Professional Opportunities
Thank you for your interest in CFR!
Staff Opportunities:
Chief Operating Officer
CFR is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to serve as an organizational leader, and as strategic partner to the Executive Director, CFO and senior agency leadership. The COO will oversee talent management, human resources, operations, some vendor management, administration, and information technology.
Reporting to the Executive Director, the COO will manage at least 2 direct reports and a total team of 5 staff, as well as 2-3 consultants who may be assisting CFR with discrete projects.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Organizational Leadership
• Partner with the ED, CFO and Practice Directors on strategic planning efforts, including ensuring that each practice area has the support it needs to meet its goals and insure that those are aligned with the overall organizational priorities
• Plan and participate in regular senior leadership team meetings and management retreats to come together to reflect on progress toward goals and to plan for the next stretch of work, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and working with executive leadership on strategic planning
• Serve as culture builder and carrier; supporting CFR to uphold its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Serve as a culture carrier, leading by example, mentoring and influencing others, especially senior staff, supervisors and program directors, and listening deeply to the whole staff
• Build systems and processes that will enable program, development, and infrastructure teams to work together collaboratively and effectively
• Serve as a thought partner and sounding board to the Executive Director, Chief Financial Officer, and team Directors
Talent, Culture, and Human Resources
• Design and refine all human resources processes to ensure they reflect best practices, including in recruiting, performance management, professional development culture stewardship, and all staff relations
• Oversee CFR’s efforts to codify and institutionalize its values and culture, and to embed its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion into organizational practices and culture; in particular, this person will be responsible for designing routines to address microaggressions, and regular programming to support all staff in discussions on their work together as it is impacted by race and DEI issues
• Develop and oversee staff relations processes, anticipate challenges whenever possible, and develop, recommend, and initiate appropriate steps for resolution; ensure appropriate systems and structures for decision-making and conflict management
• Refine and implement annual goal setting processes; develop professional learning programming that supports organizational and individual staff goals
• Establish a cohesive vision for performance management, succession, and workforce planning
• Ensure best-in-class recruitment practices, with a focus on hiring high-performing and diverse staff at all levels
• Work with Executive Director, CFO and management to ensure that CFR is managing its relationship with its union effectively; be first point of contact for the Union and train and support management staff on the implementation of CFR’s first union contract; lead and coordinate efforts to negotiate renewal union contracts.
Operations and Infrastructure
• Ensure CFR is working with the most up-to-date tools and resources available and is readily able to leverage technological systems and solutions to meet goals
• Work with the IT Director in planning to ensure connectivity and communications needs are met; keep abreast of appropriate ways to enhance the organization’s technology infrastructure and ensure staff have the IT skills necessary to meet their goals
• Oversee CFR’s IT infrastructure, managing the Director of IT, external vendors and internal staff to ensure CFR has the technology to work both efficiently and effectively
• Oversee vendor management, office administration, space planning, relocations, facilities maintenance, and disaster planning, supervising at least two administrative staff and, at various times, contractors, and consultants
• Serve as organizational leader responsible for management of CFR’s legal matters related to Operations and Infrastructure, working with outside counsel, as needed, to manage CFR’s legal affairs
• Provide support in areas such as corporate compliance, employment, and intellectual property
Candidate Requirements:
The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:
• A commitment to social justice, and to supporting Black and Brown families and youth or similarly marginalized and racially harmed populations, working with interdisciplinary teams to achieve these goals
• Minimum of twelve years serving as an organizational leader, with a track record of leading organizational development and human resources, and strong knowledge of information technology, contracts, vendor management, and operations
• Experience defining and stewarding organizational culture with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the intellectual depth and maturity to work with the Executive Director, CFO, Deputy CFO and program directors, as well as supervisor and senior staff
• Deep experience leading and managing diverse teams, serving as a coach and mentor to management staff in a range of functional areas, particularly around giving constructive feedback, developing supervisory skills, assessing the need for progressive discipline and supporting professional growth of staff reporting to managers
• Demonstrated success managing, advising and partnering with program and development teams, helping them manage toward goals in an agile and flexible way
• Outstanding organizational and project management skills with an overall execution orientation and high attention to detail
Compensation and Benefits:
Salary and benefits will be competitive and commensurate with experience.
How to Apply:
Applicants should visit https://www.on-ramps.com/jobs/2046 to apply for the COO position.
Information Technology (IT) Support Specialist
CFR has an open position for a full time IT Support Specialist for our offices located in Jamaica Queens. This Specialist will be responsible for providing technical support to all CFR staff and assist in maintaining the company’s computers and network infrastructure. The Specialist will report to and consult with the Director of IT for all issues related to CFR’s IT capabilities, troubleshooting, and future IT improvements.
CFR is seeking a detail-oriented, vigilant, highly productive professional who can work autonomously while also able to work productively with teams of staff, as well as members of CFR’s internal Technology Committee. The ideal candidate will take pride in ensuring continued successful operation of CFR’s IT operations by actively and consistently anticipating problems and maintaining focus on current functioning of CFR’s network, hardware and software. While this person will be based in Queens, s/he should expect to occasionally work in CFR’s Manhattan locations and support both Manhattan and Queens staff.
