THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) is a non-profit organization that works with communities and justice systems to advance equity, increase safety, and help individuals and communities thrive. The Center's goal is to identify and resolve as early as possible the challenges that bring people into the criminal and civil legal systems. It does this in a number of ways—by developing and running programs that reduce the need for incarceration and enhance economic opportunity, conducting original research to identify what works, and sharing what we learn from our programming and research with those seeking to transform the justice system around the world.

The Center is an 800-employee, $100 million nonprofit that accomplishes its vision through three pillars of work: creating and scaling operating programs to test new ideas and solve problems, performing original research to determine what works (and what doesn’t), and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to justice reformers around the world.

Operating Programs

The Center’s operating programs, including the award-winning Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Court, test new ideas, solve difficult problems, and attempt to achieve systemic change within the justice system. Our projects include community-based violence prevention programs, alternatives to incarceration, reentry initiatives, and court-based initiatives that reduce the use of unnecessary incarceration and promote positive individual and family change. Through this programming, we have produced tangible results like safer streets, reduced incarceration, and improved neighborhood perceptions of justice.

Research

The Center's research teams are staffed with social scientists, data analysts, and lawyers who are academically-trained or have lived experience and who conduct research in the U.S. and globally on diverse criminal-legal system and justice issues. Their work includes evaluating programs and policies; conducting exploratory, community-based studies; and providing research translation and strategic planning for system actors. The Center has published studies on topics including court and jail reform, intimate partner violence, restorative justice, gun violence, reentry, sixth amendment rights, and progressive prosecution. The research teams strive to make their work meaningful and actionable to the communities they work with, policymakers, and practitioners.

Policy & Expert Assistance

The Center provides hands-on, planning and implementation assistance to a wide range of jurisdictions in areas of reform such as problem-solving courts (e.g., community courts, treatment courts, domestic violence courts), tribal justice, reducing incarceration and the use of fines/fees and reducing crime and violence. Our current expert assistance takes many forms, including help with analyzing data, strategic planning and consultation, policy guidance, and hosting site visits to its operating programs in the New York City area.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Bronx Community Justice Center (Justice Center; BxCJC), a program of the Center for Justice Innovation, works to create a safer, more equitable Bronx through community-driven safety initiatives, violence prevention, youth opportunity, and economic development efforts.

The Bronx Community Justice Center is seeking a Youth Advocate. Reporting to the Coordinator, Social Work the Youth Advocate will serve as a mentor, advocate, and resource coordinator to a caseload of 10-15 young people impacted by the criminal legal system and/or community violence.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide transformative mentorship and advocacy to a caseload of 10-15 youth participants;
• Work closely with the Coordinator, Social Work and Youth Initiatives team to co-create and implement action plans with youth participants;
• Support youth in the Justice Center's alternative to incarceration programs to maintain program requirements;
• Support youth to coordinate and manage appointments, court appearances, and other required activities;
• Attend court appearances, collaborative meetings, and appointments with youth to serve as a support and advocate;
• Provide participants with support and linkages to programs and opportunities in the community (e.g., job programs, GED, drug treatment, and mentoring);
• Conduct street outreach, home visits, and community visits to engage participants;
• Facilitate youth mentorship and leadership development groups;
• Maintain accurate data and reporting;
• Attend and participate in all mandatory staff meetings, trainings, workshops and other team meetings as required, which may include non-traditional business hours;
• Additional relevant tasks, as needed.

Position Location: South Bronx

Position Type: Full-time, evenings and weekends. Schedule may be flexible, changing, and include late nights.

Qualifications: Candidates who are formerly incarcerated or have other experience in the criminal justice system are particularly invited to apply, but must have no pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse, or domestic violence. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma as well as a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with youth OR the equivalent experience in a related area. The candidate should reside in or have an in-depth knowledge of the South Bronx. Experience working with impacted youth, and knowledge of the street sets, crews, gangs, and or groups. Excellent communication skills, commitment to working towards positive community change, and interest in learning new skills and information are a must for this position.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $24.36 - $27.38 an hour and is commensurate with experience. 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. 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.

As of September 9, 2021, all new hires are required to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for medical, disability or religious reasons by the Center’s Human Resources Department.

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 or emails please.

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