Behavioral specialist Jobs in Newark, NJ

Job Description

Job Description

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SPECIALIST

INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT

QUEENS SUPERVISED RELEASE

POSTED : 12 / 2 / 2025

Join our team of professionals seeking to improve the experience of justice involved individuals in the NYC Courts!

ABOUT CJA

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 100,000 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 300 employees, citywide.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Clinical Supervisor, the Behavioral Health Specialist will provide community-based support for clients who met the eligibility criteria of high-risk and high needs and require a support team to meet with them where they are at regardless of their location in NYC. The Behavioral Health Specialist is an integral part of the Clinical Services Department with Queens Supervised Release, which strives to support clients in improving behavioral health, promotes recovery and rehabilitation, and provides the highest quality care and support in a responsive and effective manner to high-risk and high needs clients who can be served in the community by creating new opportunities for success.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Screen and assess clients for the treatment of co-occurring substance use and MH disorders through application of appropriate tools and methods combined with participation in interdisciplinary team consultations.
• Provide individualized intervention for problematic behaviors using techniques such as CBT therapy, crisis intervention, and de-escalation, to prevent and / or manage crisis.
• Persistent engagement and continued observation to help assess client's improvements and / or ongoing needs or behavior.
• Assist in developing and implementing treatment plans to address behavioral issues.
• Advocate and liaise for clients within the criminal legal and / or shelter system and support them throughout the treatment process.
• Communicates with client, client caregivers, teachers, and / or families (if applicable). Educates families to support implementation of treatment plans and help them understand their loved one's condition.
• Assist clients in securing medical care, entitlement and other community support that promote integrated physical and mental health, safety, wellbeing, and recovery.
• Provide or connect clients with employment counseling, vocational rehabilitation, completion of housing applications and placement, and provision of life skills training.
• Complete assessments and maintain accurate progress notes in a timely manner using best practices for records retention and document storage of sensitive information.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, such as hospitals, shelters, and primary care coordinators to achieve consistent engagement and positive client outcomes.
• Provide services in a strengths-based, recovery-oriented, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive manner.

Client Centered Management and Communication

Influencing and Motivating

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Other Desired Qualifications & Experience

REQUIRED SKILLS

Organization and Critical Thinking Skills

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Technical Skills

Hours & Scheduling Expectations

This is a visible role with direct client-facing responsibilities engaging with clients, staff, and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will possess the required qualifications and skills, and the ability to work in-person 5 days a week.

Hours : Tues-Sat 1-9PM

LOCATION : QUEENS, NY

SALARY : $74,489.64

CJA VALUES

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

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.

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 on the basis of 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.