Organization Description

Youth Justice Network (formerly known as Friends of Island Academy) was founded in 1990 on the school floors of Rikers Island to anchor, support and develop capacity among young people newly released from jail in New York City. Our mission is to break cycles of incarceration and build an equitable justice system by providing young people with individualized advocacy, mentorship, and opportunities to grow, thrive, and lead. Youth Justice Network builds on connections developed with young people whose lives have intersected with the justice system, and leverages those relationships to provide post-release, neighborhood-based supportive services. Young people become members of Youth Justice Network for the long-term and develop personal milestones and goals in health and well-being, education, employment, youth leadership and community participation.

New Initiative

Youth Justice Network is honored and excited to have been selected by the NYC Administration for Children’s Services/Division of Youth and Family Services to offer Workforce Development Services for young people held in secure detention at Crossroads, and limited secure and Close to Home placement settings in Brooklyn and Queens. The award represents an investment in the promise of so many of the City’s most resilient young people and reflects YJN’s experience in supporting justice-involved young people in and out of custody. This initiative will launch September 1, 2026. Youth Justice Network is building a team to provide young people in ACS custody with high quality career exploration, work readiness, vocational training, tutoring, and related supports. The vision and goal of this initiative is to leverage young peoples’ time in detention and placement by offering relevant, necessary skills and tools to build self-efficacy and agency. In collaboration with ACS, DOE, and key community partnerships, this initiative will provide justice-impacted young people with individualized advocacy, mentorship, coaching, and opportunities to grow, thrive, and lead.

Position Overview 

The Program Assistant provides administrative, programmatic, and participant-support services to help ensure the successful delivery of the organization's education and workforce development programs. The Program Assistant will work closely with the Associate Executive Director of Programs & Professional Development to manage staff, community partners, employers. and participants to coordinate activities, maintain accurate records, support program events and workshops, and assist participants in accessing educational and employment opportunities.  

Assisting Programs and Operations 

• Coordinate schedules, enrollment steps, orientations, workshops, tutoring, GED preparation, college-readiness activities, vocational training, internships, and employer events. 
• Maintain program calendars, participant rosters, attendance records, referral lists, consent forms, and other required documentation. 
• Arrange program logistics, including meeting space, materials, technology, transportation support, meals, and communication with participants and partners. 
• Track action items and deadlines and provide the Associate Executive Director of Programs & Professional Development with timely updates on progress, risks, and operational needs. 
• Support purchasing, invoices, stipends, and other routine administrative processes in coordination with finance and operations staff. 

Partnership and Event Support 

• Serve as a reliable day-to-day contact for funders, staff and subcontractors. 
• Schedule partner meetings, prepare agendas and materials, document decisions, and monitor follow-up commitments. 
• Gather participant and partner feedback and share emerging needs and opportunities with the staff. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in education, human services, social work, public administration, youth development, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience will be considered. 
• At least 2 years of experience coordinating youth development, education, workforce development, reentry, or community-based programs. 
• Ability to engage young people whose lives have been impacted by the justice system, child welfare system, school disconnection, or other systemic barriers. 
• Strong organizational and follow-through skills, with the ability to manage multiple schedules, records, deadlines, and stakeholder requests. 
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication skills and comfort collaborating across government, education, nonprofit, and employer partners. 
• Experience maintaining confidential case or program records and entering data accurately; proficiency with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace required. 
• Sound judgment, flexibility, and the ability to respond calmly and respectfully in fast-moving environments. 
• Ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.  
• Commitment to youth development, education, workforce development, and helping participants  
• Ability to exercise professional judgment, flexibility, and problem-solving skills in a fast-paced program environment.  

Core Competencies 

• Youth-centered relationship building 
• Operational coordination and attention to detail 
• Partner communication and follow-through 
• Data accuracy and confidentiality 
• Collaborative problem-solving 
• Adaptability and accountability 

Salary range: $60,000-$70,000