The City of Ithaca has launched recruitment for its new ROOTS community responder team as officials move forward with the next phase of the city’s Reimagining Public Safety initiative.
ROOTS, short for Responders Offering Outreach, Trust, and Support, is a non-police response program designed to handle certain non-violent calls for service by connecting people with community resources instead of relying solely on law enforcement.
The hiring effort follows a series of approvals by the Ithaca Common Council. Council authorized the phased rollout of the program in February, then approved job classifications, position titles and startup funding earlier this month, allowing the city to begin building the pilot program.
During the initial phase, the city plans to hire one full-time working supervisor, one full-time community responder and two part-time community responders.
The responders will work alongside the Ithaca Police Department, the Community Justice Center and local service providers to assist people facing challenges such as housing instability, mental health concerns and other quality-of-life issues. Their role will include responding to eligible calls, providing outreach and connecting individuals with available services.
The working supervisor will oversee daily operations, help develop training and response protocols, and coordinate partnerships during the pilot program.
“ROOTS represents years of work and partnership to build a response model centered on care, connection, and trust,” said Monalita Smiley, director of the Community Justice Center. “As we move into recruitment, we are looking for people who are grounded in community, skilled in engagement, and ready to help shape this program from the ground up alongside our partners.”
Human Resources Director Jamie Flynn said the city hopes to attract applicants with a broad range of professional and lived experiences.
“This is a unique opportunity to join a new and evolving area of public service in Ithaca,” Flynn said. “We are committed to a hiring process that is accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the City’s goals.”
The city said the pilot program will be funded through previously approved appropriations covering personnel, training, equipment and other operational needs.
Job openings are available through the City of Ithaca’s Civil Service employment portal. City officials said additional updates will be provided as recruitment continues and positions are filled.
