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

Queens Community Justice Center (QCJC) operates an array of programming for local youth, with a particular focus on engaging those with justice involvement. Current initiatives include an alternative-to-detention program, an alternative to incarceration program, workforce development initiatives, clinical services, and mentorship programs. By offering positive pro-social programming for young people, QCJC aims to stop the cycle of delinquency for adolescents and reduce reliance on detention. The Justice Center supports safe and healthy neighborhoods through alternative justice strategies, violence prevention, economic development, community healing, and youth opportunity.

The Queens Community Justice Center is seeking a Clinical Specialist for the Uplift Program. Reporting to the Senior Program Manager, the Clinical Specialist will provide evidence-based assessments and interventions, case management services, family engagement, restorative practices, and clinical services. The Uplift program is a trauma and healing program for young men between the ages of 16-24 who have experienced exposure to violence, with a special focus on individuals in the justice system. The Uplift program provides therapeutic services and mentoring.

• Conduct outreach and recruitment of participants into the program, including public presentations;
• Complete intakes of participants and administer assessment tool;
• Provide comprehensive, clinically informed case management services to participants;
• Perform individual counseling sessions;
• Facilitate group sessions with the program mentor for program participants;
• Conduct family engagement and engage families for wraparound services as needed;
• Plan special events for participants and their families;
• Conduct outreach to collateral sources as needed;
• Submit court letters and appear in court as needed;
• Communicate with service providers to facilitate, follow-up and assist participants with voluntary service referrals;
• Maintain needed communication with all program partners to ensure proper services are being delivered to all participants;
• Provide clinical support to participants in other mentor programs at the Queens Community Justice Center as needed;
• Assist with data tracking, reporting, and fiscal operations;
• Complete all necessary documentation and input data into computer database;
• Attend staff meetings and on-going trainings as well as participate in community events held by the Queens Community Justice Center; and
• Perform additional relevant tasks as needed.

• Master's in Social Work or have an equivalent master's level counseling degree and at least two years of experience;
• Must be a skilled communicator able to work in a multi-disciplinary setting and maintain strong relationships with multiple agencies and organizations both onsite and in the community;
• Experience providing group and individual counseling preferred;
• Have an understanding of trauma and trauma reactions in individuals;
• Seeking an extremely outgoing, personable, and professional individual who can think creatively and critically about their approach in engaging a marginalized population; a detail-oriented, self-starter who takes initiative and can get things done in a high-paced environment, and who is sensitive to working with people who have criminal backgrounds; and
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred.

Position Type: Part-time, 20 hours a week, Monday-Thursday 1:00PM-6:00 PM.

Position Location: Jamaica, Queens.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $33.10 - $38.77 per hour and is commensurate with experience.

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.