Senior Policy Analyst, Crisis Response

The Council of State Governments Justice Center

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:

1. Break the Cycle of Incarceration.
2. Advance Health, Opportunity, and Equity.
3. 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 are already involved in the criminal justice system. This includes developing community responder programs to expand first responses to people in behavioral health crisis. We also provide training and technical assistance through the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) and Second Chance Act Program, which work to engage, support, and guide state and local governments, nonprofit agencies, and Tribal Nations to help improve responses for people with mental illnesses and substance use disorders who are involved in the criminal justice system.

The senior policy analyst will serve as an integral member of the CSG Justice Center’s Behavioral Health Division and work on projects related to improving crisis response for people with behavioral health needs, housing insecurity, and social disturbances as a part of the community responder team. The senior policy analyst will work directly with behavioral health and criminal justice leaders, stakeholders, and community members to assist in their efforts to help communities address challenges at the intersection of behavioral health, housing, and the criminal justice system by examining existing programs, policies, and practices and providing policy recommendations to behavioral health, criminal justice, and nonprofit agencies. The senior policy analyst will provide technical assistance; analyze relevant policy, research, and legislation; and coordinate and manage politically sensitive meetings with high-ranking local, state, and federal officials, advocates, and other experts across the country.

What You’ll Do:

Specific responsibilities of the senior policy analyst include the following:

• Provide technical assistance to jurisdictions expanding first response models to include alternatives to policing by:
  • Cultivating relationships across stakeholders involved with each jurisdiction’s initiative;
  • Maintaining regular communication with jurisdictions;
  • Providing guidance and resources to assist jurisdictions in meeting their program goals;
  • Contributing to the development and facilitation of jurisdiction training activities such as webinars and online learning communities; and
  • Documenting technical assistance contacts and activities in a timely manner.
• Work with a wide range of advisory groups focused on city/county government, community response, fire, emergency medical services, housing, criminal justice, and behavioral health technical assistance efforts.
• Plan and participate in policy-focused meetings of high-ranking government officials, advocates, and national experts.
• Lead the conceptualization and development of written products, including policy briefs, research memos, and presentations, that concisely and clearly describe complex analyses and policy options to policymakers.
• Lead efforts to conceptualize and create technical assistance tools and products, including explanatory guides, planning tools and worksheets, data dashboards, and analytic tools.
• Contribute to the development of long-range strategies to guide the CSG Justice Center’s behavioral health work, particularly with a focus on crisis systems.
• Research new funding opportunities, write sections of grant proposals occasionally, draft reports to funders, and serve as a resource to funding agencies.

What You’ll Bring:

• Ability to interact effectively with diverse people in different contexts and foster equity and inclusion through self-awareness, cultural sensitivity, and valuing others
• 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
• At least five years of relevant work experience and/or equivalent educational achievements that involve some of the following: training and technical assistance, research, policy analysis, and experience in criminal justice, mental health, or behavioral health fields
• Excellent research, writing, and editing skills and an analytical mind
• Experience with performance measurement, research/evaluation, and data analysis, particularly around mental illness, substance addiction, crisis response, and 911/988 call data
• Knowledge of supportive mental health, substance use, and criminal justice best practices and evidence-based strategies
• Understanding of local and state dynamics in the criminal justice, behavioral health, and crisis systems, as well as the interplay between them
• Understanding of and ability to apply trauma-informed care, racial equity, cultural humility, and gender-responsive lenses to programming and technical assistance support
• Experience using data to drive decision-making and collecting, matching, and analyzing administrative data from criminal justice and mental health systems
• Experience in collaborative planning efforts involving governmental, nonprofit, philanthropic, Tribal, and private sector partners
• Demonstrated success in meeting project deadlines and funder deliverables
• Strong oral communication skills, including the ability to effectively distill and present complex information in a concise, accessible way
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including maturity and an ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Ability to travel several times per year

How You Apply:

If you’re interested in helping us drive change across the country, you must upload the following elements with your application (incomplete applications will not be accepted):

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Writing sample
• At least three professional references

We will consider all paid and unpaid experience relevant 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 $67,900 – $98,280. The starting salary for this position outside of NYC may be as low as $67,900. 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.