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CFR is seeking a Community Engagement Advocate. This is a full time position. This individual will work under the supervision of the Parent Advocate Supervisor for Community Engagement in partnership with CFR’s Policy and Community Engagement Team to help shepherd the overall coordination and daily work of the department on a range of CFR’s community engagement initiatives and projects for cultivating and maintaining CFR’s work with community partners. 

It is critical that, as a Public Defender, CFR engages directly with the communities that we represent. The first time the community meets CFR, and learns of the assistance we can provide, should not be when they are faced with a family policing investigation or other government intrusion. CFR designed our Community Engagement Unit to help streamline CFR’s work in this area. Under the supervision and guidance of CFR’s Policy and Community Affairs Leadership, The Community Engagement Advocate’s primary responsibility will be to work collaboratively with their supervisor to continue to grow our community presence in all the boroughs CFR has offices. As a member of CFR’s staff, this position will work collaboratively with attorneys, social work staff, and parent advocate staff. The role is expected to work closely with CFR’s Early Defense team, Policy team, and Development team as needed. This individual will be expected to develop a strong understanding of CFR’s interdisciplinary model and work. They should come to CFR with familiarity with the community resources and needs of at least one or more of the boroughs in which CFR practices. CFR values the experience of those who have been directly impacted by the systems in which we work (family policing/child welfare, criminal legal system, juvenile delinquency system, immigration system). The position will be supervised by the Parent Advocate Supervisor for Community Engagement, in partnership with CFR's Policy and Community Engagement leadership team.This position will be part of CFR’s Policy and Community Affairs team.

Specific Responsibilities May Include but are not limited to: 

Community Engagement and Relationship Building 

• Providing input and assistance with Development efforts where appropriate (i.e. site visits with foundations); 
• In collaboration with the Parent Advocate Supervisor for Community Engagement, the Community Engagement Advocate will work on special projects/initiatives 
• In collaboration with the Parent Advocate Supervisor for Community Engagement and the Supervisor Government and Community Affairs: 
  • Cultivate relationships with New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) Tenant Associations in the communities CFR serves to provide information about CFR’s services and how to access support
  • Cultivate relationships with community based organizations to alert them to the support that CFR provides and resources for their clientbase; 
  • Coordinate community events including know your rights and  community roundtables and other informational sessions 

• Attend meetings with the Policy Team, Early Defense Team, and other internal and external meetings as organizational needs arise 
• Provide support to the Early Defense and Family Defense Teams as needed to support program outreach efforts 
• Comfortable working with elected officials and high level government agency officials

Administrative Support 

• Assist with any data entry or tracking needs
• Update and manage a community engagement calendar of activities. 
• Schedule and manage consistent  internal meetings between Early Defense and Policy teams 
• Keep detailed records of all community engagement activities 
• Assist with keeping CFR staff up to date on the activities of the Community Engagement Team 
• Maintain a database of community based organizations we have made contact with 
• Assist with distributing flyers and informational pamphlets 

Travel 

This position may be based in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens or Staten Island but the person filling this role should expect to frequently participate in community events or meetings related to their role. Participate in Know Your Rights presentations regarding the Family Policing System.  These events may take place anywhere in the five boroughs.

Location 

CFR currently has offices in Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island and Queens. CFR has a generous telecommuting policy that allows staff the flexibility to work from home when there are no in-person client or organizational obligations.

Schedule: This position will be expected to work after 5pm and on some weekends to meet organizational needs and client needs of the communities we serve, which may require adjustments to the regular 9-5, M-F work schedule.

Candidates for this position who have personally experienced and navigated the child welfare and/or family policing systems or criminal legal system, youth legal system, or immigration enforcement system in the past are strongly preferred. Please note the following: 

Required Qualifications 

• At least 3 years experience advocating on behalf of New York City communities 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills 
• Experience planning community facing events, such as “family fun day”, organizing public testimony alongside impacted parent led-groups, know your rights sessions, and other types of community events as needed
• Experience tabling and information sharing with the general public 
• Knowledge of community resources in 1 or more of the boroughs in which CFR practices  
• Ability to work as part of a team and a commitment to building strong relationships in the communities we work within.
• Strong time management and communication skills 
• Self-motivated
• Experience in public speaking  
• Ability to work nights and some weekends to attend community events (see “Schedule” above for more details) 
• Ability to lift and carry 50lbs 

Ideal candidates will also have: 

• Fluency in Spanish, Mandarin or other Chinese languages, French, Bengali, Russian, or another language spoken by CFR clients
• Experience being directly impacted by the family policing system, criminal legal system, immigration enforcement system, or the youth legal system
• Residence in one of the communities that CFR serves 
• Experience working alongside attorneys, social workers, and parent advocates 
• Experience in community organizing and advocacy, ideally in both membership and policy campaigns
• Experience and familiarity with CFR’s priority legislation, as well as related policy areas

Salary & Benefits: 

CFR offers a generous compensation package, including a competitive base salary as well as health, 403(b) and vacation benefits. The salary, benefits, and employment policies relevant to this position are governed by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between CFR and the CFR Union, part of ALAA (Association of Legal Aid Attorneys) UAW 2325. CFR strives to create an inclusive and antiracist environment for all of its staff, and candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply; CFR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Salary Range: $80,100 (L03) - $100,800 (L18) annualized salary

*commensurate with experience