Responsibilities:
• Troubleshoot support tickets submitted by staff members to maintain smooth daily operations.
• Provide technical support both in person (Queens offices) and remotely.
• Maintaining the computers, copiers, and other technologies on-site in our Queens offices.
• Train non-technical CFR staff on CFR’s information systems.
• Assist with the installation of new hardware and software.
• Keep our company intranet page up to date. (Google Sites)
• Troubleshoot issues within our Public Defense Case Management System.
• Maintain technical support documentation.
Qualifications:
• Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Industry certifications and memberships a plus. (A+, Net+, CCNA…)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively and in a supportive way in a work culture characterized by collaboration and teamwork.
• Understanding of basic network infrastructure (IP addressing, VLANs, VPNs, Client/Server environments)
• Understanding of basic scripting (Windows batch / PowerShell)
•Experience managing:
- Google Workspace (G Suite)
- Windows Active Directory
- VoIP softphone apps
How to Apply:
Applicants should email a cover letter, resume, and three references (including phone and email contacts) to Human Resources at [email protected] with “IT Support Specialist” in the subject line. No phone inquiries please. Please note we are not able to respond directly to each applicant to acknowledge receipt of materials.
Paralegal, Manhattan & Queens Family Defense Practice
CFR has immediate openings for Paralegals in both our Queens and Manhattan office.
The Paralegal’s primary responsibility will be to work collaboratively with attorneys representing parents in Family Court who are respondents in Article 10 and Termination of Parental Rights proceedings, and to support attorneys in CFR’s Civil, Criminal, and Immigration practices.
Responsibilities:
• Assist program staff with case preparation and management.
• Assist program staff when they conduct intake interviews in court.
• Conduct timely conflict checks in the client database.
• Open and close client virtual and physical files.
• Assist with the borough office’s file maintenance organization and upgrades.
• Enter all client data into the database accurately.
• Prepare and serve legal papers throughout the five boroughs and Long Island.
• Initiate and follow up on requests for records, including travel to NYC courthouses, hospitals, clinics and other agencies.
• Initiate and follow up on time sensitive transcript requests.
• Research case citations on Westlaw.
• Assist with the administration of our Continuing Legal Education program
• Produce practice and training materials
• Assist with front desk coverage, including answering and directing phone calls, sorting mail and packages, and greeting visitors.
• Participate in office-wide policy initiatives.
• Bilingual paralegals help interpret for clients and translate documents.
Paralegals receive ongoing supervision and support from Litigation Supervisors. Paralegals participate in CFR’s internal professional development training opportunities for program staff on our Cornerstone Advocacy model, child welfare, family court, client interviewing, and other critical skills. CFR is dedicated to providing ongoing professional development in best practices in all these areas in a variety of training forums for all staff.
Qualifications:
• Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree, preferably with some prior experience, including internships, with the NYC child welfare, education, housing or public benefits’ systems or other social justice experience.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong undergraduate academic record, strong interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to supporting families, and a desire to share in both the exhilaration and challenges of a growing endeavor.
• Applicants who are bilingual are strongly encouraged to apply.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience; excellent benefits package.
How to Apply:
Applicants should send or e-mail a cover letter and resume (including phone and email contacts) to [email protected] Please write “Paralegal Applicant” in the subject line. No phone inquiries please. Please note we are not able to respond directly to each applicant to acknowledge receipt of materials.
Staff Attorney, Queens Family Defense Practice
CFR has an immediate opening for a Staff Attorney in both our Manhattan and Queens offices. Due to COVID-19 we are currently working remotely and initial training and direct client work will continue virtually until we have more information from New York City about plans for reopening court and ACS.
Responsibilities:
• Work as part of CFR’s interdisciplinary legal teams (comprised of attorneys, social work staff, paralegals and parent advocates) to provide our clients with high quality legal defense and meet objectives such as keeping children out of foster care, shortening lengths of stay for children in foster care, promoting quality visiting arrangements and insuring that families receive services that are well-tailored to expediting safe and lasting reunification
• Represent parents in Family Court who are respondents in Article 10 and all related supplemental proceedings, including Termination of Parental Rights proceedings
• Pursue interim appeals on behalf of CFR’s clients
• Keep case data, client legal notes and files up to date
• Participate in CFR’s policy initiatives
• Work collaboratively with CFR’s Home for Good teams
• Where appropriate, supervise law school interns
Attorneys joining CFR can expect intensive, interdisciplinary training on CFR’s Cornerstone Advocacy model, family court, the child welfare/family regulation system, client interviewing, and other critical skills. CFR is dedicated to providing ongoing professional development in best practices in all these areas in a variety of training forums for all staff.
Qualifications:
• Applicants must be admitted to practice law in the State of New York and demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, an ability to work as part of a team and a desire to share in both the exhilaration and challenges of a growing endeavor.
