Community Navigator

Center for Justice Innovation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 52,000 - 60,700; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive healthcare

403(b) retirement plan

Mental health services

Job summary

The Center for Justice Innovation is seeking a full-time Community Navigator for the Community First program in Midtown Manhattan. The role involves engaging with community members experiencing homelessness and assisting them in accessing vital social services and mental health support.

This position requires a high school diploma, at least two years of experience, and a commitment to working collaboratively with diverse populations. Ideal candidates are bilingual in English-Spanish and have a passion for community service.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience with diverse populations, particularly those with a history of substance abuse and/or mental illness.
• Comfortable using lived experience as a role model.

Responsibilities

• Conduct community outreach in Midtown Manhattan.
• Assist individuals facing homelessness and housing insecurity.
• Facilitate connections to social services and resources.

Skills

Community outreach

Building relationships

Crisis intervention

Bilingual (English-Spanish)

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Job description

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

Midtown Community Justice Center seeks a Community Navigator for the Community First program. The aim of Community First is to create an upstream diversion from arrest and justice system involvement by building supportive relationships with people in need of services and creating linkages to mental health services, housing support, substance use services, and other kinds of social services as needed. Community First is a partnership between Midtown Community Justice Center, Breaking Ground, Fountain House, Times Square Alliance, Housing Works, and Ryan Health.

Reporting to the Clinical Director, the Community Navigator will be tasked with engaging community members frequenting the Times Square and Midtown Manhattan area who are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness and often have co‑occurring behavioral health challenges. In keeping with the Community First model, the Navigator will build trusting relationships with those individuals, and facilitate linkages to social services and other community‑based resources. The Community Navigator will also work with clients of MCJC’s onsite programs, including court‑based and diversion programs, who are unstably housed. Community Navigators are peers who share some lived experience with clients and use their own experience in establishing trusted relationships.

Responsibilities

• Perform community outreach in the Times Square area and broader Midtown community;
• Identify and build relationships with individuals who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, substance use disorders, mental health crises, or in need of other supportive services in the Midtown area;
• Work with a diverse population in a mutually respectful manner, using a strengths‑based and client‑centered approach;
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of local resources for health and wellness as well as public benefits;
• Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses that can provide additional support (e.g., employment opportunities, access to bathrooms, access to free food and supplies);
• Provide clients with support and linkages to programs and opportunities in the community (e.g., benefits, job programs, health, housing, and treatment services);
• Provide mobile case management and accompany clients to appointments and external service providers;
• Provide peer support and case management to court‑involved clients struggling with housing insecurity or other behavioral health challenges;
• Know how to properly administer Naloxone and train community members how to use harm reduction tools including Naloxone and drug test strips;
• Adhere to policies and procedures of the Community First program and Midtown Community Justice Center;
• Accurately and efficiently document client interactions and assigned tasks;
• Contribute to data collection, documenting case management efforts and adding to the monthly report due to stakeholders;
• Communicate effectively, and in a timely manner, with Midtown staff to provide client updates;
• Attend weekly supervision, trainings, and staff meetings, and keep supervisor informed of all work‑related activities;
• Participate in community engagement projects, meetings, and events, including during evenings and weekends, as needed;
• Support Midtown Community Justice Center's initiatives more broadly, as needed; and
• Additional relevant tasks, as needed.

Qualifications

A high school diploma and at least 2 years of relevant experience is required. Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or Recovery Coach certificate a plus. Candidates must have experience working with a diverse population, including individuals with a history of substance abuse and/or mental illness, using a strengths‑based and trauma‑informed approach. Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred. Additional qualifications include:

• Use lived experience and be comfortable serving as a role model to connect with clients and support them in their goals;
• Individuals who are formerly incarcerated, live with a mental health diagnosis, have experienced housing insecurity, and/or have experience with substance use treatment and recovery are particularly invited to apply;
• Able to walk 30 blocks or more on a regular basis;
• Knowledge of community-based resources throughout New York City, especially Midtown Manhattan;
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of harm reduction;
• Ability to motivate clients in a courteous, empathic, and professional manner;
• Commitment to working as part of a collaborative team to ensure coordination of care for participants;
• Strong communication skills to convey information clearly, accurately, and completely;
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor when handling difficult contacts;
• Experience using Microsoft Office and Google Suite programs such as Outlook and Gmail (email), Slack, and case management systems;
• Strong work ethic, particularly in a team setting; and
• Commitment to creating, promoting, and maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and anti‑racist work environment.

Position Type

Full‑time

Position Location

Midtown Manhattan

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $28.57 - $33.35 per hour, annually equivalent to $52,000 - $60,700 based on a 35‑hour work week and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network after 90 days of employment. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We also offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.

Visa Status

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.

Hiring Process

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.