Policy Analyst Jobs

Policy Analyst, TTA (Hybrid - NYC Metro Area)

Who we are:

The Council of State Governments Justice Center works across the country to develop research-driven strategies to increase public safety and strengthen communities.

To further this mission, we work with partners inside and outside of government to reduce crime and incarceration among youth and adults in contact with the justice system. We bring people from diverse systems and perspectives together to improve policy and practice. And we transform data and research findings into meaningful insights for decision-makers.

We're focused on three strategic goals:

• Break the cycle of incarceration.
• Advance health, opportunity, and equity.
• Use data to improve safety and justice.

When you join the CSG Justice Center, you join an organization that is uniquely positioned to cultivate innovation and drive data-driven reform nationally. We have approximately 120 employees-expected to grow to about 150 by the end of this year-based in more than 20 states who have decades of experience working in and with criminal, juvenile, and Tribal justice agencies. We have provided housing, mental health, and addiction services; served as educators and in workforce development agencies; and supported victims and survivors of crime. We have served governors, state legislators, and members of Congress on both sides of the political spectrum. What binds us together is a shared commitment to our mission; to one another; to a common set of values; and to the national, bipartisan advisory board that guides our work.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

How you'll fit in:

The Behavioral Health Division works with jurisdictions nationally to improve outcomes for people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders who are at risk of justice system involvement or already involved in the criminal justice system. This includes work conducted through the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) Training and Technical Assistance (TTA). JMHCP works to engage, support, and guide state and local governments, as well as Tribal Nations, to improve responses for people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders in the criminal justice system.

The policy analyst will serve as an integral member of the CSG Justice Center's Behavioral Health Division, bringing expertise in data-driven strategies to identify and improve responses to people with mental illnesses, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. The policy analyst will provide direct technical assistance to federal grantees, in addition to working with behavioral health/criminal justice leaders and stakeholders to help communities address challenges at the intersection of behavioral health and the criminal justice system. This will include examining existing programs, policies, and practices and providing policy recommendations to behavioral health and criminal justice agencies. The policy analyst will also be responsible for developing resources and advising other CSG Justice Center staff on behavioral health and criminal justice-related policies and innovations. The policy analyst will report to the project manager, Behavioral Health, JMHCP TTA.

What you'll do:

Specific responsibilities of the policy analyst include the following:

• Support the development of peer learning opportunities for sites across the country.
• Provide content knowledge to grantees on behavioral health and criminal justice policies and practices.
• Develop resources that promote best practices within criminal justice and mental/behavioral health systems including convenings, briefs, webinars, toolkits, and other resources.
• Work with a wide range of interested parties focused on local, state, and Tribal government; law enforcement; criminal justice; and behavioral health technical assistance efforts.
• Develop and expand a knowledge base on criminal justice and behavioral health systems and how they function at the local and state levels.
• Provide training and technical assistance to a cohort of grantees that are under the U.S. Department of Justice grant programs.

What you'll bring:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including maturity and an ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Experience in collaborative planning efforts involving government, nonprofit, philanthropic, Tribal Nations, and private sector partners
• At least three years of training and technical assistance, research, or policy analysis experience in criminal justice, mental health, and behavioral health as it relates to adult and juvenile justice, and/or education equivalency in fields such as counseling, criminal justice, law, psychology, public health, or social work
• Dedication to public service with an unfailing commitment to act with civility, be nonpartisan in performing CSG Justice Center duties, and be a responsible steward of member and donor funds
• Demonstrated success in meeting project deadlines
• Understanding of and ability to apply trauma-informed care, racial equity, cultural humility, and gender-responsive lenses to programming and technical assistance support
• Knowledge of mental health, substance use, and criminal justice best practices and evidence-based strategies
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise, accessible way
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others

How you apply:

If you're interested in helping us drive change across the country, you should upload the following elements with your application:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. Writing sample
4. At least three professional references

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relative to this position, including internships, fellowships, and volunteer activities.

CSG believes that pay equity and pay transparency advance workplace fairness. Compensation will be equitable and based on experience and geography. The NYC-based salary range for this position is $65,475- $81,900. The starting salary for this position outside of NYC may be as low as $61,000. Salary ranges are subject to change based on work location and market conditions.

Learn more about careers at the CSG Justice Center.

We welcome and value diversity in our staff, including race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, educational attainment, disability, protected veteran status, and personal experience with the criminal justice system.

CSG is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. CSG participates in E-Verify.