Court Representative (Day Shift)

NYC Criminal Justice Agency•New York, NY

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. CJA is the City’s main pretrial services agency, combining operations, pilot projects, and research under one roof. CJA utilizes procedural justice practices to provide pretrial services to over 100,000 arrested annually in New York City. Information collected about these arrestees and subsequent case processing is maintained in the agency’s internal and externally shared database systems, which are used to conduct descriptive and evaluation research on arrestee characteristics, case processing and court outcomes, and on issues and potential reforms to criminal justice policy in New York City. CJA’s programs operate in the criminal courts and detention facilities 24 hours a day seven days a week within the 5 boroughs of NYC, employing over 300 employees, citywide. The Queens Supervised Release Program is the first program launched by the City of New York’s Supervised Release Initiative in 2009 and is the model for which Supervised Release Programs have evolved citywide. CJA operates the QSRP in Queens Criminal Court seven days a week, during both the day and night court. The program serves individuals of all ages who are released at criminal court arraignments, who are charged with felonies and misdemeanors, and who present a substantial likelihood of detention but are at risk of failing to appear in court if released on recognizance. QSRP provides pretrial supervision and voluntary social service referrals to a wide array of community-based organizations which offer services including job training, employment, substance misuse treatment, and mental health counseling. Participants remain in the community and are monitored to ensure they attend all court appearances and avoid rearrest with the goal of successful reconnection to their community. Court Representatives are the first point of contact with CJA services. They coordinate release with court partners, orient newly released participants, and present program eligibility and obligations to both court stakeholders and participants. The Day Shift QSRP Court Representative role is based at Queens Criminal Court during arraignment hours. This role serves as primary CJA contact during night arraignments and provides critical support to participants following a highly challenging period- immediately following arrest, detention and arraignment. This position works collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of court representatives, court-based social workers, and acts as a vital link between the court and the CJA Case Management team. Success in this role requires the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment, both independently and within a team structure.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree, required.
Minimum of 2 years’ experience working within the criminal legal system, direct service delivery or working with those impacted by the legal system.
Ability to obtain Office of Court Administration (OCA) Secure Pass for court access.
Strong understanding of the criminal legal system, including its structure, procedures, and NYS bail reform statutes, with the ability to explain those processes- such as bail proceedings, court appearance, orders of protection- to justice impacted individuals in a clear and accessible way.
Knowledge of trauma informed principles and ability to support individuals in acute distress.
Experience working with individuals impacted by the legal system, unhoused or have behavioral health needs.
Excellent communication skills with the strong ability to remain calm and professional under pressure.
Detail oriented, thorough and accurate in completion of all documentation.
Computer proficiency in entering participant’s information into databases with the ability to quickly adapt to changing technology.
Ability to effectively navigate and use Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Outlook.
Proficient in the use of video technology to virtually appear in court as needed.
Must be available to work during the day shift (9AM to 5PM) including holidays as the program operates 7 days per week, 365 days a year.
Internal applicants must be 1 year in their current roles and in good standing (no disciplinary action within the last 90 days) to apply.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual applicants (fluency in Spanish/English) encouraged to apply

Responsibilities

Screen court calendars, court related documents and Office of Court Administration (OCA) databases to identify prospective clients, including high-risk/high needs participants, pending arraignment.
Appear during subsequent court dates to provide updates to the Court, connect with participants, and collect court-related information regarding any updated conditions or mandates imposed post-arraignment.
Maintain strong professional relationships with night shift personnel including defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and court officers to maintain CJA credibility.
Collect and organize all court documents needed for case records.
Orient new participants immediately following arraignment ensuring they understand the conditions of their Supervised Release mandate, court conditions and responsibilities through a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive approach.
Conduct comprehensive orientation intakes for newly released participants, flagging risk factors, immediate needs, and behavioral health concerns. Provide crisis support, as needed.
Distributing metro-cards and/or cell phones to clients as needed and maintaining accurate documentation for these processes.
Collaborate with CJA case management, Program Analyst, and daytime Court Representatives teams to ensure seamless transition and comprehensive participant information sharing.
Ensure timely and accurate documentation in database case record and court tracking systems including entering participants demographics, contact information, court-imposed conditions, special circumstances, and next court proceeding information.
Track program compliance for participants who have been rearrested, via case manager and provide verbal compliance updates to the courts at arraignment, as requested.
Appear during subsequent court dates to provide compliance updates to the Court and collect information regarding any updated conditions or mandates imposed post-arraignment.
Participate in regular team meetings, supervision and professional trainings identified by management
Perform other related duties as assigned by Supervising Court Representatives and Senior Manager of Court Operations.

Benefits

health insurance
dental insurance
vision insurance
a comprehensive mental health, and wellness, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) plan
four weeks’ vacation
paid holidays
a retirement plan with employer matching contributions
professional learning and development for its staff members
varied opportunities for learning and development through partnerships and vendor services for web based, in-person professional development training
in-house job training and development