Activities-Based Program Director

The Foundation of HOPE Activities-Based Program Director

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Status: Fulltime- Exempt

Location: Allegheny County Jail 950 Second Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219

Benefits: Competitive salary, paid vacation, generous PTO schedule, 401K retirement plan, various training/certificate/professional development opportunities, mileage & parking reimbursement.

Position Summary:
Working with the Chief Executive Officer, the Pre-Release Director, and the Chaplain, the Activity-Based Program Director will offer meaningful engagements during scheduled out-of-cell time and help individuals develop prosocial ways to relieve stress and become actively involved in the community. These activities will be geared towards helping individuals develop prosocial hobbies, learn new skills, and develop creative outlets that support their overall wellbeing while in jail and potentially influence how free time is spent upon release.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Create a schedule of activities across the Allegheny County Jail housing units that offer at least one activity on each housing unit per day that is appropriate for the individuals in that housing unit and consistent with ACJ security protocol.
• Identify mission-and-values-aligned external facilitators and/or facilitate activities for the residents of ACJ's housing units according to a predetermined schedule.
• Coordinate external facilitators, based upon agreed criteria, and coordinate payment to that unable to provide in-kind or volunteer services.
• Collaborate with ACJ staff to ensure that activities are offered in accordance with established policies.
• Work with the ACJ to advertise and encourage participation in scheduled activities.
• Collect regular feedback from participants and stadd to gauge the success of interventions, to make improvements, and to determine future activities.
• Curate and maintain organization of the ACJ library.
• Review and respond to requests for materials by incarcerated individuals and coordinate the distribution of materials based upon these requests.
• Maintain records of recreational equipment distributed to housing units.
• Account for recreational equipment and notify ACJ personnel when additional equipment is needed.
• Connect participants to the Foundation of HOPE Reentry/Aftercare Program and PIRC.
• Regular attendance at meetings within the jail and HOPE meetings outside of the jail, and assist with/attend other special events or training that come up.
• Must be comfortable working in the jail setting and with the inmate population.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Executive Officer.

Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills/Experience:

Knowledge of:

• The Foundation of HOPE mission
• Rules and Regulations at the Allegheny County Jail
• Ethical practices

Abilities:

• Adhere to quality standards and comply with best practices.
• Comply with Foundation of HOPE standards and policies.
• Remain culturally competent and sensitive to all individuals and their practices.
• Complete all paperwork/reports in a timely and professional manner.
• Commit to professional development.

Skills & Experience:

• Compassion, empathy, and patience.
• Welcoming demeanor that respects the dignity and life experiences of others.
• Genuine recognition of the dignity of all people regardless of their history and/or mistakes.
• Bachelor's degree in human or social services or related field (Master's preferred)
• At least 3 years' experience in case management.
• Ability to communicate with individuals from a diverse cultural background.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strong public speaking and facilitation skills.
• Excellent organizational & time management skills.
• Must be able to obtain all Allegheny County Jail, PA Department of Corrections, and Act 33 Clearances.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to climb several flights of stairs.
• Must be able to stand for up to 1 hour.
• Must be able to lift 40lbs to the height of 3-4 feet.
• Must be able to load card and move audio equipment.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

Ability to Commute:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15219 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Pittsburgh, PA 15219: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person