice.

The Staten Island Justice Center is seeking an Associate Director for our Youth and Family Programs. This role will report directly to the Deputy Project Director of Community Programs and Partnerships. The Associate Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of SIJC's Youth and Family Programs. This portfolio includes mandated, voluntary and school based programs.  The selected candidate will also provide support to our newest project, Staten Island Justice Center, and work with site leadership as well as designated Center-wide departments to maintain effective data collection, fiscal operations, and staff development. Finally, the Associate Director will work closely with the Deputy to develop and maintain strategic community partnerships and oversee expansion of our youth and family programs. This role will directly supervise the managers and coordinators in the team, while coaching and guiding them in how to best to support their direct staff. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:   

• Supervise the day-to-day operations of Staten Island Justice Center (SIJC) portfolio of youth and family support programs which includes court mandated programming, voluntary youth leadership and mentorship programs, work readiness programs, mental health services, and familial support services;  
• Provide ongoing supervision and professional development support to a multidisciplinary staff consisting of program coordinators, managers, social workers, and interns, as well as clinical supervision, as needed;  
• Provide on-call crisis management, when necessary;  
• Engage in program design, development and implementation of new training modules, curricula and activities; 
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with key justice and community stakeholders including  but not limited to area schools, community-based organizations, community boards, city agencies, judges, the New York City Law Department, defense attorneys, social service providers, drug treatment programs, civic groups, ACS, and the NYPD;  
• Design and implement youth community projects and events in collaboration with department managers;  
• Develop and implement new programs, initiatives, and/or interventions;  
• Overseeing and updating proper data collection and management systems, including updating program outcomes for evaluation;  
• Coordinate with various internal departments to support program operation and troubleshoot challenges;  
• Lead regular reviews of program progress for the department;  
• Participate in SIJC all-staff meetings, committees, and staff development activities;
• Spearhead events and special initiatives at SIJC and in the community;  
• Attend SIJC events or community meetings after hours or on weekends; and 
• Perform additional relevant tasks, as needed.  

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will be a LMSW or LMHC OR have equivalent experience providing social services to youth and families. Candidate must have 5 years of relevant supervisory experience; SIFI certification preferred. At least 3 years of experience in Positive Youth Development preferred. The best fit for this role is someone who understands the importance of professional development and has had experience supervising staff with lived experience. We take pride in hiring people from the communities we serve, and it is our commitment to best support our staff regardless of their past and professional goals. 

Position Type: Full-time.

Position Location: Staten Island, NY

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $70,500 - $90,650 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.