Senior Social Worker, Felony Alternatives to Incarceration

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 The Opportunity The Center for Justice Innovation is seeking a Senior Social Worker to join a team of staff—including social workers and case managers—who work with defendants participating in the Manhattan Felony Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) Court. 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. Reporting to the Clinical Director, the Senior Social Worker will conduct independent clinical assessments, provide referrals to community‑based services, offer comprehensive clinical case management, and monitor participant compliance. The role will primarily support a caseload of high‑risk need program participants and supervise a group of case managers and/or social workers. Coordination with the Clinical Director will include compliance updates, gap analysis, partnership development, training liaison responsibilities, and supply coordination with the Office Manager. Collaboration with key stakeholders—including the judge, court staff, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and New York City defense organizations—is a core component of the role. The Senior Social Worker will navigate and engage differing stakeholder perspectives in a court‑based setting. Responsibilities Conduct detailed clinical assessments for potential felony ATI Court participants; Develop treatment recommendations for potential ATI participants to court stakeholders (judge, defense counsel, prosecutor, court staff); Provide comprehensive, clinically‑informed case management services to a caseload of high‑risk need pre‑plea and court‑mandated ATI participants, addressing substance use, mental health, trauma, domestic violence, housing, vocational needs, and other challenges; Make appropriate community‑based referrals for a variety of social service needs; Manage and monitor compliance with treatment mandates, coordinate with providers, and supply written treatment updates for court stakeholders; Supervise and provide support and guidance to case managers, social workers, and interns in coordination with the Clinical Director; Manage social work internship recruitment, placement, and supervision; Participate in regular interdisciplinary case conferences with court stakeholders; Coordinate with court stakeholders on non‑compliance issues, assist clients in re‑engagement, pursue warrants, and implement graduated compliance strategies; Attend court as needed to help clients navigate the court and support staff; Collaborate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including court resource coordinators, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and programmatic staff; Connect participants to toxicology testing and report results as needed; Provide crisis intervention and de‑escalation as needed; Provide voluntary referrals to community‑based services as needed; Establish and maintain linkages with community partners to support program work and identify gaps in services; Assist the Clinical Director with development and implementation of new initiatives, evidence‑based interventions, and best clinical practices; Identify internal training needs and coordinate delivery of such trainings for staff; Enter and maintain up‑to‑date participant information, including assessment, case management, and outcome data; Provide clinical services post‑mandate on a voluntary basis; Participate in clinical group supervision, staff meetings, and trainings; Attend evening community‑based meetings and events as needed; Coordinate with the Office Manager regarding participant supplies and other needs; Assist with other programmatic and administrative tasks to support the Felony ATI Court’s activities; Additional relevant tasks, as needed. Qualifications LMSW and a minimum of five years' experience in criminal justice and/or a related field is required; A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a social justice or social services setting is preferred; SIFI‑certified or eligible; Experience in a court or criminal justice setting is 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; Skill and openness to constructive engagement with differing stakeholder perspectives; Commitment to, and experience with, holistic and strengths‑based approaches, meeting participants where they are, and cultural responsiveness; Experience with drug/alcohol treatment, mental health services, co‑occurring disorders, trauma‑informed, and strengths‑based approaches is strongly preferred; Experience addressing the needs of young adults, LGBTQ+ people, and women is strongly preferred; Excellent organization and time management skills; Strong writing and verbal communication skills; Bilingual (English‑Spanish) is preferred. Position Information Type: Full‑time, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Location: Manhattan, NY. Compensation: $68,500 – $91,200, 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 that include commuter FSA. Mental health care is prioritized, with services such as Talkspace and Ginger available through our healthcare plans. A 403(b) retirement plan with a two‑to‑one employer contribution up to 5% is also offered. Equal Opportunity Employer 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 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. 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. 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, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered. 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 Center for Justice Innovation