Program Coordinator, Pretrial Services

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) is a non-profit organization that works with communities and justice systems to advance equity, increase safety, and help individuals and communities thrive. The Center's goal is to identify and resolve as early as possible the challenges that bring people into the criminal and civil legal systems. It does this in a number of ways—by developing and running programs that reduce the need for incarceration and enhance economic opportunity, conducting original research to identify what works, and sharing what we learn from our programming and research with those seeking to transform the justice system around the world.

The Center is an 800-employee, $100 million nonprofit that accomplishes its vision through three pillars of work: creating and scaling operating programs to test new ideas and solve problems, performing original research to determine what works (and what doesn’t), and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to justice reformers around the world.

Operating Programs

The Center’s operating programs, including the award-winning Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Justice Center, test new ideas, solve difficult problems, and attempt to achieve systemic change within the justice system. Our projects include community-based violence prevention programs, alternatives to incarceration, reentry initiatives, and court-based initiatives that reduce the use of unnecessary incarceration and promote positive individual and family change. Through this programming, we have produced tangible results like safer streets, reduced incarceration, and improved neighborhood perceptions of justice.

Research

The Center's research teams are staffed with social scientists, data analysts, and lawyers who are academically-trained or have lived experience and who conduct research in the U.S. and globally on diverse criminal-legal system and justice issues. Their work includes evaluating programs and policies; conducting exploratory, community-based studies; and providing research translation and strategic planning for system actors. The Center has published studies on topics including court and jail reform, intimate partner violence, restorative justice, gun violence, reentry, sixth amendment rights, and progressive prosecution. The research teams strive to make their work meaningful and actionable to the communities they work with, policymakers, and practitioners.

Policy & Expert Assistance

The Center provides hands-on, planning and implementation assistance to a wide range of jurisdictions in areas of reform such as problem-solving courts (e.g., community courts, treatment courts, domestic violence courts), tribal justice, reducing incarceration and the use of fines/fees and reducing crime and violence. Our current expert assistance takes many forms, including help with analyzing data, strategic planning and consultation, policy guidance, and hosting site visits to its operating programs in the New York City area. 

THE OPPORTUNITY

Launched in Spring 2011, Newark Community Solutions is a community justice initiative designed to improve public perceptions of justice through restorative court-based and community-based programming.  NCS currently operates a diversion program for people charged with low-level offenses at the Newark Municipal Court; an eviction diversion program for Essex County tenants with court cases filed in the Essex Vicinage; and a youth-led diversion program, Youth Impact Newark, that provides restorative alternatives to juvenile arrest, suspension and expulsion. NCS also provides specialized programming for individuals who report veteran status or present with mental health needs and/or a reported history of victimization. Finally, NCS operates a community office that serves as the hub for community engagement and provides program space for all existing initiatives.

NCS is looking for a Program Coordinator, Pretrial Services for its new Pretrial Assessment and Supportive Services initiative. This program provides assessment and case management services to individuals released pretrial in Essex County, NJ. Reporting to the Director of New Jersey Programs, the Program Coordinator, Pretrial Services will oversee day to day program operations and when indicated, provide direct services to program participants. This is an in-person position and will require that the individual work at various locations in the Newark area, including: the Essex County Correctional Facility, Newark Community Solutions offices, and the Essex County Veterans Courthouse.

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Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide direct supervision to a co-located team of two Case Managers and an Intake Specialist;
• Provide supervision to dedicated student interns;
• Carry a caseload of participants, providing case management and community-based referrals to individuals released pretrial as part of New Jersey’s Criminal Justice Reform Act;
• Assist with crisis intervention when necessary;
• Collaborate with fellow NCS coordinators and clinicians to review cases, troubleshoot programmatic issues and respond to participant needs;
• Work directly with court and jail stakeholders and provide case updates to participants’ public defender and/or private attorney as needed;
• Oversee data collection and case notes by performing regular audits of case management system;
• Work directly with the Center’s Data Analytics and Applied Research team for ongoing program evaluation as well as formal contractual reporting;
• Collaborate with the program’s independent evaluator to facilitate program and community data reports and information sessions;
•  Actively participate in Center-wide initiatives around cutting-edge clinical practices, interventions and treatment modalities, and incorporate findings into Newark programming;
• Represent Newark Community Solutions at conferences, meetings and events;
• Additional tasks as necessary. 

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will hold an MSW or related degree, license preferred. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience working with the criminal justice population and have at least 2 years of supervisory experience.  Excellent public speaking, communications, interpersonal, and writing skills are required. Spanish speaking is highly desired.

Position Type: Full-time.

Position Location: Newark, New Jersey

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $62,500 - $75,000 and is commensurate with experience. The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and as such, we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities, as well as individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our aim is to create a supportive and respectful environment where every individual, irrespective of their background or identity, feels valued and included.

As of February 10, 2023, New York City Executive Order 25 rescinded the requirement of the COVID-19 vaccination for City workers, new hires, and contracted employees. Accordingly, the Center does not require all new hires be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus; however, the Center recommends all staff, interns, and volunteers stay up-to-date on the vaccination.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete an employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Kindly refer to the job posting for the relevant contact information. If the contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from making inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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