• Prior experience with public benefits, housing, criminal defense or immigration is preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish or other languages and experience with public benefits, education, housing or immigration is all desirable.
• Individuals who apply should be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to interdisciplinary representation of parents and a desire to share in both the exhilaration and challenges of a growing endeavor.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience; excellent benefits package.
How to Apply:
Applicants should e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected] Please write “Staff Attorney Applicant” in the subject line and indicate your preference for a position in Manhattan or Queens. No phone inquiries please. Please note we are not able to respond directly to each applicant to acknowledge receipt of materials.
Social Worker, Manhattan & Queens Family Defense Practice
CFR has an immediate opening for a Social Worker in our Manhattan and Queens offices. Due to COVID-19 we are currently working remotely and initial training and direct client work will continue virtually until we have more information from New York City about plans for reopening court and ACS.
Responsibilities:
• Working collaboratively with attorneys, parent advocates and paralegals to represent parents in Child Protective (Article 10) and Termination of Parental Rights proceedings in Family Court
• Providing social work support and advocacy to clients
• Conducting intake and client interviews, assess clients’ needs and goals, and ensure clients are engaged in appropriate and meaningful service plans
• Referring clients for necessary services
• Maintaining contact with service providers to obtain letters for court
• Advocating for clients at ACS and foster care agency conferences
• Participating in team meetings as well as administrative meetings within CFR
• Keeping up to date client legal notes and entering data in CFR’s database
Social Workers at CFR can expect intensive, interdisciplinary training on CFR’s Cornerstone Advocacy model, child welfare, family court, client interviewing and other critical skills. Professional development opportunities for Social Workers may include building skills to eventually supervise MSW interns, conduct trainings and participate in CFR’s policy initiatives. Objectives of the teams include shortening lengths of stay for children in foster care, promoting quality visiting arrangements and ensuring families receive services that are well-tailored to expediting safe and lasting reunification.
Qualifications:
• Applicants must have an LMSW or have an MSW degree and be eligible and willing to become licensed within three months of hire.
• Prior experience working in or with the NYC child welfare system or family court is preferred.
• Fluency in Spanish or other languages and experience with public benefits, education, housing or immigration is all desirable.
• Individuals who apply should be able to demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to interdisciplinary representation of parents and a desire to share in both the exhilaration and challenges of a growing endeavor.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience; excellent benefits package.
How to Apply:
Applicants should send or email a cover letter and resume to HR at [email protected] with “Social Work Applicant” in the subject line. Please indicate your preference for a position in Manhattan or Queens. Please note we are not able to respond directly to each applicant to acknowledge receipt of materials.
Family Advocate, Manhattan & Queens Family Defense Practice
CFR has an immediate opening for a Family Advocate in our Manhattan and Queens offices. Due to COVID-19 we are currently working remotely and initial training and direct client work will continue virtually until we have more information from New York City about plans for reopening court and ACS.
Family Advocates are members of the social work staff whose primary responsibilities will include:
• Working collaboratively with attorneys representing parents in Child Protective (Article 10) and Termination of Parental Rights proceedings in Family Court. Teams are comprised of attorneys, social work staff, paralegals and parent advocates (parents who have successfully reunified with their children). Objectives of the teams include shortening lengths of stay for children in foster care, promoting quality visiting arrangements and ensuring that families receive services that are well-tailored to expediting safe and lasting reunification.
• Providing direct social work support and advocacy to clients
• Conducting intake and client interviews, assess clients’ needs and goals, and ensure clients are engaged in appropriate and meaningful service plans
• Maintaining contact with service providers, and advocating for clients at ACS and foster care agency conferences.
• Advocating for clients at ACS and foster care agency conferences
• Participating in team meetings as well as administrative meetings within CFR
Family Advocates receive supervision from Social Work Supervisors and are expected to keep case data and client legal notes, and files up to date. Family Advocates joining CFR can expect intensive, interdisciplinary training on CFR’s Cornerstone Advocacy model, child welfare, family court, client interviewing and other critical skills. CFR is dedicated to providing ongoing professional development in all these areas in a variety of training forums for all staff.
Qualifications:
• Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree, preferably with some prior experience with the NYC child welfare, education, housing or public benefits’ systems or other social justice experience.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong undergraduate academic record, strong interpersonal and communication skills, a commitment to supporting families, and a desire to share in both the exhilaration and challenges of a growing endeavor.
• Fluency in Spanish or other foreign language is highly desirable.
Salary:
Commensurate with experience; excellent benefits package.
How to Apply:
Applicants should send or email a cover letter and resume (including phone and email contacts) to [email protected] with “Family Advocate Applicant” in the subject line. Please indicate your preference for a position in Manhattan or Queens. No phone inquiries please. Please note we are not able to respond directly to each applicant to acknowledge receipt of materials.
CFR is committed to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and diverse candidates are encouraged to apply; CFR is an EOE.