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 Center for Justice Innovation (“the Center”) is a non-profit organization that works to create a more effective and humane justice system.  We operate at the cutting edge of criminal justice reform in the New York area by developing, planning, launching, and managing large-scale projects that serve thousands of justice-involved people each year. Our projects have been documented to reduce the use of incarceration and conviction while improving public safety and increasing public confidence in government. Our goal is to create a criminal justice system that offers meaningful and proportionate outcomes, treats everyone with dignity and respect, strengthens communities, and supports victims. 

The EmpowerHER program at the Queens Community Justice Center is an alternative-to-incarceration initiative that provides gender-responsive, trauma-informed services designed to reduce recidivism, decrease reliance on incarceration, and improve outcomes for women, including all female-identifying individuals, involved in the criminal justice system. The program offers a single point of access to comprehensive case management, gender-specific, evidence-based group programming, and a broad network of community-based services that address the underlying factors contributing to justice system involvement. 

Queens Community Justice Center is seeking a Case Manager whose primary focus will be working with female identified participants in the EmpowerHer program. Reporting to the Program Coordinator, the Case Manager is primarily responsible for the monitoring and case management of program participants, referring participants to voluntary social service interventions, and helping promote compliance with pre-plea and post-plea conditions. The Case Manager will stay in regular contact with participants, including facilitating in-person case management meetings. The Case Manager will also facilitate groups and assist in development of onsite services for participants. Additionally, the Case Manager will be in communication with attorneys’ offices, community-based providers, and draft memos to keep the court informed of participants’ compliance. The Case Manager will work closely with an interdisciplinary team providing adult case management services.  

• Complete intakes and assessments for EmpowerHER participants;  
• Facilitate on-site groups for program participants;  
• Provide comprehensive case management services to a caseload of short- and long-term mandated participants;  
• Provide voluntary service referrals to individuals, to help address issues such as substance use, mental health, trauma, domestic violence, housing, and vocational needs;  
• Coordinate with service providers to facilitate, follow-up, and assist participants with voluntary service referrals; 
• Maintain appropriate client and group information in electronic databases and hard files;  
• Connect with and maintain relationships with outside service providers to increase referral sources for participants;  
• Monitor and report on compliance to court stakeholders and work with defense and district attorneys to bring program participants into compliance; 
• Oversee the EmpowerHER Alumni Council, a selected group of five program graduates to serve as peer mentors and program ambassadors; 
• Participate in individual and group supervision, department staff meetings, interdisciplinary meetings, and on- and off-site trainings;  
• Assist with administrative responsibilities, including data management, grant reporting and compliance monitoring; 
• Attend Justice Center's events after hours, as needed; 
• Attend all required staff meetings and training; and;
•  Additional relevant tasks, as needed. 

Qualifications: 

The candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or 3-4 years of experience working in case management as an equivalency. Bilingual (English-Spanish) strongly preferred. Seeking a highly organized candidate with an ability to multi-task, and work in a fast-paced environment. Must be able to provide service in a strengths-based manner and understand the importance of meeting clients where they are. Willingness and interest in engaging individuals with mental health and substance abuse needs. Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a culturally-responsive manner required. Candidate must have professional demeanor and ability to communicate appropriately with building stakeholders. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, communication, and writing skills required.  

Position Type: Full time. The standard work week is 35 hours.

Position Location: Queens, New York

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $28.57 - $35.93 per hour, annually equivalent to $52,000 - $65,400 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.