Restorative Justice Program Specialist

SchoolTalk is seeking a Restorative Justice  Program Specialist/Senior Specialist to work directly with the RestorativeDC Program Director as a technical expert in restorative justice in schools and communities. The  Restorative Justice  Specialist will provide technical assistance to school communities in proactive, preventative, and responsive restorative practices based on level of experience and areas of expertise. The Specialist/Senior Specialist will support the Program Director in maintaining relationships with program stakeholders; leading and implementing programming in assigned schools, and supporting the work of the Restorative Justice implementation team and point of contact. Work requires a high level of expertise in both restorative practices and whole-school implementation and will include activities such as facilitating professional development for youth and adults, coaching and modeling of restorative practices, readiness assessment, materials development, utilization of school data, and development and revision of restorative school policies and practices.

Restorative Justice Technical Expert Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities will depend on level of experience and areas of expertise (Specialist/Senior Specialist)

• Plan and facilitate virtual and in-person professional development trainings and workshops, and associated materials,  which could include short exploration sessions, ½ day,  full-day, and multi-day series. 
• Facilitate the development and implementation of whole-school RJ implementation plans for DC Schools (DCPS and/or Public Charter schools)
• Provide technical assistance and/or intensive coaching to school-based staff in proactive and responsive restorative justice practices
• Building strong relationships with students and staff, particularly with the school’s Restorative Justice Coordinator and Implementation Team, and any other school leaders and discipline staff
• Work with school staff to review school policies and practices in order to integrate restorative justice philosophy and practices
• Facilitate Circles, Restorative Conferences and/or other restorative justice practices, as needed.
• Lead restorative justice professional development activities, such as webinars, workshops, and training for schools staff, students and family members, as needed.
• Support programming related to the intersection of special education and restorative justice practices
• Collaborate with schools to collect data and conduct assessments through surveys, interviews, and focus groups
• Co-lead the restorative justice community of practice and other peer-learning convenings
• Collaborate with students and staff to develop and implement restorative justice action plans and youth and family engagement activities, as well as to develop or revise relevant school policies, publicity, and other materials.
• Communication, logistics and administrative tasks necessary in support of the above responsibilities.
• And other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

 We are looking to fill multiple positions across a range of skill levels and experience with restorative justice and working with school communities. Specific job offers will depend on level of experience and areas of expertise (Specialist/Senior Specialist).

• Minimum of 5+ years (Specialist) and minimum of 8+ years (Senior Specialist) of experience with PK-12th grade schools.
• At least 3 years of hands-on experience with school-based restorative practices (specialist), 5+ years of experience school-based restorative practices (senior specialist).
• Extensive training and/or apprenticeship in a variety of proactive and responsive approaches, preferably peacemaking circles and/or community conferencing
• Demonstrated cultural competence working in a sensitive and empowering way with the marginalized communities we serve
• Experience with Nonviolent Communication, positive discipline, counseling, mindfulness, sports or art therapy, trauma-informed care, and/or mind-body practices, desirable
• An integration of Restorative Justice philosophy and culture into their own life, actions, and word
• Commitment to collaboration within and outside the organization
• A college degree is required (BS or BA), and a Masters in a related field is preferred

Awesome but Totally Not Required

• A teaching background, especially in DC schools
• Graduate of DC Public or Charter school
• Spanish-speaking