Mentor, Arches Program

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:

• Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges
• Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t
• 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
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The Queens Community Justice Center, launched in 2007, runs a diverse portfolio of programs for justice‑involved youth, young adults and their families. Lighting up special programs includes alternative‑to‑detention, leadership, clinical, mentorship, workforce development, gender responsive, and family support initiatives. The Justice Center incorporates evidence‑based methods for working with high‑risk youth, including positive youth development and restorative justice principles.

The Queens Community Justice Center is seeking a Mentor for the Arches Program. Reporting to the Program Coordinator, the mentor will facilitate group mentoring and interactive journaling sessions for participants in the Department of Probation–funded Arches program. Arches is a neighborhood‑based transformative mentoring services program for young adults on probation between the ages of 16 and 24 who reside in or adjacent to Jamaica, Queens.

• Facilitate Interactive Journaling sessions focused on skill development and goal setting
• Provide one‑on‑one mentoring support to participants
• Support participants in achieving Individual Achievement Plan goals as set by Department of Probation (DOP) probation officers
• Collaborate with the Program Coordinator to organize and facilitate a mentor support group
• Maintain thorough and accurate file‑keeping and reporting on progress and compliance of participants
• Input data to ensure proper tracking of clients and measure program success
• Participate in regular staff and team meetings to coordinate program needs and objectives
• Provide enrollment and administrative coverage when necessary
• Attend evening and weekend community events when necessary
• Assist in special events and collaborate on larger QCJC projects as necessary
• Perform other duties as assigned by Program Coordinator

High school diploma (or higher) with at least 2 years of experience in youth development work and/or mentoring with court‑involved populations. The candidate should be a personable and creative self‑starter who can accomplish tasks in a fast‑paced environment.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Credible messengers, specially trained adults from Jamaica with backgrounds and characteristics similar to the population served, including life experience, cultural competence, and criminal justice system familiarity
• Prior experience with positive youth development, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapies
• Demonstrated ability to work in a culturally competent manner responsive to the needs of urban youth
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Suites, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom
• Experience utilizing CRM or case management software
• Deep connection with the Jamaica community; ability to speak English and Spanish
• Individuals directly impacted by the criminal legal system are highly encouraged to apply

Part‑time, working 10 hours per week, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm.

Jamaica, Queens.

The compensation for this position is an hourly rate of $27.48 – $28.57 per hour based on a 35‑hour work week and is commensurate with experience.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive…