Engagement Specialist, Transformative Reentry Initiative

Overview 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: operating programs that pilot new ideas, conducting original research to evaluate what works, and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond. Learn more at www.innovatingjustice.org.

The Opportunity The Staten Island Justice Center (SIJC or "Justice Center") offers programming for youth and adults in Staten Island, focusing on engaging those with current or past justice involvement. The Transformative Reentry Initiative (TRI) provides wraparound services focused on restorative practices, employment/educational support, mentorship, and social-emotional support. The Engagement Specialist reports to the Program Manager and will work with program participants pre and post-release, co-create individual support plans, conduct home visits when needed, attend appointments or community events with participants, maintain regular communication, meet participants in casual settings to build trust, host circles of support, and help determine appropriate workforce development programming for each participant.

Responsibilities

Engage in one-on-one relationships with mentees and their families, including scheduling and facilitating individual mentorship meetings several times per week;

Develop, facilitate, and coordinate group programming including workshops, restorative justice circles of support, community benefit projects, and group outings;

Co-create and oversee all elements of individual support plans for mentees, including scheduling and participating in meetings related to well-being and family team meetings to fulfill goals;

Meet participants at discharge from DOC/DOCCS facilities, if needed;

Provide referrals related to workforce and employment programs, pro-social and civic engagement, and assist participants with navigating social services;

Utilize online databases to track participant activities and outcomes;

Act as a community liaison for the Staten Island Justice Center by developing and maintaining relationships with community partners and attending meetings/events (evenings/weekends as needed);

Transport clients from DOC facilities upon release to Staten Island as needed;

Operate a company vehicle for outreach and client engagement and drive participants to referred services when needed;

Assist with loading and replenishment of materials for the vehicle;

Provide coverage and support for other TRI programming as needed;

Participate in staff meetings and development activities; perform other duties to support the SIJC and TRI.

Qualifications

3-5 years of experience working with formerly incarcerated individuals and/or lived experience required;

Valid driver’s license required;

Strong knowledge of reentry, the justice system, Staten Island resources, and restorative justice practices;

Creative and critical thinking about helping people overcome barriers to reentry and community engagement, with ability to seek direction when needed;

Trauma-informed and nonjudgemental “harm reduction” approach, excellent communication, willingness to learn, and strong organizational skills;

Ability to balance collaborative work with independent work;

Experience with person-centered practices and language; ability to demonstrate cultural humility and competence;

Discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines;

Exemplary interpersonal skills, customer service, and openness to feedback;

Computer literacy and ability to learn new software; comfortable with technology and video platforms (e.g., Zoom, Teams, Google Meet);

The ability to work with racially and culturally diverse participants and provide crisis management as needed.

Position Details

Position Type:

Full-time, Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, with evenings/weekends as needed.

Position Location:

Staten Island, New York.

Compensation:

$52,000 - $60,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

Comprehensive healthcare with a national network, basic dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, mental health support through Talkspace and Ginger, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer contributions.

Equal Opportunity 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 encourage applicants from women, people of color, LGBTQ+ communities, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system.

Legal and Hiring Details 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 for the duration of employment. All hires must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Note Please disregard any previous duplicative content included in the posting.

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