COSA Coordinator

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
The mission of Rutland County Restorative Justice Center (RCRJC) is to engage community members in responding to the needs of crime victims, the community, and those who violate the law, holding the latter accountable in a manner that promotes responsible and restorative behavior.
We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and identities to apply. Embracing unique perspectives is integral to our team, and each new hire enriches our organization with fresh viewpoints. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, providing you with the ideal platform to excel and thrive in your career. We identify as and anti-racist agency and are committed to upholding that “Diversity is a fact, equity a choice, inclusion an action, and belonging an outcome” -Arthur Chan; join us in celebrating difference and creating a future accountable to all.

CAREER AND PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
The Circles of Support and Accountability (COSA) is a volunteer-driven, community-based program designed to enhance public safety by supporting convicted high-risk (violent and sex) offenders as they reintegrate into their communities after a period of incarceration. COSA focuses on developing positive, supportive relationships between volunteers and core members (individuals convicted of offenses), fostering mutual respect and accountability to reduce recidivism and prevent future victimization.

The COSA Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and managing the COSA program in Rutland County, including the recruitment, training, and management of volunteers, as well as ensuring the effective operation of Circles for core members. The coordinator will collaborate closely with the Department of Corrections (DOC), Correctional Facilities, and other community partners to provide support for the reintegration of high-risk individuals. The coordinator ensures the program is aligned with COSA’s mission, adhering to best practices for supporting individuals on community supervision, and facilitating communication among all stakeholders involved.

HIRING TIMELINE FOR 7/1/2025 START DATE:
4/11/2025 – 4/25/2025 Accepting Applications via How to Apply
4/28/2025 – 5/2/2025 Application Review
5/5/2025 – 5/9/2025 First Round Interviews
5/12/2025 – 5/16/2025 Second Round Interviews
5/19/2025 – 5/23/2025 Reference Checks
6/3/2025 – Finalists Meet the Full Team in-person
6/4/2025 – 6/6/2025 Final Selection

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:
• Program Leadership & Oversight: Lead and manage all aspects of the COSA program, ensuring its success and alignment with mission objectives. Regularly evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.
• Volunteer Recruitment, Training, and Supervision: Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers for the COSA program, ensuring they are well-prepared to support core members and align with program goals.
• Circle Development & Coordination: Coordinate the formation and ongoing management of weekly Circles of Support and Accountability for each core member, ensuring regular meetings and appropriate follow-up on core members’ reintegration goals and needs.
• Core Member Support & Accountability: Work closely with core members to monitor their progress, address challenges and hold core members accountable to goals and pro-social expectations.
• Communication with DOC & P&P: Maintain consistent communication with DOC, local Probation and Parole (P&P) offices, and other community partners. Ensure timely and accurate information sharing regarding the core member’s progress, and any concerns.
• Risk Management & Safety: Monitor and assess risks associated with core members, implementing strategies to mitigate those risks. Address any violations of release conditions or concerns promptly, ensuring the safety of the community.
• Community Engagement & Partnerships: Build and maintain relationships with local organizations, service providers, and other stakeholders to support core members in their reintegration. Leverage community resources to assist with housing, employment, healthcare, and other needs.
• Program Evaluation & Reporting: Track and assess the success of the COSA program, preparing regular reports for stakeholders, funders, and community partners. Provide feedback and recommendations for improvement based on data and outcomes.
• Public Education & Advocacy: Promote the COSA program to the broader community, raise awareness of its impact, and advocate for policies that support successful offender reintegration.
• Generate mandated reports for Child Protective Services, PREA, and/or Adult Protective Services in compliance with legal requirements when needed.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE*:
Bachelor’s degree in psychology, human services, social work, mediation/peace keeping education, or a related field and 1-2 years of case management experience with similar populations.
-OR-
High School Diploma/GED and 3-5 years of case management experience with similar populations.

*Not all people will meet all these qualifications, if you still think you would be a good fit, please apply!

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Deep commitment to integrating equity into all aspects of program development,
community engagement, and training.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with experience in managing volunteers.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Experience in risk management, conflict resolution, and handling sensitive information.
• Excellent facilitation, teaching, or training experience.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with DOC, correctional facilities, and community organizations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and maintain organized records.
• Knowledge of local resources and support services for individuals reintegrating into society after incarceration.
• Analytical skills to assess program effectiveness through data, feedback, and outcomes.
• Experience preparing detailed reports for leadership, funders, and stakeholders, including data-driven insights and narratives.
• Technological proficiency in: Microsoft Suite, Canva, Share Point, and state-related CRMs
• Can pass a background check/be fingerprinted, have a valid driver’s license and vehicle that they are willing to transport clients / volunteers in, and can work in the US.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with historically marginalized communities and a demonstrated ability to address systemic barriers.
• Experience in co-leading the development, design, implementation, and evaluation of restorative justice programs that focus on community healing, accountability, and conflict resolution.
• Familiarity with the criminal justice system
• Experience in recruiting, training, and retaining volunteers.

BENEFITS/TIME OFF:
• Full Time $23/hour ($47,840/year)
• Office Cats
• Platinum Health Insurance 100% covered for Employee only
• Dental Insurance 100% covered for Employee only
• Life Insurance 100% covered for Employee only
• 3% Retirement Contribution match from Employer
• Bereavement Leave (for people and pets)
• Invest EAP
• 1 Wellness Hour a week
• Gym Membership for individual
• 45 days off per year (9 weeks) **:
§ 20 Paid Days off (10 Paid Holidays, the Agency is closed December 25-January 1, ½ day on your birthday and Halloween)
§ 15 Vacation Days (Increasing 1 day per year up to 25 days)
§ 8 Paid Sick Days
§ 2 Personal Days
• **Summer Holiday: After one year of employment employees get one fully paid/benefitted consecutive month off between June and September in addition to time above.

SCHEDULE/LOCATION:
• This is not a fully remote capable position
• M-F 8:30AM – 4:30 PM (Agency closed to public/ Remote on Fridays) ***
• Infrequent evening hours for training and events required
• Weekend hours, once to twice a year for community events, are required
*** To accommodate the changing demands of clients, availability of technology, and employee’s needs to effectively balance work and personal life, RCRJC makes alternative work schedules available. Certain work schedule options may not be available in situations where they would negatively impact the needs of RCRJC and, therefore, all alternative work schedules must have advance approval of the Executive Director.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:
Supervision is received from the Program Director

HOW TO APPLY:
Send a resume and the answers to these four questions to [email protected]
1. What are two values that hold significant importance in your life, and what drives their significance?
2. Please elaborate on your passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and why these matter to you.
3. Identify a skill you excel at and share how you determine your proficiency in this skill.
4. If you could choose anyone to mentor you in this role, who would it be and why?