Job Description

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

Newark Community Solutions (NCS) is a community justice initiative based in Newark, New Jersey. NCS seeks to create a more fair, effective, and humane justice system through court-based alternative sentencing, pretrial social services, victim services, and youth diversion. With over 15 years of court-based social service experience, NCS specializes in public-private partnerships which allow anchor institutions like the courts to respond to the community while simultaneously building public confidence in justice. A project of the Center for Justice Innovation, Newark Community Solutions builds on lessons learned from successful community courts and justice centers throughout the country, which have reduced local crime, improved compliance with sanctions, and strengthened the connections between courts and communities.

Newark Community Solutions seeks a Case Manager as part of its Eviction Diversion Initiative. Reporting to the Project Director, the EDI Case Manager is responsible for identifying participants, completing screenings and assessments, developing housing/service plans, and delivering interventions through service applications and referrals for participants. This position will be co-located between the Newark Municipal Court and Newark City Hall as well as various community locations.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain a specialized caseload of clients facing eviction with identified social service needs;
• Conduct programmatic outreach including, but not limited to, mailings, phone calls, public information sessions, and community tabling;
• Conduct intake assessments and developing individualized housing and general service plans;
• Provide direct social services to respond to immediate housing needs, including rental assistance applications, rapid rehousing, utility assistance applications, emergency assistance, and referrals for legal services;
• Facilitate group sessions about court processes, tenants’ rights, and New Jersey housing resources, including, but not limited to, self-certification and rental assistance, homelessness prevention, and state benefits;
• Provide referrals to NCS specialized clinical programming and other community-based resources;
• Maintain client records in files and electronic case management system;
• Attend community meetings and events on behalf of the program;
• Accompany participants to court in an advocacy capacity as needed;
• Participate in professional development and training regarding New Jersey’s anti-eviction and homelessness prevention programs; and;
• Additional tasks as necessary.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have a B.A. or related degree as well as at least two years of experience working in the social service field. Experience within the legal system and/or local social service system required. Candidate must be a skilled communicator and team player able to work in a multidisciplinary setting. Supervisory experience. Familiarity with the Essex County is required and bilingual in Spanish a plus.

Position Type: Full-time in-person work Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM required; weekend and evening hours required, as needed.

Position Location: Newark, NJ

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $52,000 - $65,400.00 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%.

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.