ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Youth Justice Network (formerly known as Friends of Island Academy) was founded in 1990

on the school floors of Rikers Island to anchor, support and develop capacity among young

people newly released from jail in New York City. Our mission is to break cycles of

incarceration and build an equitable justice system by providing young people with

individualized advocacy, mentorship, and opportunities to grow, thrive, and lead. Youth

Justice Network builds on connections developed with young people whose lives have

intersected with the justice system, and leverages those relationships to provide neighborhood-based supportive services. Young people become members of Youth Justice Network for the

long-term and develop personal milestones and goals in the arenas of health and well-being,

education, employment, youth leadership and community participation.

Position Description and Responsibilities:

• Meet with parents and youth who require assistance navigating various systems (e.g.

mental health, Department of Education, community-based service providers) initially at

the designated Manhattan locations. Based on discussion with families in need of

assistance, the role of the parent coach would be added to the client’s DOP Individual

Action Plan (IAP);

• Work closely with the DOP Branch Directors, Supervising Probation Officers (SPO),

Probation Officers (PO), and Customized Assistance Unit staff to help DOP identify

general trends in the needs of parents/caregivers being served and help the

parents/caregivers as appropriate;

• Be available to provide support to parents/caregivers who need it during Probation

weekday business hours.

Qualifications

• Candidate must have the characteristics necessary to best support families who have

children involved with the Family Court system, including: non-judgmental listening,

empathy, cultural and linguistic competence, respect, boundary-setting and a belief in the

resilience and strengths of youth and families;

• Must have the ability and communication skills to liaise and interact professionally with

multiple system and non-system stakeholders, including Probation Officers, Family Court

personnel, education and mental health providers, community and neighborhood service

representatives;

• Must have an understanding in and willingness to learn more about the juvenile justice

process and the systems that intersect with it (child welfare, mental health, education)

• Must be available and willing to work three full days per week (9 to 5) at the Manhattan

Family Court building (four full days for the first month), and have the flexibility to work ‘on call’ one evening per week

and one weekend per month;

• Personal experience with a child’s involvement in juvenile justice process;

• Willingness to accommodate parent/guardian schedules for phone and personal contact

purposes;

• Bi-lingual.

Salary Range: 48-53k

For purposes of internal equity, we are unable to go outside of the salary range posted.

To apply, please send a thoughtful cover letter and resume to careers@youthjustice.org.