Criminal Justice Advocate

Description

This position is eligible for teleworking, which is currently one day per week. New hires are eligible to apply 30 days after their effective hire date.

Opening:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is North America's largest transportation network, serving a population of 15.3 million people across a 5,000-square-mile travel area surrounding New York City, Long Island, southeastern New York State, and Connecticut. The MTA network comprises the nation’s largest bus fleet and more subway and commuter rail cars than all other U.S. transit systems combined. MTA strives to provide a safe and reliable commute, excellent customer service, and rewarding opportunities.

Position Objective:

As a Criminal Justice Advocate at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) you will play a crucial role in providing support and advocacy to victims of crimes in our transportation systems (employees and customers) by advocating for just and appropriate consequences for those who commit violent acts, sexual offenses, and other criminal acts in the system (Railroad, Subways, Buses, etc). You will work to ensure that judges, district attorneys. defense attorneys, and court personnel understand the impact of crime to our employees, customers, and transportation systems. In consultation with Legal, Labor Relations, Customer Office, Safety, and Executive Leadership, you will advocate for our employees and customers so that their voices are heard on safety and security issues ensuring that concerns are addressed, and appropriate punishments are applied fairly to act as a deterrent. You will partner with operating agencies and various departments across the agency; provide guidance, advice, policy recommendations and advocacy to and on behalf of the MTA throughout the criminal justice process.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as an advocate and liaison for the MTA with judges, district attorneys, defense attorneys, law enforcement, legal professionals, social service agencies, elected officials, state and local agencies, nonprofits and other relevant criminal justice thought leaders. Advocate for rights and interests of crime victims in the transit system ensuring all parties are informed about the legal process.
• Monitor incidents within the transportation system inclusive of employee assaults and provide testimony or impact statements, track eligibility and enforcement of cases in which the perpetrator is eligible for a transit ban, pursuant to Penal Law Section 65.10 (k-2), which permits a court, as part of a sentence, may impose transitions, including a total ban, on a defendant’s use of MTA facilities for up to three years. Address solutions to practical issues related to transit ban implementation and enforcement. Establish protocols for communication with customers who have experienced criminal acts within our system.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to pursue crime reduction strategies. Prepare supporting data and analysis for key decisions by leadership. Make recommendations to improve internal policy and communication. Track and promote legislation to reduce crime within the system.
• Prepare research and analysis to engage elected officials and others with short- and long-term plans to create a safer environment and to promote crime prevention.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify systemic barriers to improve safety in our system and advocate for policy changes to better support crime victims.
• Attend court hearings on cases of individuals arrested for alleged violence against our employees and other victims.
• Maintain accurate records, including documentation of plans to address cases and to support policy change. Work with law enforcement and security data science teams to analyze and evaluate information that helps advance crime prevention initiatives to improve safety and security throughout the MTA. Provide case updates and develop recommendations to improve safety.
• Maintain database of milestones for key events associated with cases, including preparing analytical and statistical briefings, charts, and reports for leadership and the public.
• Other duties as assigned.

RequiredKnowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with all internal levels within a given organization, including the MTA Board.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and interact well with external agencies. External agencies may include the Governor’s Office for New York State, New York City government, elected and other public officials, as well as any staff located at other federal or state agencies or authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a high profile, high pressure environment effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with key internal and/or external stakeholders.
• Must have strong managerial skills to effectively direct a staff of professional and technical employees in implementing the short- and long-term goals and direction for the area of responsibility.
• Demonstrated ability to complete short- and long-term projects effectively and as efficiently as possible.
• Demonstrated analytical capabilities and quantitative skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or comparable applications, i.e., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Required Education and Experience:

• Juris Doctor or an equivalent combination of education and years of experience in a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years related experience.
• Strong ability to communicate both in writing and verbally.
• Prior experience working as advocate helpful.
• Strong understanding of New York State court system, relevant laws, and regulations.
• Fluent in procedures of the criminal court system.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

The Following is/are preferred:

• Attainment of or in the process of attaining specific functional licenses or certifications in area of specialty that are applicable.
• Familiarity with the MTA’s policies and procedures.

Other Information

May need to work outside of normal work hours (i.e., evenings and weekends)

Travel may be required to other MTA locations or other external sites.

According to the New York State Public Officers Law & the MTA Code of Ethics, all employees who hold a policymaking position must file an Annual Statement of Financial Disclosure (FDS) with the NYS Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (the “Commission”).

Equal Employment Opportunity

MTA and its subsidiary and affiliated agencies are Equal Opportunity Employers, including those concerning veteran status and individuals with disabilities.

The MTA encourages qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and abilities, including military service members, to apply.