Job Title: Advocate - Restorative Justice-Reparative
Department: Community and Social Justice Programs
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Hours/Weeks: Full Year, Full Time
Hiring Range: $19.50 - $22.29
NEKCA Mission Statement:
To empower all generations in the Northeast Kingdom to grow, prosper, and thrive.
SUMMARY:
Advocates at NEKCA build strong relationships with our community and participants to set goals and see positive outcomes for families and individuals. Advocates utilize a strengths-based approach to support individual and household well-being while collaborating with agency and community partners to support service delivery in a human-centered way. This position in the Community and Social Justice Department provides participants with a restorative justice process to repair harm they have caused.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
1. Assess participants to determine immediate needs and develop a plan for response, including referrals (interagency and external).
2. Work collaboratively with community partners to address needs of participants.
3. Understand and follow all program guidance and policies.
4. Attend and participate in staff, agency, and community meetings deemed necessary for job performance.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide appropriate support to participants when they encounter challenges to their plan and within the community.
2. Practice an appropriate balance between support and accountability.
3. Communicate with partners and providers in an effective manner.
4. Document program progress and data.
5. Work with volunteers who are an integral part of the restorative process.
6. Provide staff support to the restorative justice processes, including but not limited to scheduling, organizing and facilitating meetings, supporting the participation of volunteers, and following through on data and policy needs presented by the cases.
7. Develop and maintain working relationships with relevant stakeholders including those in criminal-legal systems, and community-based providers.
8. Support victims of crime and harm, helping them navigate the criminal-legal system, advocating for services when they experience barriers, and connecting them to processes, goods, and services that will enhance their safety and lessen the impacts of their crime. Provide support and validation to affected parties whether or not they choose to participate in a restorative process.
9. Support those who have caused harm by creating conditions that allow for them to take responsibility for their actions, and to actively make amends using a restorative justice process.
10. Provide trauma-informed, culturally literate responses to the range of experiences participants impacted by and responsible for harm have lived, determining each time which identities need to be present to support the conversation and process.
11. Pre-Charge and Reparative Process Coordination.
12. Work in coordination with the Restorative Justice Coordinator to support volunteer training and recruitment.
13. Support the work of Diversion.
14. Stay current in practical knowledge of the theories, practices, and methodologies in the fields of restorative and transformative justice, trauma-informed care, leveling power dynamics, and all matters related to equity, justice, and inclusion.
Core Competencies:
1. Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community.
2. Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications.
3. Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
4. This position is considered a mandated reporter.
5. Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work flexible hours (program dependent).
6. Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations.
7. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
8. Demonstrate familiarity with, and sensitivity to the challenges faced by low-income individuals, and some knowledge of the community and available resources to address them.
9. Maintain confidentiality.
10. Complete all required trainings and professional development.
Requirements
Education and Experience:
BA (preferred); 1-2 relevant experience required; 3-4 years preferred.
Background Checks:
Employees in this role are required to undergo a background check in accordance with NEKCA policy, which may include verifying education, employment history, criminal background, and driving records.
Transportation Requirements:
This position requires that employees possess a valid driver's license, favorable driving record results, and have access to dependable transportation. This position may require transportation of participants.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Employees in this position work primarily in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions. The work involves sitting for extended periods of time, using a computer and other office equipment, and may require occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Position has occasional bending, stooping, or reaching for items. Standing or moving around the office area. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
#J-18808-Ljbffr