Restorative Justice Project looking for Community Justice Coordinator

Knox County Community Justice Coordinator

The Restorative Justice Project Maine (RJP Maine) Overview

Established in 2005, RJP Maine provides restorative community conferencing for adults and youth in Knox, Waldo, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, and Hancock counties, and provides restorative services for Maine Coast Regional Reentry Center, Long Creek Youth Development Center, and for K-12 schools. Recently, RJP Maine received a 4-year grant to establish community justice centers, where community members and service providers work together to promote safe and just outcomes through the use of restorative practices and collaboration.

Restorative philosophy offers an alternative to addressing harm, crime and conflict with punishment, blame, and isolation. Restorative practices seek to preserve the web of supportive relationships required for people, families, communities, and societies to thrive—we are all connected. Our mission is to spread restorative solutions to crime and conflict; our programs and practices seek healing and repair for those harmed, accountability and reintegration of the offender, and promote community-based responses that generate safety and well-being for all.

Position Overview

The Restorative Justice Project seeks a full-time County Coordinator with strong organizational and people skills to facilitate the day-to-day implementation of restorative practices in Knox County. Supported by a team of professionals and partners, the County Coordinator plays a pivotal role in developing a community-wide response to justice, safety, and well-being.

Job Description

Using a team-based approach, the individual in this position will report to and work closely with RJP Maine’s Leadership Staff to implement restorative programming in Knox County. This position will also interface with a number of local partners, volunteers, and community leaders in order to accomplish the vision, goals, and strategic direction for the development of a Knox County Community Justice Center.

Essential Functions /Key Duties

1. Coordinate Efforts to Grow the Knox County Community Justice Center (CJC):

Assist RJP Maine in launching a Knox County CJC Leadership Team. Provide staff support to help the Team plan and achieve its major goals and objectives. This includes but not limited to schedule meetings, prepare agendas, conduct follow up, recruit, and engage members, etcetera. Serve as the main point of contact for the Knox County CJC. As needed, work with RJP Maine’s ED and Leadership Staff around communication and fundraising activities so that efforts are coordinated and co-branded. Work with Training Director & Training & Capacity Building Team to facilitate local training and capacity building. Serve on the CBCR grant planning team and receive ongoing support for implementation and evaluation of CJC efforts.

Email applications to knox@rjpmidcoast.org ● Review of applications begins Sept. 21, 2020

2. Lead & Coordinator Knox County Volunteer Development:

Serve as the engagement coordinator for Open Table (at least 10 hours per week). With CJC partners, design and implement volunteer recruitment efforts. Facilitate volunteer skills and role development; work with the RJP Training & Capacity Building Team to engage and train volunteers, ensuring volunteers participate in RJP Maine programming. Facilitate the weekly Knox County RJP Volunteer meeting; mobilize and support volunteers and help them support each other.

3. Coordinate and Support the Community Resolution Program:

Act as the primary point of contact for local RJ referrals to the Knox County community resolution program. Activities include; attend Juvenile court (or enlist volunteers to attend); screen for appropriate cases; build relationships with local juvenile community corrections officers, district attorneys, victim advocates and additional parties who may refer cases for community resolution; mobilize volunteer participation in community resolution processes/cases; with support from the RJP Community Resolution Program Manager, ensure volunteer onboarding into facilitator and other support roles; manage paperwork and data reporting; serve as a member of the RJP Maine Community Referral Team.

4. Support Community Reentry and Reintegration Programming

As needed, mobilize RJP Maine support for reentry/reintegration needs, this includes aligning the use of Open Table and other RJP Maine programs. Work in partnership with the Knox County Sheriff, Regional Corrections Officers, Knox County Jail, Schools and other partners.

Skills and Experience

  •   Bachelor’s degree and/or appropriate combination of education and real-life experience to demonstrate the knowledge required to perform job duties, including community organizing, customer service, public speaking, and detail/project management
  •   Understanding and commitment to restorative justice philosophy and practices (willingness to learn)
  •   History of success developing and working in collaborations and partnerships
  •   Success in engaging volunteers, advancing program goals, and building visibility
  •   Teambuilder committed to working with people to find solutions
  •   Strong communication skills; persuasive and passionate
  •   Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
  •   Computer proficiency and willingness to learn appropriate software and technology
  •   Valid driver’s license and the ability to meet the job’s physical demands including light

    office work (lift/carry up to 15 lbs., long periods of sitting; occasional ability to drive or

    find transportation to events).

  •   Sense of humor and self-care skills (and/or the willingness to develop them!)
  •   Passion, idealism, integrity, positive, mission-driven, and self-directed

Success in this role requires the ability to seamlessly manage a number of priorities, to connect dots and align programs, and to embody and affirm restorative principles across efforts. We are seeking candidates dedicated to changing the way society administers justice. Successful candidates will have a combination of skills, knowledge, experience from the following:

 Knowledge of and sensitivity to issues of diversity, poverty, addiction and mental health

Email applications to knox@rjpmidcoast.org ● Review of applications begins Sept. 21, 2020

Additional Position Details

  •   Work Location: While working from home and remote work is permitted, work for this position primarily takes place in Knox County and will require office hours and meetings in the area. RJP Maine’s work is primarily located within Prosecutorial District 6 (Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo Counties). Periodic travel is required within the Midcoast area, depending on COVID 19 restrictions and procedures.
  •   License and Automobile: Valid Driver’s License (Required). Must have car or transportation ability
  •   United States Citizen (Required) To Apply

    Please send via email a resume with cover letter to knox@rjpmidcoast.org outlining your qualifications and experience. The formal review of resumes will start on Sept 21, 2020. RJP Maine may choose to consider applications received after that date, until the position is filled. The full-time salary is commensurate with experience/qualifications. Benefits include paid time off, retirement, professional development opportunities, and a flexible work schedule. Health insurance options are in development.

    Please submit your cover letter and resume in one document that includes your last name in the file name (example: smith_application.pdf). For questions about submitting your application, email to knox@rjpmidcoast.org.

    References and a background check will be required.

    As a matter of policy, RJP conducts background checks for prospective employees and volunteers. However, we believe having a criminal history should not discourage people from seeking gainful employment and those with criminal histories are encouraged to apply.

    Restorative Justice Project Maine is committed to providing a workplace of diversity and inclusion. Candidates who can contribute to this goal are encouraged to apply.

    EEO Statement:

    The Restorative Justice Project is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, age, physical characteristics, social origin, disability, religion, family status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, veteran status or any unlawful criterion under applicable law. We are committed to treating all applicants fairly and avoiding discrimination.

Email applications to knox@rjpmidcoast.org ● Review of applications begins Sept. 21, 2020