Senior Court Liaison

Housing Works • Brooklyn, NY

12d • Hybrid

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) to provide court mandated, risk-need-responsivity services to jail-bound individuals 18 years of age and older who are involved in Manhattan criminal and supreme court systems. The Senior Court Liaison is responsible for leading activities related to Criminal and Supreme Court Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) programs. This role involves both direct service and supervisory responsibilities to ensure the effective implementation of court-related initiatives. The Senior Court Liaison will oversee and coordinate ATI efforts, working closely with court personnel and community partners to support program goals. In addition to the ATI Program Manager, the Senior Court Liaison will be responsible for training new Court Liaisons and providing all new staff members with a comprehensive overview of the Court Liaison role and the structure of the court systems. They will also provide onsite supervision to Court Liaisons, offering guidance and support to ensure consistent and effective service delivery. The Senior Court Liaison will maintain an active caseload, conducting screenings and assessments for defendants in custody or in the community. They will advocate for clients during scheduled progress hearings by reporting on their engagement, progress, and adherence to the programming plan. This advocacy is essential to ensure that clients receive appropriate support and recognition for their efforts. The Senior Court Liaison will work closely with each client’s multidisciplinary treatment team to obtain progress updates, celebrate client successes, and ensure coordinated care. They will also participate in team meetings and trainings to stay informed of best practices and maintain alignment with program standards. The Senior Court Liaison will be knowledgeable of court systems and operations and criminal justice risk-need-responsivity interventions. They will also have familiarity and skill sets to assist clients with mental health, substance use and behavioral health related issues.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree Required.
• 2-4 years of relevant experience working in human services with individuals involved in the criminal legal system with mental health, substance use or behavioral health needs.
• Ability to obtain and maintain court clearance (secure pass).
• Skilled in delivery of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral techniques and risk-need-responsivity interventions.
• Preferably bi-lingual in Spanish.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent or proficient technical skills to perform tasks related to Microsoft Office, email and case management systems.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with the team.
• Dependability and reliability to arrive and depart timely for scheduled shift.
• Cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed approach to care.
• Comfortability working within the courts or secured DOC assigned areas.
• Prior experience working in the field of criminal justice, pre-trial to post-release services.
• Ability to frequently travel within the boroughs via public transportation and work from transient office locations including criminal and supreme courts and Housing Works clinic locations.
• Ability to lift 25-35lbs.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred in social work, psychology, forensic mental health, criminal justice or other related field.

Responsibilities

• Develops and maintains relationships with key stake holders such as defense attorneys, prosecutors, judges, community-based organizations and court officials
• Maintains a caseload of defendants who are entering and engaging in ATI activities.
• Meet monthly intake and assessment goals as established by supervisory staff.
• Reviews received referrals and conducts screenings and assessments to determine the needs of the defendants and eligibility for ATI services.
• Shares screening and assessment results with the multi-disciplinary care team for service plan development and finalization.
• Provide initial diagnostic impressions, service plan recommendations, advocacy strategy and supervision requirements for ATI to the court staff.
• Attend court hearings for individuals assigned to caseload.
• Assist the Program Manager with updating compliance reports and progress reports to the court.
• Train and assist with onboarding any new ATI Court Liaisons
• Provide onsite supervision to Court Liaisons
• Complete daily, weekly and monthly reports in a timely and accurate manner.
• All other tasks assigned by supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with court staff, including court officers, defense attorneys, assistant district attorneys and judges to facilitate program admissions.
• Conduct outreach with court staff to familiarize all parties with program services and program outcomes to support our advocacy efforts.
• Present Housing Works ATI Program services to stakeholders and other community-based organizations.
• Provide culturally competent services in accordance to Housing Works policies and practices.
• Attend and participate staff meetings and trainings as scheduled.
• Responsiveness to emails, texts and phone calls.
• Actively participate in advocacy events and calls to action.
• Displays Housing Works core values: All-in, Stronger Together, Membership and High Performance in all day-to-day activities.

Benefits

• Three comprehensive healthcare plans to choose from based on your priorities and budget. Housing Works covers most of the plan; you pay a portion, based on your salary.
• Staff begins accruing PTO immediately for a total of up to 30 days earned in the first year.
• An educational benefit. This money is available for tuition loan reimbursement, tuition costs, and text books.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior