PEER SPECIALIST ICM

QUEENS SUPERVISED RELEASE PROGRAM 

Posted: 3/30/2026

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

Are you a certified Peer Specialist who is 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 the way 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. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of a Peer Supervisor, The Peer Specialist will provide person-centered, recovery-oriented, strength-based, and trauma-informed Peer support for clients who met the eligibility criteria of high-risk and high needs and require a support team to meet with them where they are at regardless of their location in NYC. The Peer Specialist is dedicated to promoting wellness and supporting recovery journeys within the community.  As an essential part of and integrated and multi-disciplinary Clinical Services Department at Queens Supervised Release, the Peer Specialist aims to empower clients in enhancing their mental health, fostering resilience, and facilitating their path to recovery and wellness. By offering compassionate care and tailored support, this role endeavors to create new opportunities for success and well-being for those in the highest of needs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• As part of an interdisciplinary team of Peer Specialists, Behavioral Health Specialists, Licensed Clinicians, Clinical Care Coordinators and Housing Specialist    , the Peer Specialist will be responsible for managing a caseload of 10-15 high-needs (serious mental illness, substance use, homelessness) participants at a time, providing face-to-face community-based Peer counseling. 
• Provide court-based Peer support to participants upon their release from arraignment to Supervised Release. Identify immediate needs or concerns and facilitate immediate connections to community-based services. 
• Engage with participants within community settings to offer emotional support, guidance, advocacy, assistance in navigating care systems, accompany them to court dates, and build trust and rapport.
• Coordinate with assigned case management staff and other service providers to review participants' release conditions. Utilize evidence-based support techniques to encourage individuals to attend all supervision appointments and court appearances. Provide referrals to community-based treatment and support services as required.
• Advocate for clients' needs and rights within the mental health system and broader community, ensuring they receive appropriate services and resources.
• Maintain accurate, efficient, and timely documentation of participant interactions and progress notes in an electronic case management system, with a focus on accurately collecting data for programmatic research purposes. 
• Assist clients in identifying their goals for recovery and wellness and providing support to help them achieve these goals.
• Collaborate with other members of the Case Management care team to ensure coordinated and holistic care.
• Engage in ongoing self-advocacy and self-care practices to maintain personal wellness and resilience, which in turn supports the ability to effectively support others in the community.

Client Centered Management and Communication 

• Communicate with staff comprised of diverse identities, experiences, and professional disciplines in a respectful manner that acknowledges differences, expertise, and experiences to promote collaboration and better client outcomes.
• Communicate with clients of diverse populations, needs and experiences in the justice system and other institutions in a respectful manner that acknowledges lived experiences and creates connection.
• Answer questions about our services in an informed and well-resourced way and directs clients and community members to resources by making appropriate referrals.
• Ensure that clients are being supported in a timely manner, through careful inquiry and the use of evidence-based tools.

Influencing and Motivating

• Ability to work intensively with clients using goal-based interventions to create behavioral changes.
• Support the client’s self-efficacy by reinforcing their power to make the changes that they want.
• Guide clients through the treatment plan and behavior change process; recognize/acknowledge the positive changes that are made and continue encouraging behavioral changes along the way.
• Clearly and concisely communicate with other members of the mobile team to understand and support the needs and goals of the client and collaborate on appropriate next steps.

QUALIFICATIONS 

• HS Diploma or equivalency required 
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred
• NYS Peer Specialist certification OR Recovery Peer Advocate certification required 
• 2 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 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 
• Proficiency in using computer software applications such as Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), email, web browser and database/file management systems required 

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 
• Must be willing to work evening and weekend hours.
• Willingness to travel via public transportation to conduct community visits with participants

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.

• To provide optimal coverage for client engagement, regularly scheduled workweeks will include weekends and night shifts.
• 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.

SALARY:  $55,619.20

Location: Queens, NY 

*Internal applicants must be at least 1 year in their current role and in good standing (no disciplinary action within the last 90 days) to be eligible for this role.

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: CJA will consider internal candidates first and only those external candidates being considered will be contacted. 

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. 

CLINICAL SUPERVISOR – LCSW, LMSW, LMHC 

QUEENS SUPERVISED RELEASE PROGRAM 

Posted: 3/23/2026

 Are you a licensed professional who is interested in supervising and mentoring a team of social workers, case managers and peer specialists?  

Are you an experienced professional who is interested in helping us implement a more focused strength-based and community-engaged approach?  

Do you have prior Supervised Release experience and are looking to lead a team of passionate individuals seeking to make a change in the criminal justice system?  

Join our team of professionals seeking to improve the experience of justice involved individuals in the NYC Courts!  

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 270 employees, citywide.  

PROGRAM SUMMARY 

CJA operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court. The program, which operates during the day and night court in Queens, 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 use and mental health, and agreeing to program monitoring of court appearances and re-arrests. 

This is a great opportunity for a dynamic, knowledgeable individual, experienced in dealing with high-needs populations such as those with mental health diagnoses, at-risk youth, and others with social, emotional, or developmental challenges, who have criminal court involvement. This position will oversee a team of social workers and case managers that serve youth and adult participants.  

POSITION SUMMARY  

Reporting to the Associate Director of Clinical Services I and under the direction of the Associate Director of Clinical Services II, the Clinical Supervisor is a dedicated, knowledgeable, and experienced individual with a social service, psychology, or clinical background to help make an impact on the ever-changing role of the court system and alternative initiatives aimed at reducing detention and crime rates in the city. The Clinical Supervisor will oversee a team of bachelors and master's level case managers working with youth and adult clients (ages 16 years and older). The person filling this role will be responsible for providing both clinical and administrative oversight to the team in ensuring that services are being delivered appropriately and comprehensively, as well as providing supervision to a small caseload of high needs participants that are involved in the criminal justice system.  

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Oversee a team of social workers and case managers to provide supervision and services to a population of justice-impacted individuals.
• Supervise and coach the team’s Clinical Compliance Specialist to provide the team with support in auditing, compliance, and quality assurance.
• Review documentation submitted by staff to ensure adherence to standards of quality, appropriateness, and compliance with programmatic regulations.
• Assist with orientation and training of new team members.
• Provide individual supervision and chart reviews for case management staff.
• Facilitate trainings and make recommendations on professional development as needed.  
• Ensure compliance with participants documentation and data input to fulfill reporting requirements by funders.
• Conduct psycho-social assessments for new intakes into the program.
• Manage and provide counseling and case management to targeted caseloads of adults and adolescents who are living with serious mental illness (SMI) and substance use disorders (SUD) including treatment planning and referrals.
• Perform comprehensive screening using evidence-based tools to effectuate referrals to mental health or substance use treatment facilities and accompany and/or arrange transportation for participants to facilities when necessary. 
• Maintain regular face-to-face and telephone contact with participants.
• Conduct community visits as needed to better serve individual participants.
• Maintain communication with defense attorneys and referral agencies until completion of reporting responsibilities.
• Update computerized case management files with notes and attendance records.
• Appear and advocate in court regarding clients’ compliance and mobile intake rotations, as needed.
• Participate in new hire and promotional interviews for SRP roles as needed.
• Provide weekend on-call clinical support as needed. 
• Other duties as assigned 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• LCSW, LMSW or LMHC required, with 3+ years of related experience working with SMI or SUD adults and adolescents for external candidates 
• At least one year in a supervisory capacity
• In lieu of 1 year of experience in a supervisory capacity: Internal candidates must have a demonstrated ability to support others in effectively implementing policies and procedures, and support through mentorship and leadership skills.
• Knowledge of NYC Court operations, preferred 

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

• Experience providing therapeutic services to mentally ill populations and adolescents 
• Familiarity with the Alternative to Detention (ATD), Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or other advocacy program models 
• Knowledge of treatment programs (substance use, mental health, etc.) and other support services (GED, job training, YIP, etc.) for referrals 
• Ability to exercise sound and quick judgment 
• Excellent communication and writing skills 
• Excellent time management skills 
• Computer literacy with the ability to quickly adapt to changing technology 
• Must be willing to work evening and weekend hours, if needed 
• Knowledge of Evidence Based Practice techniques including but not limited to Motivational Interviewing, Seeking Safety, DBT, CBT 
• Experience documenting client progress in an Electronic Health Record System. 
• Willingness and ability to travel within the 5 boroughs 
• Bilingual, a plus 
• Internal candidates must be in current good standing to be considered 

LOCATION: Kew Gardens, New York

SALARY: $91,850

CJA VALUES  

Each employee at CJA is guided by these values in our work: 

• 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 (Employee Assistance Program)) 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. 

Only those candidates being considered will be contacted. 

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 on the basis of 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. 

