Operational Risk Specialist

Justice Resource Institute Inc; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bilingual bonus

License reimbursement

Medical benefits

401K matching

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Job summary

Justice Resource Institute (JRI) in Massachusetts is seeking an Operational Risk Specialist to lead investigations, risk mitigation, and treatment-based operations across programs. You will partner with senior leaders and external partners to support organizational objectives while upholding JRI's mission and values.

The role emphasizes strategic thinking, confidentiality, and ethical judgment, with collaboration across departments to strengthen safety and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychiatry, business, finance or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in the relevant industry with leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of investigations, operations, risk management, and policy compliance.
• Experience handling confidential data and working with senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support for investigations, operations, and risk mitigation aligned with JRI goals.
• Lead internal and external investigations into policy and regulatory violations.
• Ensure integrity, confidentiality, and regulatory compliance in all actions.
• Help implement comprehensive organizational risk mitigation programs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership and HR, GC, and site leaders to support investigations and safety strategies.
• Refine operational processes to improve timeliness, efficiency, and compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Investigations

Risk management

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, psychiatry, business, finance, or related field

Tools

Excel

Job description

Justice Resource Institute (JRI), a leader in social justice with over 100 programs meeting the needs of underserved individuals and families throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, has a rare opportunity for a Operational Risk Specialist.

As a key member of our team, the Operational Risk Specialist will act as a dynamic leader, bringing exceptional experience and expertise in treatment-based operations, organizational investigations, and risk mitigation.

The Operational Risk Specialist will have the ability to communicate and collaborate efficiently with senior leaders, legal teams, and essential stakeholders, both inside the organization and with external partners connected to JRI.

If you’re passionate about making a meaningful impact in the lives of others while navigating the landscape of investigations, operations, and risk mitigation, this is your opportunity to thrive in an empowering, mission-driven environment.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 5:00 PM

Compensation

The pay range for this position is $75,000 to $80,000 per year. The listed range reflects what we reasonably and in good faith expect to pay for this role at the time of posting the position. The actual compensation an employee is offered may vary based on several factors such as experience, education, licensure, certifications and qualifications. This range may be modified in the future.

In this role, you will:

• Provide direct support for the organization’s investigative activities, operational functions, and risk mitigation strategies. Ensure that these efforts align with the JRI Mission, Vision, and Core Values, while also adhering to strategic objectives and relevant policy and regulatory standards.
• Engage in the execution of both internal and external investigations related to report treatment-based policy and regulatory violations, as well as incidents involving violations of JRI policies.
• Ensure that all investigations are conducted with the utmost integrity and confidentiality, while adhering to relevant JRI policies, licensing requirements, and the legal regulations of the state in which the investigation is taking place.
• Actively engage in and assist with the implementation of JRI’s comprehensive organizational risk mitigation strategies and programs.
• Work in partnership with senior leadership, human resource leaders, general counsel, divisional and site leaders, and various other departments to support the organization's investigative and operational requirements. Additionally, focus on establishing strategies for mitigating safety risks within the organization.
• Assess and assist in recognizing and refining current operational processes and systems to enhance the timeliness, efficiency, and effectiveness of compliance across all identified activities.

Why JRI?

• Be who you are! JRI is committed to creating a workplace built on respect, collaboration, and opportunity, where every employee is valued and supported in making a meaningful impact.
• We offer a $2,000 bilingual bonus to new hires who speak a second language fluently, other than English, and will use it to serve our clients!
• Reimbursement is available for employees to cover the registration costs and annual fees for any professional license required for work such as LMHC, LCSW, LICSW, RN and more!
• Access to our excellent Blue Cross medical and Delta Dental benefits.
• Retirement benefits including 401K matched up to $800 a year and pension after 5 years of employment.
• Professional development opportunities such as tuition reimbursement up to almost $4000 per year and discounted tuition rates to select partnership colleges and universities!
• Wellness benefits including access to employee engagement groups, self-care resources, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Generous paid time off up to 19 days for full time employees in your first year and much more!

Requirements:

• Must be 21 years of age.
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychiatry, business, finance, or related field (Master’s strongly degree preferred).
• At least 8 years of experience in the relevant industry, including a minimum of 5 years in a leadership or senior management position.
• Background in investigations, operations, risk management, or a similar field.
• Strong knowledge of relevant industry laws, regulations, and policies in MA, CT, and RI.
• Knowledge of the needs of the population served; understanding of the range of interventions and treatment required by this population.
• Familiarity with best practices in risk management, operations, and investigations.
• Demonstrated experience in managing complex investigations, culture assessments, regulatory audits, and risk assessments.
• Ability to think strategically and deliver unbiased, clear, and actionable advice to senior management and site leadership.
• Exceptional writing, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong ethical judgment and the capacity to work independently while managing confidential and sensitive information.
• Proficient understanding and practical use of Excel and other data collection platforms.
• Background checks and driving record assessments will be conducted.

At JRI, we are committed to fostering a workplace where every team member feels valued and respected. We believe that a culture built on mutual respect, collaboration, and opportunity allows our staff to thrive and do their best work. By supporting one another and recognizing each person's contributions, we create an environment where people can grow, develop their skills, and make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. JRI is an equal opportunity employer.