Director of Court Operations and Program Administration

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency (CJA) is a not-for-profit service and research organization that operates in partnership with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice. CJA is the City’s main pretrial services agency, combining operations, pilot projects, and research under one roof. CJA utilizes procedural justice practices to provide pretrial services to over 200,000 persons arrested annually in New York City. Information collected about these arrestees and subsequent case processing is maintained in the agency’s internal and externally shared database systems, which are used to conduct descriptive and evaluation research on arrestee characteristics, case processing and court outcomes, and on issues and potential reforms to criminal justice policy in New York City. CJA’s programs operate in the criminal courts and detention facilities 24 hours a day seven days a week within the 5 boroughs of NYC, employing over 280 employees, citywide.

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PROGRAM SUMMARY

The Queens Supervised Release Program is the first program launched by the City of New York’s Supervised Release Initiative in 2009 and is the model for which Supervised Release Programs have evolved citywide. The program operates seven days a week, during both the day and night, in Queens Criminal Court and serves individuals of all ages who are charged with felonies and misdemeanors, and who present a substantial likelihood of detention but are at risk of failing to appear in court if released on recognizance. It provides pretrial supervision and voluntary social service referrals to a wide array of community-based organizations which offer services including job training, employment, drug treatment, and mental health counseling. Participants remain in the community and are monitored to ensure court appearance with the goal of successful reconnection to their community. Clients are required to maintain face-to-face and/or telephone contact with a case manager, attend all court appearances, and avoid re-arrest.

POSITION SUMMARY

Working closely with and reporting directly to the Executive Director of Supervised Release, the Director of Court Operations and Program Administration will possess a comprehensive understanding of court processes and procedures as their primary responsibilities will include establishing strong relationships with court partners and overseeing the program’s day-to-day operations, including the review of court policies, standard operating procedures, and reporting functions.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Direction:

• Oversee the development, implementation, quality assurance, and data reporting of all Supervised Release initiatives and pilots, including but not limited to, the Intensive Case Management program
• Responsible for developing and maintaining court-related training resources and policy refreshers for staff
• Ability to plan for the future and help to create a vision and guide the program’s work towards innovative goals

Personnel Management:

• Directly supervise the Manager of Court Operations (MCO) and the Manager of Program Administration (MPA)
• Support the oversight of all Supervising Court Representatives, Court Representatives and all Program Analysts
• Supervise staff development and capacity building processes
• Support the MCO and the MPA in maintaining a comprehensive team schedule
• Collaborate with both the MCO and the MPA to ensure a positive work environment and develop team building initiatives

Policy Implementation and Building/Maintaining Partnerships:

• Ensure all reporting staff understand CJA-QSR policy and procedures
• Host monthly policy refreshers for all program staff to review court-related policies
• Review and approve graduated responses, according to the program’s eligibility criteria
• Address all inquiries related the implementation and reporting of Mandatory Programming
• Review all inquiries related to possible of violations of orders of protections and submit court reports on the same as needed
• Oversee all policies, procedures, and inquiries related to program non-compliance
• Oversee staff communication regarding participants with defense attorneys, and other court personnel, until transfer or completion of reporting responsibilities
• Support the oversight of the arraignment screening process, and maintain frequent collaboration with the MCO and MPA, which includes being available to clarify criteria, and exercise discretion regarding client selection and/or client reporting where appropriate and necessary
• Appear in court and on the record, as necessary, regarding clients' compliance or non-compliance with program conditions
• Familiarize the court, prosecution, defense and other stakeholders with the program's protocols and procedures, and maintain ongoing relationships with all relevant court players
• Oversee tasks assigned to the MCO and/or the MPA, in their absence, including but not limited to the daily oversight of court procedures, court reporting, timekeeping, attending meetings with stakeholders, etc.

Data Management & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the Manager of Program Administration to ensure the accuracy and submission of all court reports, including answer all questions related to program’s protocols, client’s compliance status, and determine information that is allowable to be shared with the Court
• Collaborate with Manager of Program Administration in submitting monthly reports on various program key performance indicators, including but not limited to exit reasons, successful completion statuses, non-compliance rates, rearrest rates, FTA rates.
• Gather and report bi-weekly data on program enrollments, tier/level distribution, IPV numbers, and other relevant key performance indicators to the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice during bi-weekly provider meetings
• Work closely with the Manager of Program Administration on all efforts ensuring the accurate data entry and reporting of court-related data
• Work closely with the agency’s IT department on the continued development and maintenance of the program’s case management system

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum requirement: Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of supervisory experience leading a team with various skills and functions.
• Familiarity with Alternative to Detention (ATD), Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) or other advocacy program models
• Strong knowledge of New York Criminal and Supreme Court processes
• Familiarity with recent 2020 NYS bail reform statutes
• Excellent staff supervision and leadership skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience in mediating interpersonal conflict and mediating concerns
• Demonstrated excellence in time management and organization
• Ability to exercise sound and quick judgement
• Computer proficiency with the ability to quickly adapt to changing technology
• Ability to effectively navigate and use Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Outlook
• Proficient in the use of video technology to virtually appear in court as needed
• Must be detailed-oriented, thorough and accurate in the completion of paperwork
• Willingness to work evening, weekend, and holiday hours is required in the absence of the Manager of Court Operations, as the program operates 7 days per week, 365 days a year.

Note: The successful hire must be willing to assume responsibilities that are both on-site and remote; this includes access to your own personal computer, laptop or tablet, and internet, until company devices can be issued.

SALARY: up to $131,350

Note: Only those candidates being considered will be contacted.

CJA VALUES

Each employee at CJA is guided by these values in our work:

• Commitment: We are committed to being active partners in criminal justice reform through initiatives and creative problem-solving that evaluates different methods and strategies for alternatives to detention.
• Fairness: We are guided by fairness and the presumption of innocence for those who are detained and work with integrity and without bias to protect the privacy and interest of court-involved people and their families.
• Innovation: We value curiosity as a driving force to lead the way in pretrial services. We use innovative techniques in research, pilot programs, and engaging justice-involved communities to execute our mission of reducing unnecessary pretrial detention.

BENEFITS: CJA offers a very generous benefit plan including health, dental and vision insurance, a comprehensive mental health, and wellness, Employee Assistance Program (EAP) plan, four weeks’ vacation, paid holidays, and a retirement plan with employer matching contributions. CJA is also strongly committed to professional learning and development for its staff members and offers staff varied opportunities for learning and development through partnerships and vendor services for web based, in-person professional development training, as well as in-house job training and development.

Note: Only those candidates being considered will be contacted.

CJA is seeking applicants who pursue professional development pathways by participating in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining professional networks, and engaging with professional associations

The New York City Criminal Justice Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer

CJA is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.