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 Queens Community Justice Center seeks a Court-Based Intake Specialist for a new youth firearm intervention initiative serving young people charged with gun-related offenses in the Queens Youth Part. The Court-Based Intake Specialist will serve as the program’s primary court-based representative and first point of contact for referred participants and families. Stationed in the Queens Youth Part, this staff member will receive referrals directly from court stakeholders, initiate engagement with youth and caregivers, conduct intake and screening, and coordinate participants’ transition from court referral into community-based mentoring, clinical, workforce, and wraparound services. 

Court-Based Referral Management and Intake:

• Maintain a consistent on-site presence in the Queens Youth Part and serve as the primary point person for receiving referrals from the Judge, Resource Coordinator, defense counsel, the Queens District Attorney’s, and other court stakeholders; 

• Meet with youth referred to the program as quickly as possible following referral, ideally on the same day, to begin engagement, explain the program, and complete intake; 

• Orient participants to program expectations, available services, and next steps in the referral and engagement process;

• Schedule participants for follow-up assessment and service planning with the Program Manager and facilitate a smooth handoff into ongoing services.

Participant Engagement and Follow-Up: 

• Build rapport with court-involved youth and families using a trauma-informed, youth-centered, and strengths-based approach;

• Conduct outreach and follow-up with participants and families by phone, text, and in person to support enrollment, attendance, and sustained engagement;

• Work collaboratively with mentors and other staff to re-engage participants who miss appointments or become disconnected from services;

• Support participants in understanding court expectations and navigating the transition from court referral to community-based services;

• Help identify and address immediate barriers to participation, including communication challenges, transportation issues, family concerns, and ambivalence about services; 

• Make referrals and support participants’ connection to behavioral health services, including referrals to longer-term counseling and other specialized services as appropriate. 

Court Collaboration and Communication: 

• Serve as a liaison between the Queens Community Justice Center and court stakeholders, including the Judge, Resource Coordinator, defense counsel, prosecutors, and other court personnel;

• Communicate promptly with court partners regarding referrals, enrollment status, scheduling, and participant engagement, as directed by the Program Manager;

• Prepare and share participant updates, attendance information, and other court-related communications in coordination with the Program Manager;

• Participate in court-based meetings and case conferences as needed to support coordinated service planning and communication. 

Documentation and Data: 

• Complete timely, accurate, and thorough intake documentation, screening forms, referral tracking, and case notes in the Justice Center’s case management system;

• Track referrals, enrollment, court dates, engagement status, and other key participant information in accordance with program protocols;

• Support the collection of data needed for reporting, program monitoring, and quality assurance. 

Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree and 1 year of experience or 2-3 years’ years of experience working with adolescents or young adults in a court-based, youth development, community-based, behavioral health, or human services setting as an equivalency; a Bachelor's degree is preferred;

• Experience engaging justice-involved youth, violence-impacted youth, or other high-needs populations strongly preferred;

• Demonstrated ability to build rapport with young people and families and engage individuals who may be ambivalent about services;

• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple referrals, deadlines, and communication needs in a fast-paced environment;

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with both youth and professional stakeholders;

• Ability to work collaboratively with court personnel, attorneys, service providers, and internal program staff;

• Commitment to trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive practice;

• Familiarity with Queens communities and the needs of court-involved youth and families preferred; and;
• Bilingual skills are a plus. 

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

Position Location: Queens, New York.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $28.57 - $35.44 per hour, annually equivalent to $52,000 - $64,500 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.