Restorative Community Connections Coordinator Full Time

Overview of Role

This position coordinates the Community Connections Programs at the Essex Community Justice Center.  The Community Connections Program Coordinator will be someone who is passionate about restorative approaches to crime and conflict. Most of the Community Connections Program (CCC) Coordinator’s efforts will focus on continued development and implementation of the following services:

• Reentry Support for individuals who have been incarcerated and are returning to the community or who are living in the community and are considered to be at risk of reoffending/re-incarceration
• Recruitment, training and support of volunteers to run the Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) Program for individuals who have been incarcerated and are returning to the community.
• Community Conflict Assistance Program for people who are not involved with the criminal legal system to work through conflict and harm through direct services and community workshops.
• Victim Outreach Program that reaches out to victims of crime soon after the incident to offer support and resources.

Working closely with the Essex CJC Director, the Community Connections Coordinator will use restorative approaches in each program’s design and implementation.

The Community Connections Coordinator position is 40 hours/week. There is considerable contact with offenders, people from state agencies and community organizations, volunteers, victims and members of the communities we serve.  Some of the offenders in the Community Connections Program present a high level of risk to the community. Some in-state travel is necessary for meetings or training.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as primary ambassador of each of the Community Connections program in the community and seek out opportunities to present on the program to new communities and increase awareness of program more broadly.
• Monitor and manage all referrals, specifically for resource navigation and intensive volunteer support.
• Supervise or co-supervise any interns serving with the program, this includes designing internship, monitoring their work and case-load and holding regularly scheduled check-ins.

• Plan for  implementation of approximately 8 COSAs each fiscal year in adherence with the Department of Corrections’ grant requirements, adhering to victim safety protocol and any expectations laid out by the Town of Essex.
• Recruit, screen, train, match and support COSA volunteers with appropriate offenders (core members).
• Screen prospective participants in COSA program.
• Meet with the prospective participants at the correctional facilities, explain program expectations and benefits, and secure signed Release of Information.
• Plan and coordinate Reentry Case Conferences and Family Conferences when necessary.
• Staff weekly COSA meetings and when needed, debrief volunteers.
• Communicate regularly with the supervising Probation Officers of the core members.
• Participate in regional collaborative meetings with other reentry coordinators.
• Maintain records of services and delivers evaluations and service reports in a timely fashion.
• Prepare news releases, brochures, and other materials to promote the program.
• File monthly reports with CJC Director and, when appropriate, directly to granting agency.
• Act as an “Ambassador” for the Community Justice Center, carry out work and interact with co-workers and the public in a respectful professional manner.
• Assist the Director as needed and when requested to:

1. 1. Recruit, train, coach, coordinate and celebrate volunteers of the CJC
   2. Assist with trainings, community forums, etc
   3. Attend professional development trainings
   4. Complete additional tasks as assigned

Additional Responsibilities

• Offer conflict assistance to members of the communities we serve who request services from the ECJC.
• Conduct conflict skills workshops for community members and volunteers on applied conflict styles, active listening, non-violent communication, conflict mediation, restorative conversations and other skills to help others work through conflict.
• Identify local mediators in the area with relevant skills, credentials, and resources with whom we could contract or establish in-kind donor relationships.
• Provide timely outreach to victims of crime to offer support and resources.
• Collaborate with victim advocates that focus on this work at CUSI, the Chittenden County Attorney General’s Office, and the Burlington Police Department.

QUALIFICATIONS/BASIC JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to actively support  diversity, equity, and cultural competency efforts within stated job responsibilities and work effectively across diverse cultures and constituencies.

• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion as evidenced by ongoing trainings and professional development.
• Bachelor’s Degree with three years of experience in mediation, restorative justice, conflict resolution, or related field. Additional experience may be substituted for a degree requirement.
• Experience with program development and working with marginalized populations
• Believes in and values a restorative response to crime and conflict.
• Demonstrated strong organizational, coordination and group leadership skills.
• Ability to develop strong relationships with a wide range of individuals and groups, who may have conflicting interests and opinions.
• Strong communication skills, including written, phone, public speaking, meeting and training facilitation.
• High standards of confidentiality, attention to detail, record keeping and follow through required.
• Ability to work in a team environment, while also working independently as necessary.
• Able to manage and grow programs and meet program requirements, reports and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to engage with people who have experienced trauma, and come from diverse racial, economic, and other backgrounds.
• Ability to serve as an “Ambassador” for the Essex CJC, carrying out work and interacting with co­workers and the public in respectful professional manner.
• Computer literacy necessary. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Powerpoint, and Excel preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of systems of power such as White supremacy, capitalism, etc.
• Regular attendance and availability to respond to emergent and time-sensitive situations are essential to meeting expectations of the job functions.
• Is sensitive to community values regarding crime.
• Communicates skillfully on the phone, in person, and in writing.
• Explains information in a straightforward manner and varies language and communication style to meet the needs of the recipient.
• Remains calm in the presence of strong emotions from others while creating an atmosphere for problem solving.
• Has experience building partnerships with local resources/organizations.
• Works well in a group and independently.
• Is discreet and maintains confidentiality regarding people and situations.
• Has experience working with diverse populations, particularly those who are underserved and at-risk of (re)entering the criminal justice system.
• Has strong group facilitation skills.
• Is non-judgmental and tolerant of diverse opinions and lifestyles.
• Is a skilled communicator who maintains neutrality in working with people to manage conflict.

• Is a self-starter who is highly skilled at organizing work, keeping track of details, and following through all work to completion
• Communicates skillfully on the phone, in person, and in writing
• Experience with volunteerism (served as a volunteer, recruiting or managing volunteers, etc.)
• Valid driver’s license and a means of transportation desirable.