Careers at The Center for Family Justice
The Center’s staff helps individuals be safe from domestic violence, sexual violence and child abuse in the six communities we serve.
We work in a climate of mutual respect and teamwork, supported by the CEO/President and administrative staff. CFJ takes part in national demonstration projects and studies and has established best practices in its client services. It has grown to a $2.8 million agency with more than 50 employees who have earned the respect of their peers.
If this sounds like a place where you would be happy to work, check out our list of current job opportunities.
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Current Employment Opportunities
Title: Pathways to HOPE Mentor Coordinator
Date: December 2022
Reports to: Director of Education & Community Engagement
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Summary: Pathways to HOPE / Camp HOPE America – Bridgeport is a national evidence-based camping and yearlong engagement program focused solely on children and youth ages 7-17 impacted by domestic violence, sexual violence, and child abuse. This position will develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive, trauma-informed, and hope-centered year-round mentoring program for children and youth engaged in Pathways to HOPE – Bridgeport.
Responsibilities: Pathways to HOPE/Camp HOPE America – Bridgeport
• Develops, implements, and evaluates a comprehensive, trauma-informed, and hope-centered year-round mentoring program for youth engaged Pathways to HOPE.
• Provides support and leadership during our overnight summer camp program for up to two weeks during the summer.
• Recruits, screens, and provides ongoing support to volunteer mentors “HOPE coaches” by coordinating individual and group check-in meetings.
• In collaboration with Pathways to HOPE staff, trains mentors on the science of hope, trauma-informed HOPE-centered youth engagement and the best practices in effective mentoring.
• Collaborates with the Pathways to HOPE program manager and staff to ensure youth participants are referred and connected to an adult mentor – “HOPE coach.” Works with program leadership to coordinate regular check-in meetings with mentees to offer support and gather feedback about their experience to inform program development.
• In collaboration with Pathways to HOPE program staff, organizes monthly group (large and small) events for mentees and mentors. In addition, organizes and identifies topics for virtual engagement activities with mentees and mentors.
• Serves as CFJ’s White Ribbon Campaign coordinator. CFJ’s White Ribbon Campaign is a prevention initiative to engage men and boys in our community on the critical role they play in ending violence against women and girls. One of the strategies to engage men in our community is through youth mentorship opportunities.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate ongoing training with mentors, mentees and caregivers on various topics related to trauma-informed best practices, diversity and inclusion, protective factors against abuse and violence, youth leadership, and academic achievement.
• Creates opportunities to celebrate our mentors in January for National Mentoring Month and throughout the year.
• Participates in Greater Bridgeport Mentoring Collaborative (GBMC) monthly meetings. GBMC meetings are co-facilitated by Connecticut’s Governor Prevention Partnership.
• Participates in Camp HOPE America monthly webinars, meetings, and conferences with the national Director of Camp Hope America and national Mentor & Outreach Manager.
Agency
• Participates in all appropriate CFJ meetings and trainings.
• Participates in agency events throughout the year.
• Special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or public health with at least two years of experience working directly with at-risk children and youth.
• Understanding of child development, trauma-informed approaches, and strategies to promote hope and resiliency in children and youth.
• Experience working with youth mentoring programs and/or summer camping programs.
• Experience with program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Must have excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to engage with diverse communities.
• Strong commitment to The Center’s mission.
• Satisfactory completion of The Center’s certification training.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
• Daily access to a car with a valid CT driver’s license.
• Flexible Schedule.
Preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish
• Computer literacy, including data entry experience, utilization of software packages, Microsoft word and internet/e-mail.
• Experience with case management software.
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the classification. They reflect the essential elements and general responsibilities of the position but are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. The performance of all essential functions listed is subject to reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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Title: Domestic Violence Advocate
Date: November 2022
Reports to: Coordinator of Domestic Violence Advocacy & Empowerment Services
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Summary
Provides intake, crisis intervention, advocacy, short- term counseling, case management and referrals for adult victims of domestic and/or sexual violence.
Responsibilities
Program
· Provides intake, crisis intervention, advocacy, short- term counseling, case management and referrals for victims of sexual and/or domestic violence.
· Co-facilitates support groups for clients that are victims of or have been exposed to domestic violence.
· Provide clients with support from a trauma informed, strength based, and client defined advocacy model of service.
· Information and referrals about criminal justice process, obtaining notifications as well as federal and state victim rights.
· Meets expectations of funding sources in terms of contract requirements.
· Maintains accurate case files and enters data into client database as soon as possible.
· Works collaboratively and cooperatively with staff, volunteers and community groups.
Agency
· Participates in all appropriate Center meetings and trainings.
· Hotline coverage as needed including hospital accompaniments.
· Participates in Agency events throughout the year.
· Special projects as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
· Bachelor’s Degree in human services field and at least one year of experience working with victims of sexual and/or domestic violence.
