Job Description

PEER COORDINATOR
QUEENS SUPERVISED RELEASE PROGRAM

Posted: 3/31/2026

CJA's work seeks to reduce jail overcrowding and unnecessary detention in New York City

Are you a certified Peer Specialist interested in assisting program participants in your community?

Are you interested in helping us implement a more person-centered, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed approach?

Would you like to help change how arrested individuals view the criminal justice system?

Join our team of multi-disciplined professionals!

ABOUT CJA 

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice.  CJA is the City’s main pretrial services agency, combining operations, pilot projects, and research under one roof.  CJA utilizes procedural justice practices to provide pretrial services to over 100,000 persons arrested annually in New York City. Information collected about these arrestees and subsequent case processing is maintained in the agency’s internal and externally shared database systems, which are used to conduct descriptive and evaluation research on arrestee characteristics, case processing and court outcomes, and on issues and potential reforms to criminal justice policy in New York City. CJA’s programs operate in the criminal courts and detention facilities 24 hours a day seven days a week within the 5 boroughs of NYC, employing over 300 employees, citywide.

PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Criminal Justice Agency (CJA), a non-profit organization under contract with the City of New York to provide pre-trial and research services to the courts, operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court.

The program, which operates during the day and night court in Queens screens defendants charged with non-violent felony and misdemeanor offenses that present a substantial likelihood of detention.  CJA screens targeted defendants for release at criminal court arraignment, subject to specific conditions including maintaining face-to-face and telephone contact with the program, participating in an assessment process to identify needs such as substance abuse and mental health, and agreeing to program monitoring of court appearances and re-arrests.

This is a great opportunity for a dynamic, resourceful, service-oriented individual with lived experience and a background in providing support to high needs populations with criminal court involvement, and a commitment to helping participants avoid harmful behaviors leading to re-arrest and disconnection from community support systems.

The Peer Coordinator reports directly to the Peer Supervisor and supports all peer team coordination tasks and administrative duties. The Peer Coordinator is also responsible for providing holistic, person-centered support and mentorship to a team of Peer Specialists. The Peer Coordinator also facilitates internal and external wellness and recovery groups for staff and program participants. They will also serve as the direct liaison between external organizations and the peer staff when helping clients understand the benefits of referrals being made.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role, you will report directly to the Peer Supervisor. You will be tasked with the following responsibilities:

• Provide support and mentorship to a team of Certified Peer Specialist.

• Support the Peer Supervisor with all team coordination and administrative duties, including review and assignment of Peer referrals and re-arrest/mandatory programming/weapons charges cases. The Peer Coordinator will serve as acting Peer Supervisor in the Supervisor’s absence.

• Conduct internal program chart reviews on a quarterly basis, as well as capturing data and tracking outcomes of referrals and assignments.

• Support the Peer Supervisor in the development and facilitation of evidence-based groups, training, and team-building activities to increase team engagement and development. Will also assist with the onboarding of new Peer staff.

• Assist in ensuring the team is adhering to all QSRP and agency policies and procedures

• Will be responsible for managing a small caseload of participants with complex needs requiring experienced Peer support on a case-by-case basis. Provide advocacy, outreach and engagement, referral assistance, self-help tools, recovery support, transitional support, and pre-crisis/crisis support in office, community, or virtual settings (i.e., telephonic support, video calls/chats, etc.)

QUALIFICATIONS

• HS Diploma is required. Some college preferred.

• OASAS/OMH Peer Specialist Certification (both NYS Certified Peer Specialist and NYS Certified Recovery Coach or Certified Recovery Peer Advocate) required.

• 3 years of professional experience as a Peer Specialist, Peer Advocate, or Peer Counselor in a Behavioral Health or Criminal Justice setting required. Experience providing community-based Peer support to underserved communities and populations required.

• History of lived experience in recovery and/or the criminal justice system required. As an individual who actively participates in their own recovery from mental illness and/or substance use, must be willing to appropriately and effectively utilize their recovery experience to engage and support others

• Strong knowledge of and demonstrated ability to apply person-centered, recovery-oriented practices and principles

• Strong proficiency in using computer software applications such as Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), email, web browser and database/file management systems required

• Experience with online communication tools such as video conferencing (Teams, Zoom, etc.), chat, and collaboration software required

• Certification in Wellness and Recovery Action Planning (WRAP) and Intentional Peer Support (IPS) preferred

• Knowledge of NYC Court Operations, preferred

• Bilingual skills preferred (Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, French-Creole, a plus). Those with other language skills are also encouraged to apply

The successful candidate will possess a combination of the following knowledge, skills, and experiences:

• Familiarity with Pretrial/Supervised Release, Alternative to Detention (ATD), Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or other advocacy program models

• Working knowledge of community-based treatment programs (substance use, mental health, etc.) and other support services and resources (housing, education, employment, vocational, etc.)

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality in compliance with agency and state guidelines

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-disciplinary team

• Proficiency in exercising sound and quick judgment

• Excellent communication, written documentation, and interpersonal skills

• Effective group facilitation skills

• Demonstrated professionalism and reliability with excellent time and self-management skills

• Computer literate with a willingness to learn and adapt to modern technologies and software applications as needed for the position

• Must be willing to work evening and weekend hours, as operations expand

• Willingness to travel via public transportation to conduct community visits with participants

• Willingness to accompany to and support participants in court

Hours & Scheduling Expectations

This is a visible role with direct client-facing responsibilities, engaging with clients, staff, and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will possess the required qualifications and skills, and the ability to work in person 5 days a week.

• Hours for this role will be: Monday-Friday 9-5

• Flex hours will be occasionally required to perform client visits either in their homes, or at community-based locations.

• Travel within the 5 boroughs required for client engagement or meetings with community partners, as needed.

*Internal applicants must be 1 year in their current roles and in current good standing (no disciplinary action within the last 90 days) to apply.

SALARY: $58,349.20

Location QUEENS, NY

CJA VALUES

Each employee should embody the following core values in their work at CJA:

• Commitment: We are committed to being active partners in criminal justice reform through initiatives and creative problem-solving that evaluates different methods and strategies for alternatives to detention.

• Fairness: We are guided by fairness and the presumption of innocence for those who are detained and work with integrity and without bias to protect the privacy and interest of court-involved people and their families.

• Innovation: We value curiosity as a driving force to lead the way in pretrial services. We use innovative techniques in research, pilot programs, and engaging justice-involved communities to execute our mission of reducing unnecessary pretrial detention.

BENEFITS: CJA offers a very generous benefit plan including health, dental and vision insurance, a comprehensive mental health, and wellness (EAP) plan, four weeks’ vacation, paid holidays, and a retirement plan with employer matching contributions.  CJA is also strongly committed to professional learning and development for its staff members and offers staff varied opportunities for learning and development through partnerships and vendor services for web based, in-person professional development training, as well as in-house job training and development.

NOTE: Only those candidates being considered will be contacted. No phone calls please.

CJA is seeking applicants who pursue professional development pathways by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining professional networks, and engaging with professional associations.

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

CJA is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.