Vera

The Vera Institute of Justice is an independent nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera is dedicated to making government polices and practices fairer, more humane, and more efficient. Adolescent Portable Therapy (APT), a project of the Vera Institute, is a family-based mental health and substance abuse counseling program for adolescents and families who are involved with one or more government system, such as the New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS), New York City Administration of Children’s Services (ACS), and New York City Department of Probation. APT provides therapy services for youth in detention facilities and in the homes of our clients. By offering family counseling services, APT’s objective is to reduce substance abuse and mental health symptoms and to help empower families to engage more effectively with various government systems.

Responsibilities
The intake interviewer will be responsible for the following:

• traveling to various neighborhoods in New York City to conduct structured interviews with adolescents ages 10 to 18 to determine eligibility for the APT program. Intake interviewers conduct interviews in the offices of the New York City Department of Probation, ACS, and in OCFS facilities, but most frequently in clients’ homes;
• completing enrollment documents with clients for their participation in APT counseling;
• interacting with staff of government agencies to facilitate referrals and intakes; and
• synthesizing information from initial screenings, consents, and interviews, and presenting it to the clinical director and other APT program staff.

• Bachelor’s degree
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Cross-cultural experience and Spanish fluency preferred

Position contingent upon clearance by the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.

Pay
Low $30s and excellent benefits.

Contact
Please mail, fax, or e-mail cover letter and resume to (no phone calls please):
APT Clinical Director / Intake Interviewer Recruitment
Vera Institute of Justice / Adolescent Portable Therapy (APT)
80 Broad Street, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10004
e-mail: job.apt.intake1008@vera.org
Fax:(212) 634-4333

The Vera Institute of Justice is an independent nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera is dedicated to making government polices and practices fairer, more humane, and more efficient. Adolescent Portable Therapy (APT), a project of the Vera Institute, is a family-based mental health and substance abuse counseling program for adolescents and families who are involved with one or more government system, such as the New York State Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS), New York City Administration of Children’s Services (ACS), and New York City Department of Probation.

APT provides therapy services for youth in detention facilities and in the homes of our clients. By offering family counseling services, APT’s objective is to reduce substance abuse and mental health symptoms and to help empower families to engage more effectively with various government systems.

Responsibilities

• traveling to various neighborhoods in New York City to conduct structured interviews with adolescents ages 10 to 18 to determine eligibility for the APT program based on clinical and other eligibility guidelines. Intake interviewers conduct interviews in the offices of the New York City Department of Probation, ACS, and in OCFS secure detention facilities;
• completing enrollment documents with clients for their participation in APT counseling;
• developing thorough knowledge of APT and its operations in order to effectively recruit clients;
• interacting with staff of government agencies to facilitate referrals and intakes; and
• synthesizing information from initial screenings, consents, and interviews, and presenting it to the clinical director and other APT program staff.
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s candidates will be considered—must be currently enrolled in school
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Cross-cultural experience and Spanish fluency preferred

Position contingent upon clearance by the New York Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment.

Hours
Intake operates Monday through Friday, primarily during business hours. We offer flexibility in scheduling, although the position will be a minimum of 10 hours per week, not to exceed 20 hours a week.

This is an unpaid internship for the fall or spring semester, or academic year (ideally for academic credit).

Contact
Please mail, fax, or e-mail cover letter and resume to (no phone calls please):
Intake Department / Intern Recruitment
Vera Institute of Justice / Adolescent Portable Therapy (APT)
80 Broad Street 20th Floor
New York, NY 10004
e-mail: intern.aptintake.0908@vera.org
Fax:(212) 634-4333

The Vera Institute of Justice is an independent nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research,  demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera is dedicated to making government polices and practices fairer, more humane, and more efficient. Adolescent Portable Therapy (APT) is an innovative substance abuse and mental health treatment program for juvenile justice and child welfare involved adolescents and their families that was created by Vera and is now in its sixth year of operation.

