Office Assistant

About CJA

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. CJA is the City’s main pretrial services agency, combining operations, pilot projects, and research under one roof. CJA utilizes procedural justice practices to provide pretrial services to over 100,000 persons arrested annually in New York City. Information collected about these arrestees and subsequent case processing is maintained in the agency’s internal and externally shared database systems, which are used to conduct descriptive and evaluation research on arrestee characteristics, case processing, court outcomes, and potential reforms to criminal justice policy in New York City.

Program Summary

CJA operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court for individuals of all ages charged with felonies and misdemeanors who present a substantial likelihood of detention but are at risk of failing to appear in court if released on recognizance. The program, operating during day and night court, screens targeted individuals for release under specific conditions, including maintaining contact with the program, participating in substance abuse and mental health screenings, and agreeing to monitoring and reporting of non-compliance, re-arrests, and scheduled court appearances.

About the Role

This is a full-time opportunity for an experienced professional to provide a client-centered approach to our clientele. Reporting to the Office Manager, the Office Assistant will oversee day-to-day office operations and support the interdisciplinary team with programmatic and clerical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Greets clients and visitors, directing them to the appropriate location.
• Answers and transfers phone calls while adhering to confidentiality guidelines.
• Screens staff, clients, and visitors for compliance with COVID protocols.
• Oversees day-to-day office operations, including inventory and requisition of supplies and maintenance of office equipment.
• Maintains relationships with cell phone vendors, tracks deliveries, and deactivates phones for exited or lost/stolen devices.
• Manages inventory for MetroCards, program snacks, and client incentives, including weekly reconciliation of fiscal logs.
• Assists vendors with questions or directs them to the appropriate staff member.
• Collaborates with supervisors and interdisciplinary team members.
• Serves as a general information resource for employees and visitors.
• Ensures compliance with HIPAA and client confidentiality while using the agency’s database.
• Completes special projects as assigned by the Office Manager, Associate Clinical Director, or senior leadership.

Purchasing and Supply Management

• Tracks inventory levels to ensure efficient supply ordering.
• Coordinates incoming and outgoing deliveries and courier services.
• Assists in maintaining inventory for small office supplies and equipment.
• Reviews and submits employee supply and work requests for approval.
• Reports environmental hazards and alerts management as needed.
• Maintains general tidiness and cleanliness of the work area.
• Helps foster a positive work atmosphere for staff and clients.
• Performs other duties as assigned by senior leadership.

Requirements

• Ability to exercise sound and quick judgment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, using tact, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Ability to communicate with clients using a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.
• Excellent time management and multitasking skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Applicants with lived experience as formerly justice-involved or impacted are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in an office environment (e.g., administrative assistant, office clerk, receptionist, secretary).
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience in a mental health clinic, legal office, or nonprofit organization preferred.
• Familiarity with Alternative to Detention (ATD) and/or ATI programs and the criminal justice system preferred.
• Bilingual language skills preferred, particularly in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, or French-Creole.
• OSHA Certified 10 Certification a plus.

Schedule

Full-time position (35 hours per week) with flexible hours (e.g., 9 AM–5 PM, 10 AM–6 PM, 11 AM–7 PM) based on programmatic needs. In-person reporting required 5 days a week.

Pay

$55,000 per year.

Location

Kew Gardens, NY.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Comprehensive mental health and wellness (EAP) plan.
• Four weeks’ vacation and paid holidays.
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
• Professional learning and development opportunities, including in-house training and vendor-provided workshops.

CJA Values

• Commitment: Active partnership in criminal justice reform through creative problem-solving and evaluation of alternatives to detention.
• Fairness: Guided by fairness, the presumption of innocence, and integrity without bias to protect the privacy and interests of court-involved individuals and their families.
• Innovation: Values curiosity and innovative techniques in research, pilot programs, and community engagement to reduce unnecessary pretrial detention.