Center for Justice Innovation is hiring: Social Worker in New York

About 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:

• Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
• Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t;
• 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.

Position: Social Worker – Brooklyn Justice Initiatives

Brooklyn Justice Initiatives offers people an opportunity to change the direction of their lives. The program transforms how people navigate the legal process of criminal court in Brooklyn, NY, and helps them avoid the harmful effects of incarceration. It provides meaningful early diversion, supervised release for people awaiting trial, and alternative sentencing options.

Reporting to the Director of Diversion Services and Clinical Supervision, the Social Worker will conduct clinical assessments, provide brief interventions, and offer stabilization supports to participants engaged through same-day programming, early diversion, and Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) pathways, as well as other court-based programs operated by Brooklyn Justice Initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes, psychosocial and clinical assessments, and needs evaluations for eligible participants at or immediately following court appearances.
• Provide comprehensive, trauma-informed case management to young adult and adult participants, addressing mental health, substance use, trauma, housing, benefits access, employment, education, family dynamics, and other identified needs.
• Deliver brief clinical interventions during same-day engagements and offer continued counseling or supportive services to participants, including voluntary support beyond the court mandate when appropriate.
• Facilitate individual sessions and psychoeducational, restorative justice, or therapeutic groups, ensuring they are responsive to participant needs.
• Escort and support participants navigating court, program offices, and community-based providers to reduce barriers to participation and ensure continuity of care.
• Conduct participant outreach and engagement in court and post‑appearance to support compliance and ongoing participation.
• Coordinate with defense counsel, prosecutors, judges, court personnel, and community partners to ensure holistic and culturally responsive service delivery throughout the participant’s engagement.
• Provide timely completion updates, progress reports, and recommendations (verbal and written) to court stakeholders; participate in case conferences and team coverage planning.
• Make referrals and establish linkages with community-based organizations; conduct outreach to collateral contacts to promote engagement and compliance throughout the participant journey.
• Maintain timely, accurate case notes and records in the case management system; track participant progress, service engagement, and referral outcomes; assist with data collection and reporting that demonstrates program impact.
• Participate in supervision, team meetings, interdisciplinary case reviews, and professional development; contribute to the development and implementation of new programs and initiatives; support administrative tasks and operational needs as directed; attend program-related and community events as needed; perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• LMSW and a minimum of 2 years prior work in criminal justice and/or a related field required.
• Strong clinical assessment and engagement skills, including crisis intervention.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and community-based service systems.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with legal system partners and community stakeholders.
• Familiarity with case management databases, Slack, Zoom, Google Suite, and Microsoft Office.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred but not required.

Position Details

• Position Type: Full‑time.
• Location: Brooklyn, NY.
• Compensation: $58,200 - $64,500.
• Benefits: Comprehensive healthcare with national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short‑term and long‑term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA; mental health care through Talkspace and Ginger; 403(b) retirement plan with a two‑to‑one employer contribution up to 5%.

Equal Employment 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 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.