The program addresses substance abuse and mental health problems using a family-centered, strengths-based approach to treatment, combining elements of cognitive behavioral and family therapy. APT works closely with the multiple government systems involved with adolescents in order to ensure continuity of care. The goal is to empower families in making transitions across levels of service or away from systemic intervention altogether. APT currently seeks therapists to conduct home-based sessions with families of youth involved with the juvenile justice and child welfare systems who are identified as needing drug and mental health treatment.

Responsibilities

Therapists conduct intensive family and individual therapy sessions focused on substance use and family functioning. In some cases sessions will be conducted in Spanish, according to the family’s needs. These sessions take place in detention and in the community, not in the APT office. Some APT therapists will work with adolescents detained on Rikers Island. Therapists employ a treatment model developed at APT based on research and best practices. This model emphasizes the family and youth's active role in treatment, building on their abilities and goals, in order to keep youth in the community, in school, and free from drug dependence. They also provide crisis intervention and intensive case management, including formulating treatment plans and routinely maintaining and entering detailed case notes into a database for case management and research purposes. Therapists also collaborate with various agencies regarding service delivery to individual participants and advocate for families facing service delivery problems with schools, foster care, and the courts. Therapists receive close supervision and training in family work. Therapists must be flexible and resourceful.

Qualifications

• Master’s in social work, counseling, psychology, or related field
• Interest in and commitment to family therapy necessary
• Experience working in an urban setting providing substance abuse, health, mental health, or counseling services to families and adolescents preferred
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred, as is ability to work with a culturally diverse population
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Frequent travel in and around the greater New York City area required

Salary

Contact

APT Clinical Director / Therapist Recruitment
Vera Institute of Justice / Adolescent Portable Therapy (APT)
80 Broad Street, 20th Floor
New York, NY 10004
e-mail: job.apt.therapist08@vera.org
Fax:(212) 634-4333

The Vera Institute of Justice is an independent nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera’s Center on Sentencing and Corrections helps state legislators, judges, corrections commissioners, attorneys general, and other officials deal with the substantive needs and political realities that often make sentencing and corrections reform difficult to achieve. By providing an integrated mix of research, technical assistance, and planning services, the center is uniquely positioned to enhance decision making, improve processes, and support system reforms that impact adult sentencing and corrections policy.

The Center on Sentencing and Corrections seeks an enthusiastic and motivated person to work as a research analyst on various projects.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the research analyst will include

• conducting descriptive data analyses;
• assisting in the design of functional data collection instruments and surveys;
• working with our government partners to diagnose data capacity;
• conducting policy research;
• conducting qualitative interviews to understand how adult sentencing and corrections systems function; and
• examining changes in state- and local-level criminal justice policies and assisting technical assistance providers by summarizing national and state trends in policies and criminal justice statistics.

Qualifications

• one to three years research experience,
• experience in data analysis using SPSS,
• experience in designing and conducting statistical analyses,
• familiarity with or interest in performance measurement, public policy, and applied research,
• experience with database development and management, and
• excellent writing and communication skills.

• experience working with Lexis-Nexis or Westlaw and reviewing legal documents
• experience in developing, conducting, and analyzing focus groups, interviews, and surveys

Salary

Number of Hours per week

Contact

Hester Lyons/Research Analyst
Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10279
fax: (212) 941-9407
e-mail: job.CSC.resanalyst0908@vera.org            

The Vera Institute of Justice combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. The department of planning and government innovation develops and plans the implementation of innovations in the justice system in the form of demonstration projects.

Responsibilities

The Vera Institute of Justice is seeking a capable, flexible, enthusiastic and organized person with a strong interest in criminal justice policy and innovation. The intern will work with the planning assistant and with the director of planning and government innovation. Tasks will include

• researching, writing, and file organizing to support internal capacity,
• conducting research to support a new restorative justice project,
• coordinating a symposium of academics on innovating in the justice system,
• assisting in grant and memo writing, taking meeting minutes, and researching, and
• helping develop concepts for new innovations in the justice system.

