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 operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court. The program, which operates during the day and night court in Queens, 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 use and mental health, and agreeing to program monitoring of court appearances and re-arrests.
This is a great opportunity for a dynamic, knowledgeable individual, experienced in dealing with high-needs populations such as those with mental health diagnoses, at-risk youth, and others with social, emotional or developmental challenges, who have criminal court involvement.
Primary Responsibilities Reviewing with participants the conditions of release, program agreement, and consents for disclosure
Conducting an intake/assessment interview to identify participants’ needs, including administering various evidence-based assessment tools to identify possible mental health and/or substance abuse problems
Responsible for monitoring a caseload of high risk and high needs program participants, providing supervision and making referrals to voluntary social service interventions
Verifying participant contact information, applicable activities and responsibilities to assign participants to a designated level of supervision
Maintaining face-to-face and telephone contact with participants, monitoring re-arrests, and preparing written progress reports for court
Maintaining communication with defense attorneys, and referral agencies until transfer or completion of reporting responsibilities
Updating computerized case management appointments accordingly to produce periodic reports on participant compliance
Complete all necessary documentation and maintain all data set reporting requirements in the agency database
Appearing and advocating in court regarding participants’ compliance as necessary
Actively participate in staff meetings and ongoing trainings; identify new opportunities for staff development
Qualifications MSW or relevant Masters degree required with + 3 years of related experience
Knowledge of NYC Court Operations, preferred
LMSW, LCSW or LMHC preferred
Additional Requirements Familiarity with the Alternative to Detention (ATD), Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or other advocacy program models
Working knowledge of treatment programs (substance abuse, mental health, etc.) and other support services (GED, job training, YIP, etc.) for referrals
Ability to exercise sound and quick judgment
Excellent communication and writing skills
Excellent time management skills
Computer literate with the ability to quickly adapt to changing technology
Bilingual skills preferred, Spanish a plus
Must be willing to work evening and weekend hours, if needed
CASAC or CASCT encouraged to apply
CJA offers a very generous benefit plan including health, dental and vision insurance, a comprehensive mental health, and wellness, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) plan, four weeks’ vacation, paid holidays, and a retirement plan with employer matching contributions.
The New York City Criminal Justice Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CJA is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws.