Pretrial Program Coordinator Manhattan

Pretrial Program Coordinator

Pretrial Services

Posted: 8/6/24

Join our team of dynamic 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 280 employees, citywide. 

PROGRAM SUMMARY

CJA interviews and administers a release assessment to every individual arrested and held for arraignment. CJA uses a scoring assessment for individuals interviewed and produces the release assessment report to judges, district attorneys, and defenders, prior to arraignment. The information obtained from an individual’s release assessment will be used to evaluate the likelihood that an individual released before trial will return for court appearances and provides a recommendation regarding an individual being released on their own recognizance. NYCJA operates 24 hours a day in courts and detention facilities across all five boroughs, offering a range of programs including: Individualized Interviews and Assessments, Bail Expediting Services, Court Reminders and Support Services.

THE OPPORTUNITY

CJA seeks Pretrial Program Coordinators in Manhattan, Queens and the Bronx who demonstrate the ability to motivate and lead a team efficiently, possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills and expert knowledge of pretrial services. The Pretrial Program Coordinator (PPC) will be supporting court services across criminal and supreme court parts, on programs including release assessment, court date notification, bail expediting, and other city-wide pretrial justice reform efforts.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Borough Manager, the Pretrial Program Coordinator (PPC) will provide day-to-day supervision and coordination of new and existing court-based operations including assisting with the implementation of pilots, assisting with facilitating justice in practice trainings and will collaborate with the operations staff. This role will promote research-based and data-driven practices and policies while implementing new initiatives that identify high risk and high needs populations through the pre-arraignment interview process. Additionally, this person will play an integral role in the oversight of bail expediting services, the continued partnerships with key court stakeholders, and the court date/warrant notification efforts. The SCSC will be assigned to a borough-based worksite and may be asked to support other boroughs as needed to ensure consistent city-wide support. The SCSC will provide day-to-day supervision over the team of all operations staff, including Court Services Coordinators and Pretrial Associates conducting release assessments and bail expediting services. They will also partner with the outreach department staff to provide individualized enhanced notification support for people released on their own recognizance.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

OPERATIONAL

The core roles and responsibilities of the Pretrial Program Coordinators are categorized into two main sections: 1) Services Coordination and 2) CJA Court Liaison:

1. Services Coordination:

• · The PPC will ensure all docketed individuals are screened promptly to determine potential arraignment outcomes and services for which they might be eligible.
• · The PPC will coordinate the connection of individuals released from arraignment into services eligible in a timely and seamless manner (e.g. enhanced notification for individuals released at arraignment).
• · The PPC will serve as the direct point of contact for all court-based staff involved in Release Assessment and BEX in adequate coverage and that documentation is complete and submitted in a timely manner.
• · In the case of short staffing, the PPC will cover the responsibilities needed to ensure the shift runs efficiently.

2. Court Liaison:

• · The PPC will serve as the primary point of contact for court representatives including the judiciary, defense counsel, prosecution, and providers, responding to requests for new release assessments or for support from CJA.
• · The PPC will always be available to the court to answer questions about the release assessment and client program eligibility and address requests for administering the new release assessment, including those that take place in DAT parts.
• · The PPC will participate in all arrest-to-arraignment meetings as necessary in their respective boroughs.

LEADERSHIP

• Trains and provides on-going coaching to new staff on the release assessment process and implements quality controls measures to ensure program success.
• Supports and collaborates with the Manager of Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement & Strategic Initiatives
• Assist in shift audits, pilot programs, and collaborate closely with internal departments.
• Communicates with key stakeholders about CJA’s processes, procedures and pilot programs.

DATA ANALYSIS AND PROBLEM SOLVING

• Assist the Borough Manager in quality controlling statistical data and report compilation. Such data may consist of Release Assessment, BEX and other pilot programs.
• Participates in Arrest-to-Arraignment meetings as scheduled.
• Participates in agency studies/pilots, operational initiatives, research and/or other special projects.
• Notifies and proactively works with Borough Manager if any office, facility, and/or IT issues arise; identifies solutions to ensure all services are properly maintained and implemented.

PARTNERSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Collaborates closely with court partners on bail expediting and notification efforts. Partners include the defense bar, prosecutor offices, NYPD, Office Court of Administration, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, and Department of Correction Staff
• Represents CJA at national and state conferences, recruitment events, stakeholder engagement and establishes/maintains good working relationships with interacting agencies as needed.
• Participates in meetings as necessary with the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice and other agencies to provide a continuum of quality pretrial services.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in social service/social work, Criminal Justice, Criminal Psychology or related field preferred
• Internal candidates must have two years of employment as a Court Services Coordinator
• In addition, at least two years of full-time experience working with vulnerable populations in a group, community, educational or institutional setting.
• At least two years of professional supervisory or managerial experience that includes coaching, mentoring, conflict management and scheduling.
• Willingness and flexibility to assist Borough Manager with meetings during off hours.
• Knowledge of the NYC Criminal Justice system and/or work experience in pretrial justice is preferable.
• Strong knowledge of pretrial services and NYC Court system
• Experience working with unionized staff.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to act as a liaison with court personnel, defense bar, corrections, police, stakeholders, and district attorney offices.
• Excellent analytical skills to provide training and presentations.
• Strong detailed oriented skills for seeking additional support when needed.
• Proficient computer skills, data collection, and writing skills; excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and other computer systems is essential.
• Dedication to taking initiative and working cooperatively around common goals.
• Utilizes effective problem-solving skills, troubleshooting skills and is solutions driven.
• Superb ability and self-starter initiative to act as a liaison and advocate across all pretrial settings; examples include central booking, court, community, etc.
• Excellent time management and self-discipline
• Ability to multitask and prioritize projects.

SALARY: $70,000

LOCATION: New York, NY

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

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) 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: This role is client facing In Person 5 days a week.

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.

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Last updated on Aug 6, 2024