Job Description

About theOrganization

Centerfor Community Alternatives (CCA)  supports and builds power with peopleacross New York State who have been affected by mass incarceration,criminalization and community disinvestment. Through a statewide network ofdirect services, advocacy and organizing, and by supporting the leadership ofdirectly-impacted people, we advance civil and human rights for all NewYorkers. CCA works to build a world where everyone has what they need tothrive. 

WhyJoin the Team?

At CCA, we are committed to fair transparent pay, and we strive to  provide competitive market-informed compensation. The successful candidate's  salary is determined by the combination of knowledge, skills, competencies,  experience, and geography.  Our goal is to continue to make CCA one of the most desirable nonprofit places at which to work, and in part, recognize the importance of work-life balance

Position Summary

The Justice Peer program, a pilot program started in 2022 by the Center for Community Alternatives, is intended to provide peer support and credible mentoring to youth ages 10-20 who have an open criminal or family court case, are incarcerated, or placed, or are transitioning back to the community after a period of incarceration or out of home placement. CCA is seeking individuals with lived experience of the criminal legal system, and who are or are willing to be trained as NYS certified peers [CRPA, CPS, etc]. The Justice Peers will work under the direct supervision of the Project Director to provide intensive 1:1 peer support to at least 25 court involved youth each year. Justice Peers will be responsible for frequent and continuing contact with their participants and families, as well as communicating as needed with school, legal, and court personnel. It is expected that at a minimum Justice Peers will act as systems navigators, accompany youth to appointments [medical, mental health, educational, etc.], and to court dates, facilitate engagement with pro-social activities as proposed by the YAB, and engage with youth wherever they are, be that in community or visiting while detained or incarcerated. Each Justice Peer will be responsible for creating and supporting their participants’ individualized goals, keeping accurate data, and other duties as assigned by the Project Director. Justice Peers must be certified or willing to seek NYS Peer Certification [CRPA, CPS, etc] within 6 months of beginning employment, and complete additional training specific to the role of a “Justice Peer” as such training becomes available. CCA will cover the costs of all required staff training during employment. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Project Director, provide peer support and systems navigation assistance to a small caseload of court-involved youth
• Help facilitate group activities and opportunities chosen by the YAB
• Obtain and manage all necessary consents from parents and guardians, maintain participant confidentiality
• Participate in ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• Maintain accurate record keeping via case files and designated computer database
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Project Director

  Qualifications:

• Prior experience working with and a commitment to at-risk youth including court-involved youth
• Strong communication and advocacy skills
• Demonstrated cultural competency
• Ability and willingness to work flexible hours and work in school, home, and community settings
• Valid NYS driver’s license and personal vehicle [local travel required]
• Bi-lingual skills a plus
• Candidates with criminal records and/or lived experience with incarceration or foster care placement are highly encouraged to apply.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT COVER LETTER WITH RESUME.

• 12 paid holidays per year
• 20 days of earned time off (ETO) for full-time staff, with the ability to use it after 90-days of employment.
• Time off is earned starting on your first day.
• 7 days of paid sick time
• 100% paid family leave
• 3% retirement contribution regardless of employee contribution, applicable to salary after the 1st 6 months of employment
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

CCA Website:  HERE

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