Social Worker, RISE Project

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

The RISE Project addresses the intersection of gun violence, intimate partner violence, and gender-based violence in communities most impacted by harm. A project of the Center for Justice Innovation, RISE partners with community members, credible messengers, and local organizations across New York City to build safety, accountability, and healing outside of carceral systems

The Social Worker will provide individual and group counseling, action planning and interventions, crisis intervention, and community-based responses to intimate partner and gender-basaed violence. The social worker will work with a group of 15-20 participants who have caused harm in their relationships providing individual and group counseling. The social worker will work collaboratively on the transformative initiatives team comprised of social workers, facilitators, and coordinators to provide a range of community-based therapeutic interventions engaging in individuals causing harm in their relationships. 

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 youth and adults who have caused harm in their intimate relationships and/or who have been impacted by intimate partner, dating or gender-based violence;
• 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 community partners to coordinate support and intervention.  

Group Programming:

• Plan group curricula and facilitate therapeutic group sessions for youth and adult programming designed to voluntarily engage individuals who have caused harm in their relationships;
• Create innovative therapeutic group programming to support community care and wellness; 
• Facilitate a range of workshops and programming to support communities impacted by violence;
• Support community 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:

• Work closely with RISE partners in community including the NYC crisis management system and gun violence prevention organizations, as well as resident stakeholder teams at public housing developments;
• Provide community trainings on gender-based violence;
• 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 gun violence prevention teams citywide;
• 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;
• Participating 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.