· Experience providing trauma informed services.
· Strong commitment to The Center’s mission.
· Satisfactory completion of The Center’s certification training.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills required.
· Must have good organizational skills.
· Ability to work with diverse populations.
· Daily access to a car with a valid CT driver’s license.
· Flexible Schedule.
Preferred
· Computer literacy, including data entry experience, utilization of software packages, Microsoft word and internet/e-mail.
· Experience with case management software.
· Bilingual English/Spanish.
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the classification. They reflect the essential elements and general responsibilities of the position, but are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. The performance of all essential functions listed is subject to reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you are interested in this position, please email your resume and cover letter to Marisa Garwacki, Manager of Advocacy Services, mgarwacki@centerforfamilyjustice.org
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Title: MDT/CAC Bilingual Family Advocate
Date: September 2022
Reports to: Director of Youth & Adult Services
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Summary
Provides information, advocacy, referrals and case management services to children and their non-offending care givers referred to the Multidisciplinary Investigative Team (MDT) and Child Advocacy Center (CAC). Referrals to the MDT/CAC are in response to abuse allegations reported to law enforcement and/or the Department of Children and Families.
Responsibilities
Program
· Meets with non-offending guardian(s) at time of forensic interview to address their questions and/or concerns, explain and educate guardian(s) regarding the legal process, supply verbal and written information on victims’ rights, provide education on child abuse, and forensic medical exams and mental health resources.
· Refers children and families to appropriate social services, medical agencies, and metal health providers. Completes all referral paperwork and ensures all information regarding referrals are added to client files and reported in database (s).
· Works collaboratively with the CAC Clinician to facilitate mental health assessments and referrals.
· Attends court to support child and non-offending guardian(s) and/or to monitor cases as needed.
· Provides ongoing follow-up with non-offending guardian(s) including information about civil and criminal legal proceedings.
· Works closely with Office of Victim Services Advocate/CFJ Family Violence Victim Advocates by providing information and assisting families in filing a restraining order/civil protective order through the civil/family court system.
· Assists CAC Director with scheduling MDT forensic interviews with assigned MDT team members and non-offending guardian(s). Follows client’s case from initial assault to conclusion and monitors cases through prosecution.
· Facilitates a support group for non-offending guardian(s) and/or a teen support group; as needed.
· Participates in bi-weekly team meetings for the purpose of case review, planning and coordination. Provides MDT members with accurate and updated verbal reports regarding case management, client advocacy and other information.
· Informs and acts as a consultant to team members regarding MDT/Child Advocacy Center (CAC) best practices, policies and procedures.
· Consistent and timely data entry of cases using Efforts to Outcomes and NCATrak.
· Assists CAC Director with Child Abuse Prevention Month event planning.
· Assists the CAC Director with maintaining documentation in order to provide funders/potential funders with appropriate program outlines (i.e. monthly reports, program descriptions, standards, etc.)
· Provides narratives for the Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence quarterly reports and other reports as necessary.
· Implements evaluations to parents through the Outcome Measurement System.
· Provides community education and outreach regarding child abuse and related topics.
Agency
· Attends assigned CFJ meetings.
· Rotates shifts on the Spanish Response Team hotline.
· Special projects as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
· Bachelor’s Degree in social work, criminal justice, psychology or related field and 3-5 years of experience working with victims of sexual abuse/violence and their families.
· Understanding of child development including healthy sexual development as well as knowledge of trauma informed services.
· Knowledge of Department of Children and Families response to child abuse.
· Knowledge of law enforcement response to child sexual abuse victims.
· Ability to work with diverse populations including child victims of severe physical and/or sexual abuse.
· Strong commitment to The Center’s mission.
· Fluent Bilingual Language Skills (Spanish and English).
· Strong written and verbal communication skills.
· Strong organizational skills and an ability to work independently.
· Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast paced environment.
· Satisfactory completion of The Center’s certification training.
· Daily access to a car with a valid CT driver’s license.
· Flexible Schedule late Afternoon Availability- (3 pm to 5 pm)
Preferred
· Computer literacy, including data entry experience, utilization of software packages, Microsoft word and internet/e-mail.
· Experience with case management software.
Note: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to the classification. They reflect the essential elements and general responsibilities of the position, but are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. The performance of all essential functions listed is subject to reasonable accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Apply Now
If you are interested in this position, please email your resume and cover letter to Kayte Cwikla-Masas, M.S., Director of Youth & Adult Services, kcwikla@centerforfamilyjustice.org
The Justice Legal Center Opportunities
The Center for Family Justice is looking for individuals interested in opening solo law practices to participate in Connecticut’s first and only Legal Incubator Program. Click HERE to get details about this exciting opportunity, understand the criteria and learn how to apply.
This is not an employment opportunity.
