Friends Outside
Restorative Justice Specialist
Bilingual in Spanish
General Description:
The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz is a non-profit organization that is making a difference in our community. Our Friends Outside program provides multiple services prior to release and post-release for individuals and families involved in the criminal justice system. The mission of Friends Outside is to restore justice for those impacted by incarceration through providing hope and resources to support change during each stage of the reentry process.
This position is responsible for facilitating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) curricula in a correctional facility and community-based setting, and meeting with clients individually to help with successful community re-entry. Must be Bilingual in Spanish. This position has flexible hours. Full time-36 hours per week and requires evening hours ending at 7:00 pm, Monday through Thursday. The position requires working at our Freedom site, Watsonville site and Santa Cruz site.
Functions And Duties:
GROUP FACILITATION
- Design and deliver group courses both in correctional and community-based settings, utilizing evidence-based curricula that address criminal thinking, behavior and identity.
- Facilitate program curricula to fidelity in a manner that is consistent with cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI) models.
- Under the leadership of the Program Coordinator II, work with the Probation Department, the Sheriff Department and other community partners to recruit and enroll participants.
- Plan course sessions in accordance with program manuals and ensure that the necessary facilities, equipment and materials are available for each session.
- Maintain accurate attendance records and conduct pre and post test evaluation activities to measure and improve program effectiveness.
RE-ENTRY CASE MANAGEMENT
- Work with clients post release to assess needs for successful reentry back into the community.
- May include but not limited to: housing navigation, continuing education enrollment, job readiness skills and substance use education and support.
- Reaching out to those individuals in the community who require reentry services to build client base.
PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
- Maintain confidential client case files and program records in accordance with established policies and procedures.
- Prepare and submit accurate weekly, monthly and quarterly reports as required by the Volunteer Center and funders.
- Under the direction of the Program Coordinator II, monitor program funds in line with approved program budget and allowable expenses.
- Work with team to develop and update program materials including training manuals, resource guides, brochures, and client and volunteer forms.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
- Helps to plan and promote Volunteer Center and Friends Outside events and volunteer trainings.
- Attends community events or other activities on behalf of Friends Outside in order to recruit volunteers and to promote program services.
- Investigates and researches new partnership and fundraising opportunities to further support our clients and volunteers.
- Work with clients for successful reentry into the community.
OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with special projects, including direct supervision and coordination of volunteers when needed.
- Attend Advisory Board and mandatory Volunteer Center and Friends Outside meetings and/or trainings.
- Check emails and voicemails, answer phone and interact with walk-in inquiries.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bilingual in Spanish-Required
- Bilingual in Spanish
- Bachelor degree plus one year experience or 3 years experience.
- Must be able to pass and maintain jail clearance.
- Must have a valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to work some evenings shifts.
- Basic computer skills including, competence with word processing, knowledge of Microsoft Excel, FileMaker Pro and other databases, and experience with MAC computers.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients, community agencies and businesses.
- Excellent written abilities and strong organizational skills.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Volunteer or employment experiences in jail facilities, drug or alcohol treatment facilities or related criminal justice setting.
- Knowledge of the local criminal justice system and of community resources related to criminal justice.
- Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health experience helpful.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
This position is full time-36 hours per week and is eligible for full Volunteer Center benefits including health insurance and access to other employee optional benefits, 12 days of accrued vacation for the first year of employment, sick leave, 10 + paid holidays and 4010(k) with company match. The wage range for this position is $23.93 up to $26.82 per hour depending on experience and certification.
The Volunteer Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer that embraces diversity, equity and inclusion and we encourage applications from people of all race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical ability, health, family status, gender, sexual preference, age, veteran status who meet the qualifications listed for this position. We practice affirmative action to create and sustain a diverse and representative workforce that reflects our community.
Equal Employment opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $23.93 - $26.82 per hour
Expected hours: 36.0 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- This position is based in Freedom CA and is an in-person position. Are you able to reliably commute to the Santa Cruz County area?
Education:
Experience:
- Motivational interviewing: 1 year (Preferred)
- Microsoft Office: 1 year (Preferred)
- Restorative Justice: 2 years (Required)
Language:
- bilingual, fluent Spanish (Required)
Work Location: In person