Schedule

Qualifications

Candidates should be juniors or seniors in college in New York City and creative thinkers able to work effectively in a range of situations. Effective interpersonal, organizational, and writing skills are essential. computer and word processing skills required.

Contact

Lizzie Elston/Planning Internship
Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10279
FAX:  (212) 941-9407
e-mail:  intern.planning.fall08@vera.org

Common Justice is the newest demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice. The project is a restorative justice-based alternative to incarceration and victim service program for serious and/or violent felony cases such as assault, burglary, and robbery. The project will bring 16- to 24-year-olds responsible for crimes together with those they have harmed and their support people in a facilitated dialogue to determine appropriate sanctions to take the place of a prison sentence. The project will engage and prepare all parties, convene the dialogues, and provide supervision and support to both those harmed and those responsible for crime. It aims to meet the needs of people harmed by crime, prevent further violence, and improve satisfaction with the justice system

The Vera Institute of Justice is an independent, nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera is dedicated to making government polices and practices fairer, more humane, and more efficient.

Responsibilities

The project coordinator will help manage the day-to-day operations of the project, including but not limited to

• conducting research and literature reviews,
• preparing grant reports and proposals,
• researching funding opportunities,
• managing data and designing data tracking systems,
• tracking program outcomes,
• invoicing and helping to manage budgets,
• researching and reaching out to potential partner organizations,
• representing Common Justice at meetings and conferences,
• attending trainings in the field,
• developing brochures and other program materials,
• supporting program staff in their work with participants,
• managing the administrative needs of the project, and
• contributing to the development of the model.

Qualifications

• excellent written and oral communication skills
• exceptional organizational abilities and attention to detail
• experience working in the nonprofit sector (two years or more preferred)
• experience managing and analyzing data and program outcomes
• proficiency in MS Excel and Access and comfort using web-based databases
• strong work ethic with the ability to work individually as well as part of a team
• flexibility and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
• experience conducting research and literature reviews
• college degree preferred
• bilingual skills (especially English/Spanish) strongly preferred
• formerly incarcerated people strongly encouraged to apply
• serious commitment to social justice required

Salary

Contact

Project Director, Common Justice
c/o Blue Ridge Foundation
150 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Email:  job.coordinator.common@vera.org

Common Justice is the newest demonstration project of the Vera Institute of Justice. The project is a restorative justice-based alternative to incarceration and victim service program for serious and/or violent felony cases such as assault, burglary, and robbery. The project will bring 16- to 24-year-olds responsible for crimes together with those they have harmed and their support people in a facilitated dialogue to determine appropriate sanctions to take the place of a prison sentence. The project will engage and prepare all parties, convene the dialogues, and provide supervision and support to both those harmed and those responsible for crime. It aims to meet the needs of people harmed by crime, prevent further violence, and improve satisfaction with the justice system

The Vera Institute of Justice is an independent, nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera is dedicated to making government polices and practices fairer, more humane, and more efficient.

Responsibilities

The project seeks an enthusiastic person with excellent people skills to work with the director in developing and implementing the model for this new demonstration project. The manager will be responsible for

• serving as a liaison to the courts
• conducting intakes and assessments with potential participants (both harmed and responsible parties),
• conducting preparatory sessions with participants before the conferences,
• supervising responsible parties as they complete their agreements,
• connecting harmed parties to appropriate services and support,
• managing attendance and compliance information and submitting accurate reports,
• facilitating violence intervention groups,
• designing or contributing to the design of preparatory and violence intervention curricula,
• contributing content to reports to funders,
• building and maintaining relationships with partner organizations, and
• contributing to the development of the program model and tools.

