SY 24-25 Restorative Justice and Outreach Specialist - RISE Academy

Req# 3076009-7 Restorative Justice and Outreach Specialist Reports to: Dean of School Climate/Culture and School Principal Job Summary: The Restorative Justice and Outreach Specialist is responsible for implementing and supporting restorative justice practices within the high school setting. This includes conflict resolution, addressing student behavior through restorative circles and meetings, and conducting outreach to students, families, and community members. The role involves creating a culture of respect, responsibility, and accountability, while fostering strong connections between the school and the broader community. Key Responsibilities: Restorative Justice Facilitation: Facilitate restorative circles, conferences, and one-on-one meetings for students involved in conflicts, addressing behavioral issues, and promoting accountability. Work with students, staff, and families to resolve conflicts and improve relationships, using restorative practices to promote healing and understanding. Support students in making amends, taking responsibility for their actions, and developing positive behavior change. Behavioral Support: Provide interventions and strategies for students struggling with behavioral issues, incorporating restorative principles to foster growth and accountability. Assist in developing behavior intervention plans in collaboration with teachers, counselors, and administrators. Outreach and Engagement: Build positive relationships with students, families, and community organizations to create a network of support. Develop and maintain communication channels with parents and guardians regarding student progress, restorative practices, and school events. Promote restorative justice initiatives through workshops, school events, and other community outreach efforts. Training and Professional Development: Train and support school staff in restorative justice practices and how to incorporate them into their classrooms and interactions with students. Organize workshops and training sessions for faculty, staff, and administrators to strengthen the school’s approach to conflict resolution and restorative practices. Documentation and Reporting: Track and document restorative justice sessions and interventions. Report on the effectiveness of restorative justice practices, identifying areas for improvement and providing regular updates to administrators and stakeholders in accordance with Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Collaboration: Collaborate with school counselors, social workers, school staff, and administrators to address student needs and build a positive school climate. Work with community organizations and local resources to ensure students and families have access to additional support services such as, but not limited to: Department of Youth Services (DYS): Coordinate Reentry Support: Collaborate with DYS case managers to support youth reintegration into school after being in a juvenile facility, ensuring students have resources to ease their transition. Provide Individualized Support: Help identify and access academic or behavioral support services to aid students as they re-enter school, focusing on stabilizing their school experience. Transition Assistance: Work with the school team to establish a transition plan that includes necessary supports, such as credit recovery or tutoring, for students to successfully resume their education. Court: Information Sharing: Serve as the main point of contact for court officials, sharing updates on students' school attendance, behavior, and any interventions in place. Advocate in Hearings: Attend juvenile court hearings to advocate on behalf of students, offering insights into their educational and social progress to highlight positive changes or support they need. Prepare Documentation: Organize and submit any required school-related documents, such as progress reports, to support students’ cases in a timely manner. Coordinate with Court Orders: Work with students to understand any court-mandated requirements, like counseling or community service, and help them access resources to meet these expectations. Police: Community-Based Crisis Response: Act as a supportive contact when police are involved in school-related incidents, helping ensure that interactions between students and officers are positive and appropriate. Build Safety Networks: Collaborate with police to create plans for student safety, especially if they face risks related to their court involvement or community situations. Promote Understanding: Educate police on the backgrounds and needs of students, encouraging a compassionate approach during any necessary interactions. Probation: Support Consistent Monitoring: Partner with probation officers to keep them informed on students’ progress, ensuring that attendance, school engagement, and behavior align with probation terms. Encourage Compliance: Help students understand and meet probation requirements, such as school attendance or participation in assigned programs, by connecting them with relevant school or community resources. Arrange Check-In Meetings: Facilitate regular meetings with probation officers, students, and their families to discuss progress, address any challenges, and reinforce positive behavior. Attend 90-60-30 transitional meetings Skills and Competencies: Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with students, staff, and families. Experience in conflict resolution, mediation, and facilitating group discussions. Knowledge of restorative justice principles, practices, and trauma-informed care. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with diverse populations. Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks. Demonstrated team player who can display patience and act with grace under pressure Strong familiarity with the neighborhoods and community of Lawrence Experience working within the adult and juvenile detention, court and probation system Valid driver’s license and transportation Bilingual/bicultural (Spanish/English) preferred Physical Requirements: Ability to move around the school building and occasionally assist in crisis situations or conduct meetings in various settings. Working Conditions: This is a full-time, school-year position, with occasional evening or weekend events for outreach or family meetings. 183 days per year Work is typically performed on-site at the high school. Some travel required to visit community partners or students at home or facility This job description outlines the core responsibilities and qualifications expected of a School Restorative Justice and Outreach Specialist, the role may also involve additional duties or responsibilities related to student wellness, discipline, community partnership development, or other duties as assigned by the School Administration. Any job offer is subject to verification of candidate's references and background check prior to employment. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Lawrence Public Schools is committed to maintaining a work and learning environment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital/civil union status, ancestry, place of birth, age, citizenship status, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or disability, as defined and required by state and federal laws. Additionally, we prohibit retaliation against individuals who oppose such discrimination and harassment or who participate in an equal opportunity investigation.