Group Facilitator

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

Brooklyn Justice Initiatives (BJI), a program of the Center for Justice Innovation, offers people an opportunity to change the direction of their lives. The program transforms how people navigate the legal process of criminal court in Brooklyn, NY, and helps them avoid the harmful effects of incarceration. It provides meaningful early diversion, supervised release for people awaiting trial, and alternative sentencing options. 

Brooklyn Justice Initiatives is seeking a part-time Group Facilitator to join the Alternatives to Incarceration team.  Reporting to the Director of Diversion Services and Clinical Supervision, the Facilitator’s primary responsibility will be to lead and facilitate a variety of skill-development, psychoeducational, and process-oriented groups including Anger Management, Tools for New Thinking, Driver Accountability and more.  The Facilitator will be working with a population of adults ages 18 and older who are mandated to engage in programming as an Alternative to Incarceration (ATI). 

• Plan and lead group sessions;  

• Prepare materials needed for group sessions, including handouts, sign-in sheets, technology and room set-up, etc;  

• Collect and report on attendance in a timely manner; 

• Ensure participants remain engaged throughout the duration of the group; 

• Utilize group curricula as a tool to guide discussion and encourage participation; 

• Manage challenging group dynamics, including disengagement, interpersonal conflict, and disruptive behaviors, using appropriate de-escalation techniques, as needed;

• Adhere to the lateness and rescheduling protocol as needed; 

• Promote inclusion and diversity, fostering an environment where all participants feel safe and welcome;

• Uphold NY State and organizational standard protocols as they pertain to confidentiality, mandated reporting, and responding to imminent risk of harm to self/others;

• Provide feedback on participant engagement trends, curriculum effectiveness, and opportunities to strengthen group programming;

• Support the development and implementation of new group curricula; and;

• Communicate concerns with the clinical team as needed and work collaboratively to refer participants to the appropriate services. 

Qualifications:

• Associates degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field (social work, psychology, human services, counseling, education) required or 3-4 years relevant experience; bachelor's degree preferred;

• Minimum of 1-2 years of group facilitation experience required; 

• Experience working with individuals impacted by the criminal-legal system preferred;

• Comprehensive understanding of harm-reduction, trauma informed, and anti-oppressive practices; 

• Candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to navigate/de-escalate conflict in a calm, non-judgmental manner; 

• Experience working with young adults, un-housed individuals, or those with mental health, substance-use, or co-occurring disorders is a plus; and; 

• Spanish/English bilingual a plus. 

Position Type: Part-time, 20 hours per week with availability required during evenings and weekends as needed. 

Position Location: Brooklyn, New York

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $28.57 - $33.68 per hour, annually equivalent to $52,000 - $61,300 based on a 20-hour work week and is commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: 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.