Qualifications

• Three or more years experience working with system-involved youth and/or adults required
• Experience working with victims of crime/survivors of trauma highly desired
• Experience designing and implementing curricula strongly preferred
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent group facilitation skills highly desired
• Experience in conflict resolution and violence intervention highly desired
• Strong work ethic with the ability to work individually as well as part of a team
• Flexibility and ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• College or advanced degree (MSW or comparable field) preferred
• Bilingual skills (especially English/Spanish) strongly preferred
• Formerly incarcerated people strongly encouraged to apply
• Serious commitment to social justice required
  

Salary

Contact

Project Director, Common Justice
c/o Blue Ridge Foundation
150 Court Street, 2nd Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Email:  job.cs.common@vera.org

The Vera Institute of Justice, an independent nonprofit organization, combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the services people rely on for justice and safety.

The Research Department seeks a well-qualified senior research associate to coordinate and conduct an evaluation of a multi-faceted, multi-site statewide strategy for reducing violent crime incorporating three interrelated components: prevention, law enforcement, and reentry. The goals of the evaluation are to provide expert data-driven and evidence-based guidance and consultation to the state, to conduct a comprehensive process and outcome evaluation of the initiative, and to leave the statewide implementation team with a clear set of steps required to develop internal, sustainable evaluation capacity.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

• a PhD in sociology, criminology, criminal justice, psychology, public policy, or closely related discipline;
• knowledge of, and experience in, social science research, particularly in the areas of crime, public safety, criminal justice, and public policy;
• at least five years of research experience at the graduate-level or higher;
• experience in:
• developing and managing databases;
• conducting advanced data analysis using SPSS;
• designing and conducting advanced statistical analysis;
• writing research proposals and grants;
• developing and managing budgets for research grants and projects;
• working in applied research settings, particularly in criminal justice;
• designing and managing complex research projects;
  
• designing, conducting, and analyzing focus groups, interviews, and surveys; and
• collaborating with government officials, policymakers, and practitioners on research and policy work;
• familiarity with or interest in performance measurement and public policy analysis;
• Excellent presentation and writing skills;
• Excellent multi-tasking skills; and
• at least two years of experience managing project staff.
  

Salary

Contact

Hester Lyons
Director, Human Resources
Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10279
Fax: (212) 941-9407
E-mail: job.nj.senra08@vera.org

Vera’s Center on Youth Justice provides support to state and local governments interested in making their juvenile justice systems fairer, more just, and more efficient. By providing an integrated mix of technical assistance, research, and planning services, the Center on Youth Justice is uniquely positioned to enhance rational decision making in juvenile justice processes and support system reforms that deinstitutionalize court-involved youth, while advancing public safety.

Responsibilities

• planning events and organizing and coordinating major off-site, on-site, and multi-jurisdictional meetings;
• processing and tracking invoices and expenses;
• maintaining center databases;
• coordinating staff and consultant travel
• fielding external requests for information;
• updating and maintaining the center’s web site;
• conducting state-specific or juvenile justice related research;
• assisting in the writing and editing of publications for policymakers and other national audiences on juvenile justice issues;
• assisting in the development, research, and writing of program materials, including briefing and research memoranda;
• preparing substantive presentations on juvenile justice and other related issues; and
• assisting on other projects as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

Salary

Contact

Youth Justice Coordinator Search
Human Resources
Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10279
FAX: (212) 941-9407
Email: job.yjc.coordinator0908@vera.org

The Vera Institute of Justice combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera’s Center on Sentencing and Corrections (CSC) provides non-partisan support to state legislators, judges, corrections commissioners, and other officials who are seeking to reform their sentencing and corrections systems. CSC provides an integrated mix of research, technical assistance, and planning services to enhance decision making, improve processes, support system reforms, and develop cost-effective strategies for protecting public safety.

