Social Worker

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:

1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
3. 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 www.innovatingjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Since 2011, the Brownsville Community Justice Center (BCJC), an operating project of the Center, has worked to address systemic inequality, enhance public safety, and create opportunities for residents to lead in building a safer, more equitable community.

The Social Worker will provide individual and group counseling, action planning and interventions, youth advocacy and mitigation, crisis intervention, family support, and facilitate community healing events and practices. Our projects include community-based violence prevention interventions, youth programming, neighborhood investment, economic mobility and community healing.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Individual Support & Advocacy:

• Support outreach and recruit eligible participants into the program;
• Provide weekly individual counseling and support to a group of 15-20 young people who have been most impacted by community violence and the criminal legal system;
• Provide holistic advocacy and resource coordination;
• Provide crisis intervention support;
• Conduct home visits and community visits with participants;
• Provide mitigation support including working with lawyers and defense teams to create packets;
• Provide court advocacy and support;
• Provide family-based support including crisis intervention, short-term family counseling, and resource coordination; and
• Work collaboratively with mentors and outreach workers to provide holistic support to participants.

Group Programming:

• Plan group curricula and facilitate therapeutic group sessions for participants;
• Create innovative therapeutic group programming to support community care and wellness;
• Facilitate a range of workshops and programming to support young people;
• Support community wellness and healing through community-based events and activations;
• Form partnerships with community stakeholders, organizations, and agencies to strengthen systems of support for participants; and
• Plan and coordinate special events for participants and their families.

Community Engagement:

• Support community wellness and healing through community-based events and activations;
• Form partnerships with community stakeholders, organizations, and agencies to strengthen systems of support for participants;
• Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team;
• Participate in promotion of programmatic resources, community outreach, and community engagement;
• Canvass community alongside the BCJC team;
• Attend community stakeholder meetings, including community board, resident association, precinct council, and other related recurring meetings; and
• Participate in community events and collaborative meetings representing the program. 

Data, Documentation & Compliance:

• Complete all required documentation and enter accurate, timely data into designated databases;
• Assist with data tracking and reporting in accordance with program and funder requirements; and
• Support grant-related documentation and reporting as assigned. 

Professional Development & Organizational Participation:

• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development opportunities;
• Participate in Justice Center community events and initiatives; and
• Perform additional relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• LMSW and at least one year or more pre or post Master’s relevant full time experience is required. Candidates with an MSW who are not yet licensed must obtain their LMSW within one year of employment;
• Sifi certified preferred;
• Bilingual Spanish preferred;
• Experience working at community justice sites or similar environments preferred;
• Experience providing group and individual counseling preferred;
• Knowledge or experience working in a multi-disciplinary setting and maintain strong relationships with multiple agencies and organizations both onsite and in the community;
• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care, youth development, harm reduction, and anti-oppressive practice;
• Experience working in community-based settings;
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills;
• Familiarity with data management systems and documentation standards for social services;
• Data tracking, reporting, and compliance;
• Must be detailed oriented;
• Partnership building and external stakeholder engagement; and
• Strategic thinking and reflective practice.

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%.

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.

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 from consideration, 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.