Parish Restorative Justice Officer (GMG/SEG 2)

Job Purpose

The Parish Restorative Justice Officer works at the parish level, managing several vulnerable and volatile communities. They represent the Ministry of Justice implementing the Restorative Justice programme at the community level throughout their designated parish. The incumbent manages all RJ Facilitators and volunteers. 

The RJ Manager will coordinate the work with other stakeholders in the assigned communities, including both referral agencies (Police, Courts, Department of Corrections, Victim Services Officers, Ministers of Religion and Schools, etc.) and supporting agencies (NGOs offering support in activities such as parenting classes, government departments that offer health services, including counseling, etc.) to ensure the successful implementation of the RJ programme. 

The RJ Officer will also coordinate efforts pertaining to arbitration duties and matters with the Child Diversion Specialist. 

Key Outputs:

• Communities informed 
• Effective client services delivered 
• Accurate account of RJS activities maintained 
• Case files managed 
• Restorative Justice training conducted 
• Interventions and special activities coordinated 
• Reports collated and prepared 
• Staff trained and motivated and Region managed 
• Relationships with stakeholders developed and enhanced 

Key Responsibility Areas:

Centre Administration and Management 

• Monitors the use and storage of all assets provided by the Ministry of Justice to the parish and ensure proper maintenance and security in keeping with the Procurement Guidelines, 
• Assists with needs assessment to ensure that the participating communities within the parish are adequately staffed and trained in order to conduct restorative practices; 
• Supervises all Restorative Justice Field Officer, Facilitators and volunteers that participate in the community(s) assigned within the parish;
• Assists in the design and implementation of capacity building interventions including the development of community profiles, community safety and development plans and administrative support to the Restorative Justice Processes within the specified parish; 
• Provides reports on a monthly basis, as directed or requested, to keep the Restorative Justice Coordinator informed of the operation and progress of activities/cases; 
• Represents the RJ Programme on activities at the parish level; 
• Prepares ad hoc Status Reports/Briefs on the Programme, responds to general queries from both internal and external customers; 

Community (Parish) 

• Liaises with other Government and Non-Government agencies (e.g. Social Development Commission, Jamaica Social Investment Fund, Department of Cooperatives and Friendly Societies, HEART Trust/NTA) to ensure optimal coordination in the delivery of Restorative Justice Practices; 
• Assists with the coordination of agencies and government departments that provide community services and social intervention programmes which will address needs of Victims and Offenders identified through restorative processes; 
• Ensures that communities within the parish are kept adequately informed about operations under the Programme by organizing and facilitating Sensitization Sessions and Public Education Workshops and other relevant activities; 
• Maintains accurate diary, records, minutes and account of RJS activities and assist in the monitoring and evaluation of interventions through site visits and the provision of timely progress and project completion reports to the Ministry of Justice. 
• Ensures that the Restorative Justice Coordinator is adequately informed about developments in the communities including the delivery of services by providing updates, monthly reports, quarterly assessments and other information and data as required. 
• Manages all case files and referrals to the Justice Services Centre pertaining to Restorative Justice within the parish. 
• Conducts Restorative Justice and Restorative Practices Training and public education at the national and the community level. 
• Maintains contact/communication with the Child Diversion Officer at the Justice Services Centre with respect to all activities and issues in the community. 
• Coordinates sensitization session(s) in the Correctional Institutions for offenders/parole(es)
• Manages Restorative Justice Cases across the assigned parish. 
• Conducts interventions, special activities, restorative processes in schools in assigned communities.
• Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to programme/project needs. 

Performance Standards:

This job is satisfactorily performed when: 

• Communities are adequately informed within agreed timeframes 
• Accurate maintenance of RJS activities according to guidelines 
• Management of case files according to guidelines 
• Conducting Restorative Justice training as requested 
• Coordination of interventions and special activities

Required Competencies:

Core Competencies 

• Oral Communication 
• Written Communication 
• Integrity 
• Team Work & Cooperation 
• Initiative 
• Compliance 
• Customer and Quality Focus
• Interpersonal
• Adaptability
• Time Management

Technical/Functional Competencies 

• Use of Technology
• Analytical and Investigative
• Planning and Organizing
• Leadership 
• Negotiation
• Problem Solving

Other Competencies 

• Ability to formulate proactive measures to achieve required objectives
• Excellent cross-cultural and people skills
• Sensitivity to the needs of residents of violence prone communities
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team
• Excellent Report Writing Skills

Minimum Required Education and Experience

Specific knowledge (however acquired) required to start: 

• Excellent typing skills 
• Good knowledge of social work interventions 

Qualifications and Experience 

• First Degree in Social Work/Counselling/Psychology or Social Science or Arts; 
• Knowledge of Restorative Justice processes; 
• Minimum of four (4) years working experience in low-income communities, with at least three (3) years in community development and community-oriented operations; 
• Minimum of two (2) years working experience in a project/programme related to social services 

Continuous Professional Development 

• Attend relevant training on emerging trends and practices within the field. 
• Network within the profession and relevant associationsto keep abreast with the industry. 

Authority:

• Access confidential information 
• Screen calls and visitors 
• Monitor stationery levels and request reordering 

Specific Essential Conditions associated with the job

• A valid driver’s license 
• Possession of a reliable motor vehicle 
• Willingness to travel (in and outside of Parish) 
• Willingness to work extra hours (can include weekends on occasion) 
• Willingness to work under pressure 
• May be required to work in volatile areas