Court Liaison

Housing Works • Brooklyn, NY

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Works Inc. Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) Program is a collaboration between Housing Works and the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ). It provides court-mandated, risk-need-responsivity services to jail-bound individuals age 18 and older involved in Manhattan criminal and supreme court systems.

The Court Liaison leads activities related to criminal and supreme court ATI services. This work includes screening and assessing defendants in custody or in the community using validated assessment instruments, developing mandated programming plans, and presenting recommendations to defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges. After admission, the Court Liaison advocates for defendants and reports on their progress and adherence to programming plans at scheduled progress hearings. The role coordinates closely with clients’ multidisciplinary treatment teams to obtain progress reports, recognize client successes, and participate in team meetings and trainings. The Court Liaison is expected to know court systems and operations and criminal justice risk-need-responsivity interventions, and to be familiar with issues related to mental health, substance use, and behavioral health.

The position requires frequent travel within the boroughs by public transportation and work from transient locations, including criminal and supreme courts and Housing Works clinic locations. Compensation is $25–$28 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 2–4 years of relevant human services experience working with people involved in the criminal legal system who have mental health, substance use, or behavioral health needs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain court clearance (secure pass).
• Skill in motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral techniques, and risk-need-responsivity interventions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent or proficient technical skills, including Microsoft Office, email, and case management systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a team.
• Dependability and reliability in arriving and departing on time for scheduled shifts.
• Cultural sensitivity and a trauma-informed approach to care.
• Comfort working in courts or secured DOC-assigned areas.
• Ability to frequently travel within the boroughs by public transportation and work from transient office locations, including criminal and supreme courts and Housing Works clinic locations.
• Ability to lift 25–35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, forensic mental health, criminal justice, or another related field.
• Bilingual Spanish skills.
• Prior experience in criminal justice, pre-trial to post-release services.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, community-based organizations, and court officials.
• Maintain a caseload of defendants entering and participating in ATI activities.
• Meet monthly intake and assessment goals established by supervisory staff.
• Review referrals and conduct screenings and assessments to determine defendants’ needs and eligibility for ATI services.
• Share screening and assessment results with the multidisciplinary care team for service-plan development and finalization.
• Provide initial diagnostic impressions, service-plan recommendations, advocacy strategies, and ATI supervision requirements to court staff.
• Attend court hearings for individuals assigned to the caseload.
• Prepare and provide compliance letters and progress reports to the court.
• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly reports accurately and on time.
• Collaborate with court staff, including court officers, defense attorneys, assistant district attorneys, and judges, to facilitate program admissions.
• Conduct outreach with court staff to explain program services and outcomes in support of advocacy efforts.
• Provide culturally competent services in accordance with Housing Works policies and practices.
• Attend and participate in scheduled staff meetings and trainings.
• Respond to emails, texts, and phone calls.
• Participate in advocacy events and calls to action.
• Demonstrate Housing Works core values: All-in, Stronger Together, Membership, and High Performance.
• Perform other tasks as assigned by the supervisor.

Benefits

• Three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from; Housing Works covers most of the plan, with the employee paying a portion based on salary.
• PTO accrual begins immediately, with up to 30 days earned in the first year.
• Educational benefit available for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and textbooks.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time