The California Conference for Equality and Justice (CCEJ) is a human relations organization focused on a broad range of “isms” – the manifestations of discrimination and oppression based on religion, race, age, ability, gender identity, and sexual orientation – ranging from bias-related crimes and violence to racial profiling to systemic oppression. We are dedicated to eliminating bias, bigotry and racism through education, conflict resolution and advocacy.
Our Restorative Practices in Communities (RPIC) Program utilizes facilitated dialogue grounded in restorative justice principles as well as mediation practices as a conflict resolution model and alternative to traditional forms of criminal legal systems. With a focus on relationships, we create a space that shifts the paradigm from narrow punishment to holistic healing and accountability. After an incidence of harm or conflict, RPIC creates the space for those impacted to meet together to share their story; take responsibility for the collateral harm their actions may have caused or express how the harm has effected them; and create agreements that support what meaningful justice looks like to them.
RPIC currently offers case referral services for community members, families, schools, law enforcement agencies, youth group homes, housing authority agencies and court systems. Our cases range across diverse conflicts such as, but not limited to: school bullying, physical assault, criminal threats, burglary, low level drug offenses, property vandalism, child custody issues, family reunification process, trespassing, post incarceration re-entry support, family based conflict, neighbor disputes, and school truancy.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Restorative Practices in Communities (RPIC) Case Manager works closely with the RPIC Director in the operations and coordination of the CCEJ’s restorative justice diversion program. This position’s caseload specifically serves communities in the greater South Los Angeles region.
The ideal candidate has a working knowledge of restorative justice, the juvenile justice system, and issues related to the school-to-prison pipeline.
This is a full-time exempt position that will include some work on evenings and weekends.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Experience with case management
- Experience in conflict mediation, restorative justice and/or dispute resolution
- Familiarity with the juvenile justice system and, in particular, its impact on youth and families of color
- Familiarity in youth development, particularly with system-involved and trauma impacted youth and their families
- Knowledge of the Los Angeles area (ideally South Los Angeles region), general community landscape and local direct service organizations
- Knowledge and skills related to working with people who have experienced trauma, conflict, and violence
- Willingness to create curriculum as well as strength in facilitating group circles
- Commitment to Restorative Justice, healing, and alternatives to incarceration
- Ability and willingness to build relationships with community members and systems leaders (police, probation, district attorneys, schools, faith leaders etc.) and promote alternatives to the juvenile justice system
- Ability to think strategically about the capacity and growth of the RPIC program
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Case Load
- Manage a case load of 10-12 cases per month
- Coordinate and facilitate meetings to prepare the circle participants for the face-to-face conference
- Coordinate and facilitate face-to-face restorative circle conferences each month among diverse participants
- Provide referrals for wrap-around services to participant
- Monitor and report ongoing case plan agreements with the circle participants through their case completion
- Secure locations, interpretation services, and other logistics necessary for meetings
Outreach and Training
- Identify and develop relationships with key community organizations that will provide support services to youth, their families and additional circle participants in fulfillment of the case plans
- Support RPIC Director in outreach, planning and delivery of the annual mediation certification and “Healing Harms” training to community volunteers
- Maintain communication with referral sources; conducting outreach and education about the program
- Engage local leaders and institutions around restorative justice diversion programming (elected officials, community, civic and faith leaders)
- Participate in presentations to residents, schools, agencies and organizations on the RPIC program as needed
Program Development
- Work with RPIC Director in implementing vision and plan for the RPIC program
- Develop and update a community resource guide of organizations and service providers in the greater South Los Angeles region for referrals for youth, their families and victims in support of RPIC plans
- Maintain relationships with staff of organizations and service providers
- Develop relationships with community members, schools, organizations and businesses to engage and educate them on RPIC
Evaluation and Administrative Duties
- Keep detailed records of each case, all contacts made, demographic data, and all other relevant data
- Utilize CCEJ’s reporting documents including circle trackers and spreadsheets to support the reporting of information to funding providers
- Provide information and data to CCEJ’s contract evaluator and support monthly evaluation efforts
- Proficiency of current software applications including MS Office
Supervision and Team Building
- Report to RPIC director, share bi-weekly supervision meetings
- Participate in quarterly potluck, team-building activity, professional development day with volunteer team and RPIC staff
- Attend bi-weekly RPIC team meetings
- Attend quarterly CCEJ staff meetings
QUALIFICATIONS
A background in restorative justice, human relations, youth development, community organizing, teaching and/or healing arts desired. An understanding of anti-bias/oppression concepts and conflict resolution skills required. Bilingual in English/Spanish strongly preferred but not required. At least three years of demonstrated work experience and/or education equivalent.
Applicant must have the flexibility to conduct weekend and evening programming based on need.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary range is $45,000-$48,000, dependent on experience. This is a salaried, non-exempt full- time professional position. Benefits include AD &D, medical, dental and vision insurance, 403B retirement plan, vacation, sick and select holiday paid time off.
As an equal opportunity employer, CCEJ encourages people of color, LGBTQI, and those from historically marginalized groups to apply.
APPLICATION PROCESS
We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible; deadline to apply is Thursday, December 1st and position start date is Tuesday, January 3rd. Interviewing for this position will be on a rolling basis. Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to RPIC Program Director, Vanessa M. Petti at: [email protected]. Please subject the email: Case Manager Application.