CSC seeks a well-qualified senior research associate to support several of its projects.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

• PhD in sociology, psychology, public policy, mental health, or closely related discipline;
• knowledge of, and experience in, social science research, particularly in the areas of corrections, criminal justice, and public policy;
• at least five years of research experience at the graduate-level or higher;
• experience in:
• developing and managing databases;
• conducting advanced data analysis using SPSS;
• designing and conducting advanced statistical analysis;
• writing research proposals and grants;
• developing and managing budgets for research grants and projects;
• working in applied research settings, particularly in criminal justice;
• designing and managing complex research projects;
• designing, conducting, and analyzing focus groups, interviews, and surveys;
• collaborating with government officials, policymakers, and practitioners on research and policy work;
• familiarity with or interest in performance measurement and public policy analysis;
• excellent multi-tasking skills; and
• at least two years of experience managing project staff.
  

Salary

Contact

Hester Lyons
Director, Human Resources
Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10279
FAX: (212) 941-9407
E-mail: job.csc.senior.ra08@vera.org

The Vera Institute of Justice combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the services people rely on for safety and justice. Vera’s Center on Sentencing and Corrections (CSC) provides non-partisan support to state legislators, judges, corrections commissioners, and other officials who are seeking to reform their sentencing and corrections systems. CSC provides an integrated mix of research, technical assistance, and planning services to enhance decision making, improve processes, support system reforms, and develop cost-effective strategies for protecting public safety.

Vera’s Center on Sentencing and Corrections seeks a well-qualified intern to support several of its projects.

Responsibilities

• research key issues in sentencing and corrections policy;
• prepare written briefing materials for staff and consultants;
• conduct telephone interviews and summarize results;
• perform administrative tasks as needed; and
• assist on other projects as assigned.
  

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree with some related experience in political science, criminal justice, sociology, law, government, or public policy
• A demonstrated interest in or knowledge of criminal justice, policy development, or government
• Demonstrated writing and analytical skills
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills
  

Contact

Hester Lyons/CSC Internship
Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10279
Fax: (212) 941-9407
E-mail: intern.csc.0908@vera.org
Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Vera Institute of Justice combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. With support from the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Vera is working with international partner organizations to design, develop, and test a set of empirical justice indicators. These will be used to assess and measure progress of the rule of law in diverse international settings, with a particular focus on conflict or post-conflict societies. As part of this project we will be field testing indicators in Haiti and Liberia. The project will culminate in the production of a list of indicators and accompanying implementation guide.

We are seeking a motivated, flexible, and highly organized person with excellent communication skills and experience working internationally on criminal justice projects or related topics to work as a project assistant

Responsibilities

• Serve as communications liaison with project stakeholders in Haiti (in French)
• Translate reports, memos, communication materials, and research materials (English and French)
  
• Travel overseas to assist with research, assessment, and training activities
• Assist with organization and coordination of project meetings, conferences, and workshops
• Assist with preparation of briefing binders and materials for meetings, conferences, and other events
• Perform other duties as required
• Willingness to travel overseas
  

Qualifications

• A bachelors degree (or equivalent)
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and French; Haitian Creole ideal
• 1-3 years of experience assisting in research and project/program management
• Strong organizational skills and the ability manage multiple tasks efficiently
• Strong understanding of sustainable development issues
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent team player
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Experience working on justice issues

Salary

Contact

The Vera Institute of Justice is a nonprofit organization that combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. The Substance Use and Mental Health Program is part of Vera’s Research Department. The program uses applied research to help government and community-based organizations reduce criminal justice involvement, increase access to treatment, and improve stability in the community for substance users and people with mental health problems. Staff conduct original research on the multiple needs of offenders and use evaluation methods to test new approaches to addressing the overlapping problems of substance use, mental illness, and criminal justice involvement.

Vera’s Substance Use and Mental Health Program has recently received funding to work in collaboration with the New York City Department of Correction (DOC) on the development of new methods for linking individuals leaving jail with supportive services in the community. The Comprehensive Transition Planning Project brings together a multi-disciplinary team of jail managers, corrections experts, experienced researchers, and academics to design and test a comprehensive set of methods for providing services to inmates leaving jail. We will pilot new methods in two New York City neighborhoods most affected by incarceration and use findings from the pilot to implement a new model for reentry planning across the jail.

