Peer Coordinator

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 and court outcomes, and on issues and potential reforms to criminal justice policy in New York City.

About the role

The Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court. The program screens defendants charged with non-violent felony and misdemeanor offenses that present a substantial likelihood of detention. CJA screens targeted defendants for release at criminal court arraignment, subject to specific conditions including maintaining face-to-face and telephone contact with the program, participating in an assessment process to identify needs such as substance abuse and mental health, and agreeing to program monitoring of court appearances and re-arrests.

This is a great opportunity for a dynamic, resourceful, service-oriented individual with lived experience and a background in providing support to high-needs populations with criminal court involvement, and a commitment to helping participants avoid harmful behaviors leading to re-arrest and disconnection from community support systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and mentorship to a team of Certified Peer Specialists.
• Support the Peer Supervisor with all team coordination and administrative duties, including review and assignment of Peer referrals and re-arrest/mandatory programming/weapons charges cases.
• Serve as acting Peer Supervisor in the Supervisor’s absence.
• Conduct internal program chart reviews on a quarterly basis, as well as capturing data and tracking outcomes of referrals and assignments.
• Support the Peer Supervisor in the development and facilitation of evidence-based groups, training, and team-building activities to increase team engagement and development, and assist with the onboarding of new Peer staff.
• Ensure the team adheres to all QSRP and agency policies and procedures.
• Manage a small caseload of participants with complex needs requiring experienced Peer support on a case-by-case basis.
• Provide advocacy, outreach and engagement, referral assistance, self-help tools, recovery support, transitional support, and pre-crisis/crisis support in office, community, or virtual settings (i.e., telephonic support, video calls/chats, etc.).
• Serve as the direct liaison between external organizations and the peer staff when helping clients understand the benefits of referrals being made.
• Facilitate internal and external wellness and recovery groups for staff and program participants.

Requirements

• HS Diploma is required. Some college preferred.
• OASAS/OMH Peer Specialist Certification (either fully NYS Certified Peer Specialist or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) required. Those with a CPS would be expected to get CRPA within one year of hire. Those with a CRPA would be expected to get CPS within one year.
• 3 years of professional experience as a Peer Specialist, Peer Advocate, or Peer Counselor in a Behavioral Health or Criminal Justice setting required.
• Experience providing community-based Peer support to underserved communities and populations required.
• History of lived experience in recovery and/or the criminal justice system required.
• Strong knowledge of and demonstrated ability to apply person-centered, recovery-oriented practices and principles.
• Strong proficiency in using computer software applications such as Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), email, web browser, and database/file management systems required.
• Experience with online communication tools such as video conferencing (Teams, Zoom, etc.), chat, and collaboration software required.
• Certification in Wellness and Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) and Intentional Peer Support (IPS) preferred.
• Knowledge of NYC Court Operations preferred.
• Bilingual skills preferred (Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, French-Creole, a plus). Those with other language skills are also encouraged to apply.

Skills

• Familiarity with Pretrial/Supervised Release, Alternative to Detention (ATD), Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or other advocacy program models.
• Working knowledge of community-based treatment programs (substance use, mental health, etc.) and other support services and resources (housing, education, employment, vocational, etc.).
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in compliance with agency and state guidelines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Proficiency in exercising sound and quick judgment.
• Excellent communication, written documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Effective group facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism and reliability with excellent time and self-management skills.
• Computer literate with a willingness to learn and adapt to modern technologies and software applications as needed for the position.
• Must be willing to work evening and weekend hours, as operations expand.
• Willingness to travel via public transportation to conduct community visits with participants.
• Willingness to accompany and support participants in court.

Schedule

• In-person 5 days a week, Monday-Friday 9-5.
• Flex hours occasionally required to perform client visits either in their homes or at community-based locations.
• Travel within the 5 boroughs required for client engagement or meetings with community partners, as needed.

Pay

$60,099

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 through partnerships, vendor services, and in-house training.

Location: Long Island City, Queens