Jail Diversion Housing and Services Coordinator

About the Organization

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

• Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
• Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t;
• Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide. Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.

About the Role

The New York Legal Policy (NYLP) team operates the Center’s Jail Population Review Program, which reviews individuals awaiting trial on Rikers Island to identify and facilitate possible alternatives to pretrial detention and other pathways to case resolution. The program partners closely with all court parties to ensure that these individuals are not held unnecessarily due to unknown behavioral health needs or assessment delays.

NYLP is seeking a Jail Diversion Housing and Services Coordinator to identify incarcerated individuals with psychosocial or mental health needs who might be eligible for pre-trial release and alternative to incarceration programming. This role offers a unique opportunity to help advance a transformative system reform initiative by building trust, fostering collaboration, and navigating differing—and at times competing—stakeholder priorities and perspectives.

Responsibilities

• Review screening information and medical records from Correctional Health Services and identify individuals currently at Rikers Island who may be eligible for pretrial release with non-monetary conditions;
• Review clinical assessments conducted by Jail Population Review psychologists to match individuals based on needs with an appropriate community-based service provider;
• Coordinate referrals to appropriate housing resources and community-based services, including outpatient and residential treatment programs, as well as ATD and ATI programs;
• Maintain current knowledge of available housing resources and supportive services across NYC;
• Coordinate and collaborate with legal and community stakeholders, including judges, defense attorneys, prosecutors, the New York State Unified Court System, Department of Correction, Correctional Health Services, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, and an array of community-based ATD/ATI providers;
• Participate in research and policy initiatives;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• LMSW, with a minimum of three years’ direct practice experience in the criminal justice field;
• Experience providing direct services, case management, or navigation support for justice-involved individuals;
• Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health issues, substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, and/or homelessness;
• Deep knowledge of NYC’s housing system and demonstrated experience navigating transitional, supportive, and permanent housing resources to support justice-involved individuals experiencing housing instability;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a highly interdependent, multi-disciplinary team within a fast-paced and dynamic work environment;
• Excellent organization and time management skills;
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills;
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred.

Schedule

Full-time. Monday – Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Pay

The compensation range for this position is $72,000 - $88,000 and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

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;
• Flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA;
• Mental health care services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans;
• 403(b)-retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.