We are seeking a motivated, self-managing person with a social service background and experience working in correctional settings or with criminal justice involved populations to join Vera’s multidisciplinary team as a project analyst. The analyst will spend most of his/her time based at the jail and will work closely with DOC staff to implement and test new models for providing reentry services. The ideal candidate will have a background in social work, program planning, public policy, and/or experience providing direct services. Skills in education and/or training design are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support Rikers Island jail staff to pilot newly developed screening tools and mechanisms.
• Provide training on new tools to jail staff.
• Act as a liaison with the research team based at Vera.
• Conduct screening and assessment interviews.
  

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in the social sciences, psychology, social work, public policy, or related fields
• A proven interest in policy development and innovation
• Experience designing and/or conducting trainings
• Experience working with criminal justice involved populations
• Ability to manage many different responsibilities and tasks
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
• Candidates should have an interest in government reform, reentry, and correctional issues. This position is ideal for individuals committed to improving government and the quality of services available to those leaving New York City’s jails.

Salary

Contact

The Vera Institute of Justice combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera’s Center on Youth Justice (CYJ) promotes the well being and safety of youth, families, and communities by working with government to make juvenile justice systems equitable and humane in policy and practice. CYJ combines research, planning, and technical assistance with substantive expertise in juvenile justice to inform and facilitate the work of policymakers and practitioners nationwide.

Responsibilities

• Devise and manage assistance to program clients, including intensive on-site assistance in the field
• Develop and maintain relationships with the center’s associates and clients
• Develop, research, and write program materials, including publications and briefing and research memoranda
• Manage and design multi-jurisdictional and national meetings and conferences on current issues in juvenile justice
• Represent the center in public speaking engagements and professional meetings
• Assist center leadership in grant writing and program development
• Assist on other projects as assigned

Qualifications

• A JD or graduate degree
• At least four years of work experience in a government, advocacy, or policy-related position
• Demonstrated knowledge of criminal or juvenile justice, child welfare, or related areas
• The ability to manage multiple projects effectively and efficiently
• A commitment to a collegial workplace
• Willingness to travel outside of New York City frequently

Salary

Contact

Subject: Senior Program Associate
Phone: (212) 941-9407

Center on Youth Justice
Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10279

The Vera Institute of Justice combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Researchers in the Center on Youth Justice collect and analyze data to diagnose problems and inequities in juvenile justice system delivery and to evaluate reforms to solve such problems. In addition, researchers evaluate Vera’s demonstration projects, which test innovative approaches to addressing specific gaps in the juvenile justice system. By providing an integrated mix of technical assistance, research, and planning services, the Center on Youth Justice is uniquely positioned to enhance rational decision making in juvenile justice processes and to support innovative system change for court involved youth.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the research associate will include working on all research planning and implementation; managing and analyzing computerized databases; constructing and preparing data collection instruments; recruiting and interviewing study subjects; conducting statistical analysis' and writing reports. Occasional travel outside of New York City is required.

Qualifications

• Three to five years research experience
• Experience in developing and managing databases
• Experience conducting data analysis using SPSS
• Experience in designing and conducting statistical analysis
• Experience in working in applied research settings, particularly in criminal justice
• Interest and experience in designing, conducting, and analyzing focus groups, interviews, and surveys
• Familiarity with or interest in performance measurement and public policy analysis
• Experience working with government partners
• Excellent presentation and writing skills

Salary

Contact

Subject: Research Associate
Phone: (212) 941-9407

Center on Youth Justice
Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10279

The Vera Institute of Justice is a private, non-profit organization that combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera is dedicated to making government polices and practices more fair, humane, and efficient. The Guardianship Project is an innovative demonstration project established to provide model guardianship services to people adjudicated incapacitated by the courts. The agency serves a culturally diverse population in Manhattan and Brooklyn. We employ a range of professionals including social workers, lawyers, investigators, and financial managers who work as a team to provide efficient and effective service and advocacy.