CLINICAL CASE MANAGER I - ICM

INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT

QUEENS SUPERVISED RELEASE PROGRAM 

Posted: 1/14/2025

 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 

CJA operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court. The program, which operates during the day and night court in Queens, 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 use and mental health, and agreeing to program monitoring of court appearances and re-arrests. 

This is a great opportunity for a dynamic, knowledgeable individual, experienced in dealing with high-needs populations such as those with mental health diagnoses, at-risk youth, and others with social, emotional, or developmental challenges, who have criminal court involvement. This position will work with participants aged 16 and older. 

Position Summary 

Reporting to the ICM Clinical Supervisor, and under the direction of the Associate Director of Clinical Services II for ICM, the Clinical Case Manager I is a dynamic, knowledgeable, and experienced individual with a background in social services seeking to help make an impact on the court system and alternative initiatives aimed at reducing detention and crime rates in the city. The Clinical Case Manager I on the ICM team will be working on a team that serves both youth and adult clients (ages 16 and up) who have enhanced needs such as mental health and substance use issues, and developmental disabilities, housing instability, and others who are less likely to make it to their court appearances. This role is primarily community based, requiring travel in Queens and other boroughs, but will include some work directly in the Queens Criminal Court as well as our case management offices in Kew Gardens and Long Island City.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Clinical Case Manager I in ICM functions include:

• Reviewing with participants the conditions of release, program agreement, and consents for disclosure.
• Conducting an intake/assessment interview to identify needs, including administering various evidence-based assessment tools to identify possible mental health and/or substance abuse concerns for individuals who are aged 16 and older. 
• Monitoring a caseload of high risk and high needs youth and adult participants, providing supervision, and making referrals to voluntary social service interventions. 
• Verifying participant contact information, general location (if unhoused), contacts at other programs, and current supervision level/reporting requirements. Maintaining face-to-face and telephone contact with participants, monitoring re-arrests, and preparing written progress reports for court.
• Meeting with clients in the community as needed. This would include, but not be limited to completing their appointments in the community, accompanying them to referrals, and attending court dates.
• Maintaining communication with defense attorneys and referral agencies until transfer or completion of reporting responsibilities.
• Updating computerized case management appointments accordingly to produce periodic reports on participant compliance.
• Completing all necessary documentation in a timely manner and maintaining all data set reporting requirements in the agency database.
• Appearing and advocating in court regarding participants’ compliance, as necessary.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and ongoing trainings; identify new opportunities for staff development.

Client Centered Management and Communication  

• Communicating and coordinating with staff comprised of diverse identities, experiences, and professional disciplines in a respectful manner that acknowledges differences, expertise, and experiences to promote collaboration and better client outcomes.
• Communicating with clients of diverse populations, needs, and experiences in the justice system and other institutions in a respectful manner that acknowledges lived experiences and creates connection.
• Answering questions about our services in an informed and well-resourced way; directing clients and community members to resources by making appropriate referrals.
• Ensuring that clients are being supported in a timely manner, through careful assessment and the use of evidence-based tools.

 Influencing and Motivating 

• Ability to work intensively with clients using goal-based interventions to create behavioral changes.
• Supporting the client’s self-efficacy by reinforcing their power to make the changes that they want.
• Guiding clients through the treatment plan and behavioral change process; recognize/acknowledge the positive changes that are made and continue encouraging behavioral changes along the way.
• Clearly and concisely communicating with other members of the mobile team to understand and support the needs and goals of the client and collaborate on appropriate next steps.

QUALIFICATIONS  

• MSW or relevant master’s degree required with 2 years of related case management experience.
• Knowledge of NYC Court Operations preferred.
• Experience serving clients in the community preferred.

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

• Familiarity with the Alternative to Detention (ATD), Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or other advocacy program models
• Working knowledge of treatment programs (substance abuse, mental health, etc.) and other support services (GED, job training, YIP, etc.) for referrals
• Ability to exercise sound and quick judgment
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Computer literate with the ability to quickly adapt to changing technology
• Bilingual: Spanish (preferred)
• Must be willing to work evening and weekend hours, if needed
• CASAC or CASAC-T encouraged to apply  

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. 

• Typical hours are 9am – 5pm or 1pm to 9pm.
• To provide optimal coverage for client engagement, regularly scheduled workweeks will include weekends and night shifts.
• 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

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.

