Community Navigator

About 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:

• Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
• Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn't;
• 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.

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.

• 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.

A high school diploma and at least 2 years of relevant experience is required. Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or Recovery Coach certificate is 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…