Job Type Full-timeDescriptionJob Title: Advocate - Restorative Justice-DiversionDepartment: Community and Social Justice Programs FLSA Status: Non-exempt Hours/Weeks: Full Year, Full Time Hiring Range: $19.50 - $22.29NEKCA 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 is an Advocate for the Social Justice Programs in the Community and Social Justice Department that provides participants a restorative alternative to the court process.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Perform intake per requirements of NEKCA/grantor. Determine and verify eligibility for all applicants in accordance with program guidelines
- Collect and report all data accurately and timely into GoEngage to meet program deadlines
- Assess participants in crisis to determine immediate needs and develop a plan for response, including referrals (interagency and external)
- Work collaboratively with community partners to address needs of low-income households
- Understand and follow all program guidance and policies
- Attend and participate in staff, agency and community meetings deemed necessary for job performance.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Support juvenile/adult offenders according to Program contracts
- Schedule service-learning and community service opportunities for Diversion participants
- Utilize the Initial Contact Checklist for every victim
- Advocate for victim(s)' level of involvement and voice within the program
- Interview and assess Diversion applicants and facilitate repair panels/circles
- Participate in training of Diversion panel members
- Schedule Diversion participants in front of Diversion Panel and attend and facilitate Diversion Panels
- Contact all identified victim (s) and notify them that the case has been referred to Court Diversion or Tamarack on the same day but no later than five business days of the participant applying to participate in the Program
- Supports teens and young adults to connect with positive and empowering adult supports empowering and affirming individuality and autonomy.
- Identifies barriers to success for individual youth and makes accommodations as needed to support completion of the program
- Consistently and effectively employs and utilizes Program assessment tools for screening
- Engages participants in meaningful and reflective dialogue about the assessment results
- Assists all stakeholders including participant's parents, attorneys, the court and others, to ensure that contracts are successfully completed.
- Communicates with local law enforcement agencies as outreach for the program and to resolve any issues relating to its implementation.
- Communicates regularly with supervisor and provides feedback regarding program successes, challenges, and needs for additional support
- Ensures compliance with all Program required record sealing procedures
Core Competencies:
- Must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Must be able to maintain good relations with participants, other staff, and members of the community.
- Must have knowledge of basic computer skills and record keeping, including spreadsheet applications.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and database management systems.
- This position is considered a mandated reporter.
- Must be responsible, self-motivated, self-initiated, may need to work fleixble hours (program dependent)
- Demonstrate positive problem-solving skills in stressful situations.
- Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- 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.
- Maintain confidentiality.
- Complete all required training and professional development.
RequirementsEducation and Experience:BA (preferred)1-2 years of relevant experience preferredBackground 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 occasionally 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 functions of their job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Salary Description $19.50 - $22.29