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

LOCATION: Queens, NY 

SALARY: $79,679

CJA VALUES

Each employee at CJA is guided by these values in our work:

• 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, Employee Assistance Program (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.

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.

PEER SPECIALIST

QUEENS SUPERVISED RELEASE PROGRAM 

Posted: 12/29/2025

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

Are you a certified Peer Specialist who is 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 the way 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

CJA operates a Supervised Release Program in Queens Criminal Court. The program, which operates during the day and night court in Queens, screens targeted court-involved individuals 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 use and mental health, and agreeing to program monitoring of court appearances and re-arrests.

This is a great opportunity for a dynamic, knowledgeable individual, experienced in dealing with high-needs populations such as those with mental health diagnoses, at-risk youth, and others with social, emotional, or developmental challenges, who have criminal court involvement.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of a Peer Supervisor, the Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides non-clinical, trauma-informed, and person-centered support to individuals mandated to participate in the Queens Supervised Release program. Drawing upon their own experiences with the justice system, recovery, or reentry, the PSS builds authentic relationships that foster trust, engagement, and personal growth. The PSS serves as a role model for recovery, resilience, and reintegration, and works collaboratively with case managers, clinicians, and/or behavioral health specialists, housing specialists, and legal system partners to reduce recidivism and support client success.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• As part of an interdisciplinary team the Peer Specialist will be responsible for supporting a caseload of 15–20 high-needs (serious mental illness, substance use, homelessness) participants at a time, providing face-to-face, telephonic, and community Peer recovery support and advocacy.
• Establish supportive, peer-based relationships grounded in trust, mutual respect, and shared experience
• Provide one-on-one peer mentoring, advocacy, and emotional support to program participants
• Assist participants in identifying goals related to housing, employment, wellness, sobriety, and social connection
• Accompany participants to court appearances, community appointments, or service referrals as needed
• Support participants in navigating court requirements, probation/parole expectations, and community service obligations
• Provide court-based Peer support to participants upon completion of arraignment, identifying immediate needs or concerns, and facilitating immediate connections to community-based services 
• Facilitate or co-facilitate peer-led groups focused on recovery, emotional regulation, life skills, and reentry planning
• Collaborate with case managers and legal advocates to ensure participant needs and preferences are understood and honored
• Participate in regular supervision, peer development meetings, and trainings related to harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and justice-system navigation
• Document participant engagement and progress in a timely manner in an electronic case management system in accordance with program guidelines and confidentiality requirements
• Uphold ethical guidelines, competencies, and boundaries appropriate to peer support roles

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• HS Diploma or equivalency required 
• NYS Peer Specialist certification (CPS) OR Recovery Peer Advocate certification (CRPA) required. Certification must be maintained and kept current while employed in this position.
• 2 years of professional experience as a Peer Specialist, Peer Advocate, Peer Navigator, or Peer Counselor in a Behavioral Health or Criminal Justice setting required
• Personal lived experience with the criminal legal system and/or recovery from substance use, mental health, or homelessness
• Ability to model recovery-oriented practices
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to maintain boundaries and practice cultural humility
• Familiarity with community-based resources including housing, treatment, employment services, and legal supports
• Proficiency in using computer software applications such as Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), email, web browser and database/file management systems required 
• Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally as needed

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working or volunteering in peer support, reentry programs, harm reduction, or behavioral health settings
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and restorative justice principles
• Bilingual or multilingual (especially Spanish, if applicable to your region)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This role involves a combination of office, community, and courtroom settings
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required
• Peer Support Specialists must be able to model wellness and uphold recovery principles in challenging environments

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency is committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from people who have been impacted by the justice system, are in recovery, or identify as part of historically marginalized communities

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 
• Must be willing to work evening and weekend hours, as operations expand 
• Willingness to travel via public transportation to conduct community visits with participants

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 evaluate 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. 

 Note: This position is expected to operate on a hybrid schedule with in-person work 4 days per week and one remote day. The successful hire must be able to assume responsibilities that are both remote and on-site, in accordance with CJA policy at the time of hire. Terms and conditions are subject to change based on business needs and prevailing public health guidelines. 

*Internal applicants must be at least 1 year in their current role and in good standing (no disciplinary action within the last 90 days) to be eligible for this role.

SALARY: $53,053

BENEFITS: CJA offers a very generous benefits 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. 

Only those candidates being considered will be contacted. 

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 on the basis of 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.