Regional Program Coordinator – CHOICE In-Prison Trauma Program (Carbondale)

Adler University’s Institute on Public Safety and Social Justice (IPSSJ) is dedicated to providing comprehensive trauma-informed support within correctional facilities across Illinois. We work in partnership with incarcerated individuals affected by trauma to foster healing and promote safer prisons, and functional reentry experiences. As a Regional Coordinator, you will play a pivotal role in implementing and overseeing the logistics of a peer-led, in-prison trauma program, coordinating resources, and building a network of dedicated volunteers and staff. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of incarcerated individuals through the power of healing and community support.

Education/Experience:

• Willingness to work with incarcerated people in a prison setting.
• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field (master's degree preferred).
• Experience working with trauma survivors.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse groups of individuals.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience supervising and supporting volunteers or staff.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and practices.
• Ability to travel between multiple prison locations within Illinois regularly

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Program Implementation:

• Develop and execute strategies for the effective implementation of trauma-informed programs within assigned Illinois correctional facilities in Randolph, Perry, Jackson, Jefferson and Johnson counties.
• Collaborate with prison authorities, Adler University, the CHOICE Advisory Board, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment with facility protocols and regulations.
• Ensure proper documentation of all group activities in all regional sites.
• Collaborate with program evaluation staff to collect necessary permissions and information to accurately track program progress.
• Monitor program effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements based on participant feedback and outcomes.

Volunteer Recruitment and Training:

• Partner with staff from the Institute on Public Safety and Social Justice at Adler university to recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to facilitate trauma support group meetings and workshops within the prisons.
• Provide ongoing support, guidance, and resources to volunteers to ensure program quality and participant safety.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community organizations, universities, and other potential volunteer sources to expand the volunteer base (see volunteer requirement description).

Staff Coordination and Support:

• Coordinate with prison staff to schedule and facilitate trauma support group meetings and workshops.
• Provide training and support to all stakeholders on trauma-informed care principles and program implementation.
• Serve as a liaison between program staff and prison administration to address any concerns or issues that may arise.

Program Administration:

• Maintain accurate records of program activities, including attendance, volunteer hours, and participant feedback.
• Prepare reports and presentations on program outcomes and impact for internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage program budget, including tracking expenses and submitting reimbursement requests as needed.

Travel and Logistics:

• Travel between up to 6 Illinois prisons to oversee program implementation and provide support to volunteers and staff.
• Coordinate travel logistics, including scheduling visits, arranging transportation, and ensuring compliance with prison security procedures.

Work Environment (Physical Demands):  The usual and customary methods of performing the jobs functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing. This job is performed in a generally clean and healthy environment.

Universal Core Behaviors:

Communication:

• Effectively expresses oneself in all oral and written communications.
• Exhibits good listening and comprehension skills.
• Keeps others informed, as well as responds, in a timely manner.
• Demonstrates match between words and actions.
• Responds with tact, diplomacy, respect and composure when dealing with others.
• Promotes the spirit and essence of the School’s Vision, Mission, Values and Key Strategies through both verbal and written communication.

Teamwork and Collaboration:

• Cooperates with others toward the achievement of common goals.
• Seeks consensus and win-win solutions to problems and conflicts.
• Contributes actively and participates fully in team initiatives.
• Puts success of the team above own interests.
• Builds and maintains constructive work relationships.

Responsive to Change:

• Supports changes in the work environment.
• Displays a proactive, problem-solving approach toward work.
• Committed to life-long learning by continuously increasing skills, knowledge and effectiveness.
• Actively seeks and initiates creative and innovative solutions.
• Exercises sound, accurate and informed independent judgment when needed.

Quality-Driven and Accountable:

• Results-oriented and committed to quality through continuous process improvement.
• Eliminates ineffective activities and closes performance gaps.
• Anticipates and responds to customer needs.
• Monitors own performance, accept responsibility for actions and actively seeks feedback.
• Meets deadlines and completes projects and activities in professional, timely manner.
• Seeks opportunities to increase productivity and/or reduce costs while maintaining highest quality standards (fiscally responsible).

Support of Vision, Mission, Values, Key Strategies:

• Supports and models the School’s Values of: social interest, compassion, justice, respect for the individual, honors diversity and difference, intellectual rigor, optimism and collaboration.
• Articulates the School’s Vision, Mission, and Key Strategies in a way to educate others.
• Demonstrates active commitment in advancing the School’s Vision, Mission and Key Strategies.
• Exhibits personal integrity, honesty, zeal and compassion.
• Aligns work processes to advance the School’s strategic plan and key strategies.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of Adler University that all persons are entitled to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) protection. The University does not discriminate against any individual for employment because of age, religion, race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status (including unfavorable discharge from the military), or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As part of the Adler's equal employment opportunity policy, Adler will also take affirmative action to ensure that minority group individuals, females, disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, other protected veterans, Armed Forces service medal veterans, and qualified disabled persons are introduced into our workforce and considered for promotional opportunities.