THE ORGANIZATION
The Center for Justice Innovation (formerly the Center for Court Innovation) is a non-profit organization that works with communities and justice systems to advance equity, increase safety, and help individuals and communities thrive. The Center's goal is to identify and resolve as early as possible the challenges that bring people into the criminal and civil legal systems. It does this in a number of ways—by developing and running programs that reduce the need for incarceration and enhance economic opportunity, conducting original research to identify what works, and sharing what we learn from our programming and research with those seeking to transform the justice system around the world.

The Center is an 800-employee, $100 million nonprofit that accomplishes its vision through three pillars of work: creating and scaling operating programs to test new ideas and solve problems, performing original research to determine what works (and what doesn’t), and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to justice reformers around the world.

Operating Programs

The Center’s operating programs, including the award-winning Red Hook Community Justice Center and Midtown Community Court, test new ideas, solve difficult problems, and attempt to achieve systemic change within the justice system. Our projects include community-based violence prevention programs, alternatives to incarceration, reentry initiatives, and court-based initiatives that reduce the use of unnecessary incarceration and promote positive individual and family change. Through this programming, we have produced tangible results like safer streets, reduced incarceration, and improved neighborhood perceptions of justice.

Research

The Center's research teams are staffed with social scientists, data analysts, and lawyers who are academically-trained or have lived experience and who conduct research in the U.S. and globally on diverse criminal-legal system and justice issues. Their work includes evaluating programs and policies; conducting exploratory, community-based studies; and providing research translation and strategic planning for system actors. The Center has published studies on topics including court and jail reform, intimate partner violence, restorative justice, gun violence, reentry, sixth amendment rights, and progressive prosecution. The research teams strive to make their work meaningful and actionable to the communities they work with, policymakers, and practitioners.

Policy & Expert Assistance

The Center provides hands-on, planning and implementation assistance to a wide range of jurisdictions in areas of reform such as problem-solving courts (e.g., community courts, treatment courts, domestic violence courts), tribal justice, reducing incarceration and the use of fines/fees and reducing crime and violence. Our current expert assistance takes many forms, including help with analyzing data, strategic planning and consultation, policy guidance, and hosting site visits to its operating programs in the New York City area.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Center for Justice Innovation, Syracuse Peacemaking Project, is seeking a full-time Peacemaking Associate who will work with youth and their parents/guardians who have been identified as at-risk for juvenile justice involvement or have been referred by the juvenile justice system, and other referral sources. Peacemaking is a timeless tradition that intentionally guides a person’s holistic development through life’s transitions using cultural learning for the discovery of their purpose and responsibility to build healthy and just communities. The Peacemaking Associate will provide youth with an increased opportunity to be personally empowered to develop, explore, and make choices about how to handle conflict and engage with other youth and adults through a framework of mutuality and collaboration.

The Peacemaking Associate will be responsible for managing program participants, completing intakes, facilitating partner and volunteer workshops, facilitating peacemaking (restorative) circles and program events. This Position will report to the Restorative Justice Coordinator.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Coordinate volunteers, participants, and community support people to participate in various restorative justice events, workshops, and trainings;
• Facilitate peacemaking circles in schools, detention facilities, and community organizations;
• Maintain participant intake and data tracking;
• Schedule and facilitate monthly volunteer trainings/workshops;
• Complete and submit quarterly program reports;
• Develop and maintain relationships with youth participants, community organizations, faith leaders, and neighborhood groups;
• Attend both in-person and virtual check-ins and staff meetings; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: The ideal candidate will have an associate degree or a minimum of 5 years in a related area, preferably as a human services practitioner, or exceptional life experiences that qualify them for the position. Candidate must be a skilled communicator, able to work in a multi-disciplinary setting, and maintain strong relationships with multiple agencies and organizations both onsite and in the community. Intensive training will be provided, but familiarity with restorative justice principles is strongly encouraged. The preferred candidate has both the experience and the temperament to work with adolescents and parents, and to develop meaningful relationships with people from all walks of life. Spanish language skills are a plus.

Training Requirements: Peacemaking Associate will go through a 16 hour Peacemaker Training, mandated reporter training, and various other direct services trainings.

Position Type: Full-time, some evening work will be required.

Position Location: Syracuse, NY

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $25.58 to $29.23 per hour based on a 35-hour work week and is commensurate with experience. This position is eligible for overtime at 1.5x the hourly rate above 40 hours per week. The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. 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. The Center does not discriminate on the basis of 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 seek applications from women, people of color, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities as well as individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system.

As of February 10, 2023, New York City Executive Order 25 rescinded the requirement of the COVID-19 vaccination for City workers, new hires, and contracted employees. Accordingly, the Center does not require all new hires be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus; however, the Center recommends all staff, interns, and volunteers stay up-to-date on the vaccination.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete an employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls or emails please.

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