Restorative Coach

Program Director, Noank Community Support Services

Job Description

Restorative Practices Coach

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The job of Restorative Practices Coach is established to support the process by which residents and staff develop skills to repair harm in relationships and build a stronger sense of community within the Shelter. The Restorative Practices Coach will work in an in-person environment to build and deepen a positive Shelter climate and culture by training and working with residents and staff on various frameworks, including, but not limited to, Restorative Practices and Positive Behavior Interventions.

The emphasis will be on prevention and early restorative intervention to create a safe learning environment. Uses restorative practices within the shelter to create a supportive, engaged, and equitable milieu that will serve as a strong foundation for improved well‑being, learning, and improved relationships. Partners with staff in high‑risk situations to help clients successfully overcome barriers that may otherwise prevent them from being successful in the shelter setting.

Assists youth, families, and staff in developing positive relationships to promote safety as well as reduce conflict, disruptions, AWOLs and disciplinary incidents. This is a full‑time, 40‑hour per week, salaried position that is exempt from compensation regulations as specified in section 31‑76i of the Connecticut General Statutes.

MAJOR

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide services using a restorative practice model in order to strengthen shelter relationships and foster an inclusive, safer, more equitable environment.
• Facilitate a restorative approach to conflict resolution.
• Runs a daily group on restoration of relationships, in a proactive manner.
• Communicate with staff, clients and parents, understanding that individuals may have been exposed to trauma.
• Educate youth from diverse backgrounds in life skills with intent of stabilizing behavior (e.g. safety, health, decision making, setting parameters, communication, and anger management).
• Assist youth to maximize ability to attend, participate, and be successful in the short period in the shelter.
• Build relationships through encouraging client participation in shelter life skills and therapy groups and activities that provide a positive influence on behavior or in character development.
• Develop strong relationships with community partners, including the PD, to provide resources for the shelter.
• Provide support and coaching to staff and be a resource for communication techniques.
• Function as a neutral advocate to address client and staff concerns.
• Address concerns or complaints of youth, staff, and parents using best practices intervention techniques for a positive and professional outcome.
• Assist clinician and staff in developing individual action plans to reduce disciplinary incidents and increase equitability in disciplinary practices.
• Identify youth with challenging behaviors and present at treatment team meeting with psychiatry to reduce violence and improve the shelter climate.
• Refer to proper authorities those issues that threaten the safety or welfare of clients, staff, law enforcement, or the public.
• Provide in‑home support to families by conducting home visits and connecting to useful resources.
• Collaborate and assist with data collection, client tracking, reporting and analysis activities to demonstrate progress and effectiveness.
• Performs other duties as assigned by an appropriate administrator or their representation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s Degree in related field preferred. Experience in the area of Restorative Practices, Applied Behavior Analysis and/or Social Emotional Learning preferred. Must have experience working with behaviorally challenging adolescent girls. The employee must have a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and have a safe, road‑worthy vehicle. The employee shall ensure the Agency with proof of suitable automobile insurance check.

The employee must have the ability to work independently and in collaboration with other teams, have prompt, regular attendance in‑person and be available to work on‑site, in‑person during regular business hours and as needed.

The employee is required to be able to operate a personal computer with proficiency in the use of Microsoft 365, web‑based platforms, and Adobe PDF. The Position must pass a national background check conducted by fingerprints, a state police background check, a CT DCF protective service background check, a motor vehicle check, and provide proof of physical and negative PPD results.

If the applicant has resided in another state in the last 5 years background checks must be conducted and passed in those states as well.

REPORTS TO: The Restorative Practices Coach is supervised by and accountable to the Program Director.