Responsibilities

Case Managers work closely with a team of trained professionals. They provide a variety of client services, including assessing the needs of clients, making medical decisions, communicating with families and other service providers, and creating an individualized service plan for each client. Home visits are a critical component of our service and case managers travel throughout the Manhattan and Brooklyn boroughs to see clients, their families, and other professionals. The case manager is responsible for maintaining up-to-date client information in a database including treatment plans and progress notes. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.

Qualifications

• Degree in social work, counseling, or other related field
• Strong interest in social justice for underserved populations
• Experience working with the elderly and/or people with developmental disabilities desirable
• Ability to work with a diverse population
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Creativity, flexibility, patience, and follow-through
• Excellent organization skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Bilingual English/Spanish desirable

Final candidates will be subject to criminal and financial background check.

Salary

Contact

Send a cover letter and resume to:
The Guardianship Program / Case Manager Recruitment
Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Flr.
New York, NY 10279
Email: job.casemanager.guardianship@vera.org
Fax: 212-941-9407
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Vera Institute of Justice, a private nonprofit organization, works closely with leaders in government and civil society to improve the services people rely on for safety and justice. Vera’s Center on Sentencing and Corrections helps state legislators, judges, corrections commissioners, attorneys general and other officials deal with the substantive needs and political realities that often make sentencing and corrections reform difficult to achieve. Vera’s research focuses on conducting both evaluations and exploratory research on issues of criminal and social justice. By providing an integrated mix of research, technical assistance, and planning services, the Center is uniquely positioned to enhance decision-making, improve processes, and support system reforms that impact adult sentencing and corrections policy.

The Center on Sentencing and Corrections is currently seeking a short-term employee to transcribe interviews for a study of parole violators in New York State. The work will last approximately 2 to 4 months.

Responsibilities

The Center on Sentencing and Corrections seeks an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual for a part-time, short-term position transcribing approximately 100 1-2 hour interviews for a study of parole violators in New York State. This individual is expected to transcribe at a rate of 50-60 words per minute and complete two to three interviews per day, although the work may be spread out over as many as four months. Preferably, the candidate will have some flexibility in scheduling to adjust to the pace at which interviews are completed. This position is ideal for a college or graduate student in the social sciences. Candidates are expected to submit results from a certified typing test as part of the application.

Qualifications

• Must be able to type at a rate of 50-60 words per minute
• Attention to detail

Salary

Contact

The Vera Institute of Justice, a private nonprofit organization, works closely with leaders in government and civil society to improve the services people rely on for safety and justice. Vera’s Center on Sentencing and Corrections helps state legislators, judges, corrections commissioners, attorneys general and other officials deal with the substantive needs and political realities that often make sentencing and corrections reform difficult to achieve. Vera’s research focuses on conducting both evaluations and exploratory research on issues of criminal and social justice. By providing an integrated mix of research, technical assistance, and planning services, the Center is uniquely positioned to enhance decision-making, improve processes, and support system reforms that impact adult sentencing and corrections policy.

Responsibilities

The Center on Sentencing and Corrections seeks one to two enthusiastic and self-motivated individuals for part-time, short-term intermediate-level positions. These individuals will be responsible for interviewing both parole supervisees and parole officers across the state of New York. Each interviewer is expected to complete 25-35 interviews within the study period, and the work will involve travel in New York State. Interviewers will also be responsible for coordinating and scheduling their interviews and writing up notes afterward, and they must be fairly flexible with respect to the timing of the interviews. This position is ideal for a graduate student pursuing a master’s degree or Ph.D. in criminal justice or a related social science field. Interviewers do not have to be based in New York City. Travel expenses will be paid for by the Vera Institute.

