Court Operations Specialist, Alternatives to Incarceration

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 

Brooklyn Justice Initiatives (BJI) a program of the Center for Justice Innovation, offers people an opportunity to change the direction of their lives. The program transforms how people navigate the legal process of criminal court in Brooklyn, NY, and helps them avoid the harmful effects of incarceration. It provides meaningful early diversion, supervised release for people awaiting trial, and alternative sentencing options.  

BJI is seeking a Court Operations Specialist to serve as a court navigator and liaison for all diversion programming. Reporting to the Manager of Court Operations and Compliance, the Court Operations Specialist will facilitate the referral process by reviewing available information for each potential participant to assess suitability for program placement and curriculum alignment. 

Once participants are enrolled, the Court Operations Specialist is responsible for providing timely written and verbal compliance updates to all court stakeholders within Kings County Criminal and Supreme Court, including defense attorneys, Assistant District Attorneys, judges, clerks, and other court staff. 

The Court Operations Specialist will provide coverage across both courthouses, including arraignments and specialized court initiatives, and will conduct screenings, coordinate referrals, and troubleshoot issues related to participant engagement and compliance. This role also supports broader Brooklyn Justice Initiatives (BJI) operations by assisting with compliance-related inquiries, audits, and data collection and entry. 

In addition, the Court Operations Specialist will ensure programmatic deliverables are met, maintain the accuracy and integrity of internal data systems, and execute quality assurance practices across BJI programming. The role requires regular communication of internal findings and participant updates to court stakeholders, as well as collaboration with internal teams to strengthen service delivery and operational effectiveness. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Stakeholder & Participant Engagement:

• Serve as a liaison across arraignment, all-purpose, treatment, and trial court parts within Kings County Criminal and Supreme Court to assess eligibility for diversion programming;  
• Communicate regularly with judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, clerks, and other court staff regarding participant eligibility, program placement, and case status;  
• Partner with defense attorneys and Assistant District Attorneys to identify individuals appropriate for diversion, facilitate the referral process, and support placement into Alternatives to Incarceration programs;  
• Execute crisis intervention protocols to ensure participant safety and facilitate connection to appropriate services;  
• Establish and maintain relationships with on-site and community-based social service providers to support participant referrals and engagement; and
• Collaborate with a broad range of criminal justice, city government, and community partners to support coordinated service delivery.

Compliance, Data Collection & Reporting:

• Conduct routine audits of Brooklyn Justice Initiatives (BJI) programs to ensure the accuracy and completeness of data entry, identify and flag discrepancies, and work collaboratively with the Clinical Department to resolve issues and maintain overall data integrity and compliance; 
• Track and monitor participant progress, ensuring accurate documentation of mandates, services, and outcomes;  
• Provide timely written and verbal case updates to the court and stakeholders, including compliance, non-compliance, and rearrest reporting;  
• Prepare daily and weekly compliance memorandums detailing participant mandates, upcoming court dates, and case outcomes;  
• Coordinate with court staff and internal teams to ensure accurate communication of participant compliance, eligibility, and case status;  
• Maintain accurate participant records in electronic databases, including data entry, mandate tracking, and court outcome documentation; and
• Support participants engaged in multiple BJI programs, including coordination across Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) and other initiatives.

Program Operations & Quality Improvement:

• Assist in the development, implementation, and refinement of program protocols, initiatives, and interventions;  
• Support staff training initiatives, including onboarding and reinforcement of compliance and reporting standards; 
• Partner with the Center for Justice Innovation’s Data Analytics & Applied Research team to strengthen quality assurance and data integrity; 
• Review and analyze internal trends to inform program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts; 
• Collaborate with Supervised Release and other program staff on cross-program coordination and operations; 
• Participate in all required staff meetings, trainings, and project events, including those outside standard business hours as needed; 
• Support the piloting of new diversion initiatives, as needed; and
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of one year in a related area, preferably as a criminal justice practitioner or 3-4 years' experience in the criminal justice field as an equivalency;  
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite, Google Suites, and Outlook, and able to use Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack;  
• Professional demeanor and ability to communicate appropriately with judges and other court personnel;   
• Highly organized, exceptional attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and strong writing ability with the capacity to be detail-oriented within a fast-paced, dynamic environment;  
• Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds in a culturally competent manner;    
• Knowledge of courthouse operations and legal proceedings/terminology is preferred; and;  
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred, not required. 

Position Type: Full-time, in person, working Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm, working evenings and nights as needed.  

Position Location: Brooklyn, NY.  

Compensation:  The compensation range for this position is $53,500 - $68,800 and is commensurate with experience.  

Benefits: 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 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.

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.

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.