Summer 2024 - Intern, Greater Justice New York
Who you are:
Vera’s Greater Justice New York (GJNY) initiative uses data analysis, research, strategic communications, policy, and advocacy to advance pretrial justice reform, reduce the use of jails and prisons, minimize the harms of involvement with the criminal-legal system, and support reinvestment in strategies that build truly safe and thriving communicates throughout the state of New York. GJNY works with stakeholders and advocates to transform the criminal-legal system. We seek to shape a statewide policy agenda and drive local conversations about decarceration and public safety.
GJNY is one of Vera’s three place-based initiatives, along with Vera California and Louisiana. We serve the unique purpose of harnessing our strengths and assets to invest locally in dismantling the systems that punish and harm and building institutions that deliver safety and justice. Each of our place-based initiatives are led by staff who live in those communities.
The summer intern will work under the supervision of GJNY's lead qualitative researcher to advance the team's research and policy priorities that advance both safety and justice for all New Yorkers, including a focus on pretrial justice, parole, sentencing, jail and prison population reduction, and our overarching narrative change strategy, which seeks to understand and change New Yorkers’ (mis)perceptions about mass incarceration. This work may include reviewing existing research, developing data collection tools (e.g., surveys), and conducting data collection. This work may involve travel around New York City.
The summer intern will be directly supported and supervised by GJNY’s lead qualitative researcher. The intern will receive ongoing one-to-one training in qualitative research and policy advocacy. The intern will also have opportunities to collaborate with all GJNY research and policy staff.
What you'll do:
Support GJNY’s projects on pretrial justice, parole, sentencing, jail and prison population reduction, and narrative change
- Assist with developing qualitative research questions and data collection instruments
Conduct research and writing memos to support advocacy campaigns.
Track the latest news, literature, trends, and ideas from various sources related to criminal legal reform in New York, particularly around the issues of budget justice, bail, parole, and sentencing reform.
What qualifications are we looking for?
- Familiarity with academic literature and literature review
- Familiarity with qualitative research design and data collection tools (e.g., surveys, interviews, observation, document analysis)
- Familiarity with social justice movements, political activism, advocacy, or philanthropy
- Familiarity with the US criminal legal system, preferred previous knowledge or experience in New York State
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you'll bring:
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or similar software
Location:
Please note this role will report to our Brookyn, N.Y. office. Vera interns and employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule. Full-time positions generally amount to 10 days per month. Part-time positions generally amount to 5 days per month.
Schedule:
The intern should be available to work up to 35 hours per week during the summer. The dates will be between June 3rd and August 9th, with some flexibility to accommodate personal and academic schedules.
Compensation:
The compensation range for internships is $16.00 - $25.00 per hour. Actual compensation will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. Applicants may choose to receive academic credit. For those who need to earn academic credit, Vera will gladly assist in working with the school or program to make arrangements and meet requirements.
How to apply:
Please submit cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please explain why you are passionate about criminal justice reform and what you hope to gain from this internship.
Applications may also be faxed to:
ATTN: People Resources / Summer 2024 – Intern, Greater Justice New York
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
In order to ensure a healthy and safe work environment, Vera Institute of Justice is requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated and provide proof of their COVID-19 vaccine before their start date. Employees who cannot receive the vaccine because of a disability/medical contraindication or sincerely-held religious belief may request an accommodation (e.g., an exemption) to this requirement.
Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.
Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.
For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org