Qualifications

• Two or more years research experience at a graduate level
• A background in criminology, criminal justice, or a related social science field, preferably with some knowledge of parole
• Experience in qualitative data collection and analysis—and specifically in qualitative interviewing
• A master’s degree or higher in a related social science field, or progress toward such a degree, or equivalent experience
• Willingness to travel
• Experience working with policymakers is a plus
• Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills
• Excellent presentation and writing skills

Salary

Contact

The Vera Institute of Justice combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera’s Washington DC Office provides non-partisan support to local, state, and federal government partners, corrections professionals, and community advocates to improve conditions of confinement. In June 2006 Vera’s Commission on Safety and Abuse in America’s Prisons issued its final report and recommendations to prevent violence and abuse in prisons and jails, to improve safety for prisoners and staff, to improve the medical and mental health care of prisoners, and to improve public safety and public health through the work of responsible corrections.

Vera’s Washington DC Office seeks a well-qualified senior program associate to assume a mid-level role in a project that emerged from the Commission’s work and is designed to integrate research, technical assistance, site visits, and planning services in partnership with two states and two counties around the country to help them develop meaningful oversight of their correctional institutions.

Responsibilities

• Devise, manage, and coordinate assistance to program partners, including on-site assistance with county and state leaders
• Develop and maintain relationships with academics and practitioners who will serve as project advisors
• Develop, research, and write program materials, including publications and briefing and research memoranda
• Manage and design multi-jurisdictional and national meetings and conferences on current issues in oversight of correctional institutions
• Assist in grant writing and program development
• Support research staff in interpreting and presenting evaluation findings to funders and project partners
• Represent the program in public speaking engagements and professional meetings
• Assist on other projects as assigned

Qualifications

• A PhD or JD with two years experience or master's degree with at least five years of work experience in political science, criminal justice, criminology, or public policy OR significant related work experience in the area of institutional oversight and/or corrections systems management that would be equivalent to an advanced degree
• A demonstrated interest in or knowledge of policy development, government, criminal justice, or oversight of public institutions like correctional facilities, schools, or hospitals
• The ability to manage work on multiple projects effectively and efficiently
• Commitment to a collegial workplace
• Willingness to travel outside of Washington DC frequently, sometimes for lengthy periods of time.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, public speaking ability, and research and writing skills are requisite. Must be comfortable facilitating meetings of senior policymakers. Ideal candidate will be equally adept at working independently and with a team

Salary

Contact

The Vera Institute of Justice combines expertise in research, demonstration projects, and technical assistance to help leaders in government and civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety. Vera’s Center Youth Justice promotes the well being and safety of youth, families, and communities by working with government to make juvenile justice systems equitable and human in policy and practice. Our vision is that youth, families, and communities are protected by juvenile justice systems that treat those within their limited reach equitably and with respect.

Researchers in the center collect and analyze data to diagnose problems and inequities in juvenile justice system delivery and evaluate reforms to solve such problems. In addition, researchers evaluate Vera’s demonstration projects, which aim to test innovative approaches to addressing specific gaps in the juvenile justice system. By providing an integrated mix of technical assistance, research, and planning services, the Center on Youth Justice is uniquely positioned to enhance rational decision making in juvenile justice processes and support innovative system change for court involved youth.

Responsibilities

• Conducting data analyses
• Assisting in the design of data collection instruments
• Working with Vera’s government partners to diagnose data capacity
• Conducting qualitative interviews
• Managing survey and interviewing processes
• Supporting the development of sound, data-driven policies as a member of a multidisciplinary team

Qualifications

• Knowledge of, and experience in, social science research
• Field research experience, especially in the area of juvenile justice and/or criminal justice
• Experience in data analysis using statistical software such as SPSS
• Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to work as a team member
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Salary

Contact

Subject: Research Analyst, Center on Youth Justice
Phone: (212) 941-9407

Human Resources Department
Vera Institute of Justice
233 Broadway, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10279