Restorative Justice & Reentry Services Program
Title: Program Coordinator/Administrative Assistant
Position Summary: The Program Coordinator & Administrative Assistant provides essential logistical and clerical support to the Catholic Charities of South Carolina Restorative Justice & Reentry Services program. Guided by the principles of restorative justice and Catholic social teaching regarding the dignity of the human person, this hybrid role bridges direct client-focused coordination with robust administrative management.
The ideal candidate will manage day-to-day office operations, coordinate monthly “Redemption Day” outreach events, handle program intake documentation, and track vital performance metrics that contribute to reducing South Carolina’s recidivism rates. This position requires an empathetic, highly organized professional who can interface professionally with the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), community partners, volunteers, and returning citizens seeking a stable fresh start.
Classification: Non-exempt, Hourly, Full Time
Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Reports To: Director of Restorative Justice & Reentry Services
Key Responsibilities:
- Reentry Program Coordination & Case Support (50%)
- Intake & Documentation: Coordinate the intake process for individuals seeking reentry assistance (“inside the walls” and post-release). Establish and maintain digital client files with strict confidentiality.
- Critical Document Tracking: Manage the log, application tracking, and payment processing for returning citizens securing essential identification materials (State IDs, Social Security cards, birth certificates).
- Event Logistics (Redemption Days): Lead the administrative planning, vendor/partner coordination, and on-site setup for the program’s monthly Redemption Day events, ensuring resources are effectively distributed.
- Volunteer & Mentor Network Support: Serve as the primary point of contact for program volunteers and mentors; coordinate background checks, track training compliance, and distribute scheduling updates for active mentorship cohorts.
- Inter-Agency Liaison: Assist leadership in routing referrals and maintaining active communication with SCDC staff, local detention centers, housing providers, and substance treatment centers.
- Administrative & Office Operations (50%)
- Leadership Support: Manage calendars, schedule multi-stakeholder meetings, and coordinate local travel logistics for the Restorative Justice Director.
- Data Management & Reporting: Routinely enter client metrics, service delivery data, and outcomes into the organizational database; compile monthly statistical reports to demonstrate program impact against state recidivism baselines.
- Financial Assistance & Bookkeeping: Process invoices, manage check requests for client critical document fees, track petty cash, log programmatic receipts, and assist the Director with monitoring expenditures against grant-funded allocations.
- Office & Communications Management: Maintain physical and digital filing systems, handle incoming calls and correspondence with a compassionate and professional demeanor, and manage office inventory.
- Meeting Documentation: Attend program staff meetings and roundtable discussions to record precise minutes, capture key action items, and distribute them to stakeholders.
Qualifications & Experience
Required Background
- Experience: 2–4 years of experience in an administrative support, office management, or program coordination role. Experience working within social services, criminal justice, reentry programs, or faith-based non-profits is highly preferred.
- Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
- Mission Alignment: Deep respect for the mission of Catholic Charities and a strong commitment to treating incarcerated and returning citizens with dignity, empathy, and non-judgmental support.
Core Skills & Competencies
- Meticulous Organization: Proven ability to manage multi-step administrative workflows (such as tracking state document applications) without details falling through the cracks.
- Technical Proficiency: Highly skilled in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace. Experience utilizing client databases or case management software is a major asset.
- Communication & Discretion: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Ability to interact compassionately with a diverse population while maintaining strict boundaries and handling highly sensitive personal data discreetly.
- Bilingual Ability: Fluency in both English and Spanish is a distinct advantage but not strictly required.
Workplace Dynamics & Expectation
This role operates in a dynamic environment where administrative precision directly impacts human lives. A typical week involves balancing desk-focused tasks—such as tracking a budget spreadsheet, routing mail, or typing up meeting minutes—with active community coordination, like welcoming clients into the Midlands office, prepping materials for a prison outreach session, or organizing resource tables for an upcoming Redemption Day. It is a vital launchpad position for a professional dedicated to transformative justice and operational excellence.
Catholic Culture Expectations
This role is responsible for contributing to a gospel focused environment and openly sharing one’s faith and prayer with co-workers, clients and volunteers. In order to promote and provide this Catholic Identity and culture we invite candidates to apply that have a personal relationship with Christ and are in alignment with the mission of Catholic Charities.
