Employment Opportunities

RJ Coordinator

We are seeking a motivated and highly organized team member to join our organization! OCRJC provides a supportive team environment, that values your well-being and voice. The Coordinator for Restorative Justice Programs works collaboratively with other colleagues to support individuals referred to our center, in full support of OCRJC’s mission and vision!

Job description:

Program Responsibilities: Youth Substance Awareness Safety Program (YSASP), Youth Court Diversion, Adult Pretrial Services, Balanced and Restorative Justice

Reports to: Pre-Conviction Program Director (Co-Executive Director)

Purpose of Position

• To effectively uphold restorative values of respect and dignity in all client engagement, from intake through completion.
• To design and coordinate restorative processes that engage stakeholders.
• To ensure that restorative processes are focused on ‘doing with’, rather than ‘to’ or ‘for’.
• To select the restorative process that best meets the needs of the stakeholders.
• Ensures restorative processes are specific and responsive to primary stakeholders.
• To manage the intersection between the legal system, mental health, substance use, and family poverty.

Program-Specific Duties

The coordinator divides their time between direct service and case management for the youth programs and adult programs.

YSASP is a restorative program for youth (ages 12-20) cited for underage drinking and/or possession of one ounce or less of marijuana. Police refer individuals to the program; the person referred to the program makes the choice to participate. 

The process begins with a substance use screening, which is used to develop a program plan. Program requirements may include a meeting with a certified substance use counselor, therapy, or educational programming. 

• Provides nonjudgmental, supportive, and engaging environment for teens and young adults who have to connect with positive and empowering adult support
• Identifies barriers to success for individual youth and makes accommodations as needed to support completion of the program
• Communicates with local law enforcement agencies as outreach for the program and to resolve any issues relating to its implementation.
• Maintains effective file management and organization system for all active and closed cases

Youth Court Diversion is a restorative alternative to the State’s court system. The program is available for youth charged by the State’s Attorney with a juvenile delinquency.

• Explains to clients in detail individual rights and responsibilities in the program, and restorative panel contract requirements
• Maintains exceedingly organized electronic and paper file system for all active and closed client cases
• Monitors client progress in program and communicates promptly as needed

The PreTrial Services Program offers support to adults charged with a crime, except those who are charged with a crime punishable by a term of life imprisonment or registration on the sex offender registry. The Pre-Trial Services Program supports individuals who have immediate substance use or mental health treatment needs during the pretrial period. The Court may order participation in the program, or individuals can choose to participate through a self-referral. 

• Provides nonjudgmental, supportive, and engaging environment for adults to connect with positive and empowering supports
• Assists program participants in following court orders, understanding their conditions or release and the expectations of the court, maintaining contact with the defense attorney, and accessing support and services that help them regain/maintain stability in their lives while their court process takes place.
• Communicates with court and attorneys as needed for the program and to resolve any issues relating to its implementation.

The BARJ Program is a balanced, restorative approach to juvenile justice. The program serves youth who are on juvenile probation, truant from school, or at risk of becoming involved with the juvenile justice system. BARJ services could include screenings, restorative processes, case management, restitution supports, restorative skills development, and prevention and community outreach.

Desired Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in human services, social work, criminal justice, education, business, accounting or related field OR five years of experience in human services, education or criminal justice.
• Minimum of two years’ experience (can include internships or volunteer work) working with youth, incarceration, trauma informed care, substance abuse, mental health, or youth development, strongly preferred.
• Must have demonstrated exceptional organizational and systems management skills.
• Must be willing to submit a Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of and sensitivity to: (1) youth and young adults 2) trauma and mental health issues 3) addiction and recovery 4) poverty and homelessness
• Working knowledge of the legal and social service systems, referral sources/appropriate options.
• Skill in managing crisis situations
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with co‐workers, supervisors, clients and the general public; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Please apply by sending your letter of interest, references, and current resume to kiara@ocrjvt.org.

Job Type: Full-time (40 hours)

Pay: $22.00 – $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• $14,000 per year towards health insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, dental insurance and other health related benefits
• 401(k)
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: In person. Chelsea, VT 05038