Social Worker, Jail Diversion

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; and Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond THE OPPORTUNITY The Center for Justice Innovation is seeking a Social Worker, Jail Diversion to join a team of clinicians who assess the clinical and services needs of defendants currently being held in pretrial detention. This will include coordinating closely with the Manhattan Felony Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) Court to identify and assess potential participants. The ATI Court, led by Administrative Judge Ellen Biben, seeks to forge a new response to individuals charged with felonies by linking them to community-based social services. The Court is the first of its kind, providing an innovative model for other jurisdictions seeking to develop and implement meaningful post‑conviction sentencing options for individuals facing felony charges. Reporting to the Senior Social Worker of Jail Diversion, the Social Worker will conduct independent clinical assessments and draft treatment recommendations for defendants in pretrial detention, completing these plans according to a strict timeline to enable defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges to resolve cases as quickly as possible and significantly reduce time in pretrial detention. An essential and dynamic feature of the role will be close collaboration with key external stakeholders, including New York City defense organizations, prosecutors from the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, staff at the Department of Correction and Correctional Health Services, the judge and court staff from New York County Supreme Court overseeing the Felony ATI Court, and various community‑based alternative to incarceration providers. RESPONSIBILITIES Conduct individualized clinical assessments for people incarcerated in pretrial detention; Develop treatment recommendations addressing substance use, mental health, trauma, domestic violence, housing, education, employment, and other needs; Ensure all assessments and recommendations are completed and submitted according to a strict timeline; Share and review treatment recommendations with defense counsel; Present treatment recommendations to legal stakeholders (judge, defense counsel, prosecutor, court staff) when necessary; Make appropriate community‑based referrals for a variety of social service needs when defendants are referred to the Felony ATI Court; Participate in regular interdisciplinary case conferences with court stakeholders while cases are pre‑plea; Attend court as needed to help clients navigate court and collaborate with court staff and stakeholders; Conduct warm handoffs to case management staff prior to participants entering their plea; Collaborate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including prosecutors, defense attorneys, the Felony ATI Court’s resource coordinators, community‑based service providers, Department of Correction, Correctional Health Services staff; Enter and maintain up‑to‑date participant data in the case management system, including all assessment and case information; Provide crisis intervention and de‑escalation as needed; Assist the Senior Social Worker with refining existing practice and developing and implementing new processes, including improving assessment and treatment planning and implementing clinical best practices; Coordinate with the Center’s Jail Population Review team to ensure an efficient referral and assessment process for potential participants held in pretrial detention, as necessary; Participate in clinical group supervision, staff meetings, and trainings as scheduled; Attend evening community‑based meetings and events as needed; Assist with other programmatic and administrative tasks to support Manhattan Justice’s activities as needed; and Perform additional tasks as necessary. QUALIFICATIONS LMSW required with at least 4–5 years in criminal justice and/or a related field (healthcare, substance use, mental health treatment, homelessness and housing services, education, job training/workforce development, child welfare and family services, youth services, elder care services, domestic violence programming, sex offense treatment, or services for people with developmental disabilities). Experience in court or criminal justice settings, including working with incarcerated people, preferred. Willingness and ability to work collaboratively with a variety of court personnel and on‑site partner agencies in a high‑pressure, fast‑paced environment. Ability to track and meet strict deadlines. Experience working with individuals experiencing mental health issues, substance use, trauma histories, co‑occurring disorders, and/or homelessness strongly preferred. Ability and openness to engage with differing and, at times, competing stakeholder perspectives. Commitment to trauma‑informed, holistic, and strengths‑based approaches, and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a culturally competent manner. Knowledge and/or lived experience related to the criminal justice system and its impacts on communities preferred. Excellent organization and time‑management skills. Strong writing and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of community‑based resources throughout New York City. Bilingual (English‑Spanish) preferred. POSITION TYPE Full‑time. POSITION LOCATION Lower Manhattan. COMPENSATION The compensation range for this position is $65,000 – $82,400 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, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two‑to‑one employer contribution up to 5%. EEO STATEMENT The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included. IMMIGRATION At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment. RECRUITMENT Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered. LEGAL COMPLIANCE In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire. Please refer to the job posting for relevant contact information. If contact details are not provided, we kindly ask that you refrain from inquiries via phone or email, as only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. #J-18808-Ljbffr