Community Engagement Specialist

Job Summary

CASES’ Supervised Release Program (SRP) annually diverts 2,500 people otherwise facing pre‑trial detention at Rikers Island to community‑based supervision and support services. Participants include youth and young adults, people with substance‑use disorders and mental illnesses, and individuals who are homeless. About 88 % of SRP participants identify as Black and Latinx. The program serves individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Staff deliver culturally competent, trauma‑informed approaches to help participants tap into intrinsic motivation, recognize strengths, and leverage remarkable resilience during a typical 5‑6 month pre‑trial supervision period.

Responsibilities

• Build authentic, long‑term mentorship relationships with pre‑trial participants to support their individual plans for change and growth.
• Engage participants using cultural sensitivity skills and establish mutuality through connectivity to motivate them.
• Serve as a broker to connect participants to pro‑social activities, positive peer groups, and formal and informal community supports.
• Facilitate peer‑support networks for youth participants to maintain commitment to positive behavior change and identified goals.
• Accompany participants to court dates, wait with them for appearances, and advocate on their behalf when appropriate.
• Provide advocacy and mentorship to help participants address needs, navigate systems, and progress successfully through pre‑trial supervision.
• Engage participants at increased risk for poor outcomes, complementing case coordinators to promote engagement and trust.
• Support development of community‑provider networks by conducting outreach to providers and grassroots groups to ensure access to services addressing income support, clothing/food, education, vocational, employment, trauma, mental health, substance use, healthcare, cultural, spiritual, care management, and housing needs.
• Visit service‑provider facilities, assess service quality, and contribute to referral lists.
• Facilitate meetings for participants to receive services and accompany them to facilities when necessary.
• Serve as an accountability partner and bridge between participants and other staff members.

Requirements

• High school diploma or HSE required.
• Lived experience working in systems and communities impacted by social support systems.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Respect for confidentiality.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Highly proficient in word processing and spreadsheet applications (MS Word, Excel); experience with PowerPoint.
• Self‑starter able to work independently.
• Preferred: Conflict management and de‑escalation skills.
• Preferred: Credible Messenger training.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Vacation and paid time off – starting at 25 days annually, plus an additional summer self‑care day.
• 12 paid holidays per year.
• Retirement 403(b) with competitive matching up to 6 %.
• Employee referral program.

Pay

Salary range: $47,380 (Uncertified) – $53,560 (Certified) per year.

Schedule

Full‑time, Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM (35 hours per week, excluding breaks). On‑site at 25 Chapel Street, 11th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201.