Engagement Specialist, Transformative Reentry Initiative

Center for Justice Innovation • New York, NY

70d • $52,000 - $60,000

About The Position

The Staten Island Justice Center (SIJC or "Justice Center") offers an array of programming for both youth and adults in Staten Island, focusing on engaging those with current or past justice involvement. The Justice Center provides judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys with alternative community sentencing options that hold individuals accountable in a way that is meaningful, proportionate, and restorative. The goal is to provide participants with individual and group services that help them to avoid future contact with the justice system and promote swift case resolutions that bolster public confidence in justice. The Justice Center is seeking an Engagement Specialist for the Transformative Reentry Initiative. The Justice Center’s Transformative Reentry Initiative (TRI) will provide participants with wraparound services focused on restorative practices, employment/educational support, mentorship, and social-emotional support. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Engagement Specialist will be responsible for working with program participants pre and post-release.

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience working with formerly incarcerated individuals and/or who have lived experience is required.
• Valid driver's license is required.
• Strong knowledge of reentry, the justice system, Staten Island community resources & support services, and/or restorative justice practices.
• Ability to think creatively and critically about helping people overcome barriers to reentry and community engagement.
• Sound judgment, a trauma-informed and non-judgmental 'harm reduction' approach.
• Excellent communication skills and a willingness to continue learning.
• Good organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Strong ability to balance participation in a collaborative work environment with independent work.
• Experience with utilizing person-centered practices and language.
• Ability to demonstrate cultural humility and competence in working with diverse participants.
• Ability to show discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established program guidelines.
• Exemplary interpersonal skills and excellent customer service.

Nice To Haves

• Computer literacy and ability to learn new software are preferred.
• Comfortable with technology and video platforms such as Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet.

Responsibilities

• Engage in one-on-one relationships with mentees and their families, including scheduling and facilitating individual mentorship meetings several times per week.
• Develop, facilitate, and coordinate group programming including workshops, restorative justice circles of support, community benefit projects, and group outings.
• Co-create and oversee all elements of individual support plans for mentees, including scheduling and participating in meetings related to mentees' well-being.
• Meet participants at discharge from Department of Corrections (DOC) and Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) facilities, if needed.
• Provide referrals related to appropriate workforce and employment programs, pro-social and civic engagement as needed.
• Utilize online databases to track participant activities and outcomes.
• Act as a community liaison for the Staten Island Justice Center by developing and maintaining relationships with community partners.
• Transport clients from DOC facilities upon release to Staten Island as needed.
• Operate company vehicle in the community for outreach and immediate client engagement.
• Help with loading and replenishment of materials needed in the vehicle.
• Provide coverage and support for other TRI programming, as needed.
• Participate in staff meetings and staff development activities at SIJC, as required.
• Perform other duties as necessary to support the Staten Island Justice Center and department activities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare with a national network.
• Free basic dental coverage.
• Vision insurance.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA.
• Mental health care services like Talkspace and Ginger.
• 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees