The Center for Court Innovation is a non-profit organization that works to create a more effective and humane justice system by performing original research and helping launch reforms by guiding justice innovators, nationally and internationally. The Center creates operating projects that have been documented to reduce the use of jail and prison, assist victims of crime, and strengthen communities.

The Red Hook Community Justice Center is the nation’s first multi-jurisdictional community court, hearing criminal, housing and family matters under one roof with a single judge. The Justice Center’s mission is to solve community problems: strengthening families, assisting at-risk youth, preventing evictions, addressing crime when it occurs and working to prevent crime before it takes place.

The Specialist, Youth Engagement will assist in the operations of various programs which provide youth and other community members opportunities to help strengthen and build their social, academic and professional capital; and encourage youth and community members to give back to their communities in the form of volunteering and serving as leaders for their peers. This role focuses primarily on youth but will also serve broader community initiatives.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Youth Impact and Community Initiatives, the Specialist, Youth Engagement will help run a comprehensive slate of programming and support to encourage self-sufficiency and stability in the lives of the young people and community members we serve. The Specialist, Youth Engagement will lead recruitment efforts to engage young people who are vulnerable, marginalized, or disconnected to participate in Justice Center programs and initiatives. The Specialist, Youth Engagement will be focused on the young people’s development as advocates, activists, and agents of change, for themselves and for issues that directly impact themselves and their communities. The Specialist, Youth Engagement will assist, plan, and help to coordinate other programs and activities within the department. This position requires regular availability in the evenings, as well as occasional weekend hours for special events or community meetings.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct recruitment of program participants, including outreach, screening and scheduling of applicants, and conducting interviews;
• Teach and facilitate intensive curricula including specialized workshops on college access, financial literacy, socio-emotional skills, civic engagement, etc.;
• Provide individualized support and coaching to youth participants, including one-on-one and group sessions, to build resiliency, self-sufficiency, self-esteem and work toward personal goals;
• Assist with planning and developing new initiatives that establish a meaningful presence in the community and are responsive to social issues and current events;
• Maintain partnerships with Youth Impact referral agencies (e.g., NYC Law Department, Department of Probation, NYPD, schools, etc.) and track and report on compliance;
• Assist with identifying resources and leveraging partnerships to create a hub for opportunities for participants;
• Supervise community service projects and youth program trips;
• Assist with payroll and stipends for youth program participants;
• Maintain program files, registration paperwork and attendance for participants;
• Participate in site visits at the Justice Center and other CCI projects;
• Assist with other relevant duties, as needed.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or 2 years’ of relevant experience in youth and community development. Candidate must be a skilled communicator and able to work with a variety of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Candidate must also be able to work in a multi-disciplinary setting and maintain strong relationships with multiple agencies and organizations both onsite and in the community. Candidate must be comfortable with computers; experience with previous case tracking databases a plus. Fluency in another language (Spanish/Cantonese/Mandarin) preferred. Familiarity with the Red Hook community strongly preferred. This position requires a dedicated, disciplined self-starter who can get things done in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should have a demonstrated interest in areas such as public service, youth development, community engagement, restorative justice, law, or community service. Candidates must be available evenings in order to be present for departmental programming and related events and be adept in Google Suite, Microsoft Office and the Zoom virtual platform.

Compensation: Salary range starts at $40,000 and is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package including comprehensive health, dental and life insurance, four weeks paid vacation, paid sick time, TransitChek, Flexible Spending Account plans for health and dependent care, a 403(b) retirement plan and a 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match.

The Fund for the City of New York/Center for Court Innovation is an equal opportunity employer. The Center does 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 seek 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.

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. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.

Apply on LinkedIn HERE!