Program Coordinator, MENTOR (Mentors Empowering Now to Overcome Recidivism)

Posted by First Judicial District Court on July 18, 2016

Position: MENTOR (Mentors Empowering Now to Overcome Recidivism) Program Coordinator
Employer: The Honorable Michael Erdos, First Judicial District of Pennsylvania, Court of Common Pleas
Start Date: August 1st, 2016
Hours: Full time, 40 hours/week. Occasional evening hours required.

Responsibilities and Opportunities:
• Coordination of Mentors and Participants
o Oversee day-to-day operations of program
o Manage recruitment, screening, training, matching and supervision of 40 incoming mentors
o Facilitate intake of 40 new program participants; facilitate biopsychosocial assessments
o Address issues involving mentor and participant (i.e. mentoring concerns, providing pairs with reentry resources, etc.)
o Prepare for two monthly Status hearings with participants, mentors and Judge
o Plan and implement ongoing MENTOR volunteer and participant trainings and events
o Support transition plan post-graduation for MENTOR participants
o Research best practices for reentry and mentoring formerly incarcerated adults
• Case Management
o Connect MENTOR program participants with appropriate community resources (i.e. employment, housing, benefits, education, etc.)
o Support existing partnerships and develop new connections as needed
o Provide participants ongoing support throughout involvement in program
o Contribute to grant-funded outcomes evaluation including data collection, data entry and use of case management system
• Gain Exposure to Pennsylvania’s Justice System: Civil and Criminal
o Directly and frequently interacting with the Judge
o Gain insight into the justice system from a judicial perspective
o Address legal issues, phone calls and manage office duties as needed
Required Qualifications:
• MSW degree required, LSW preferred
• Highly organized, self-motivated individual who is capable of managing multiple projects
• Punctual and reliable

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience in case management and knowledge of Philadelphia resources
• Minimum of two (2) years experience working with young adults involved in the justice system
• Experience coordinating social service programs for young adults a plus
• Strong knowledge of the criminal justice system and regulations
• Ability to work periodic evening hours
Application Process:
Applications are currently being accepted on a rolling basis. Please send your resume and cover letter via email directly to Carly Friedman, MENTOR Program Director, at [email protected].
For any questions, please contact 215-683-7047

Program Background:
MENTOR is an initiative of the First Judicial District coordinated by Judge Michael Erdos and Judge Lisa Rau that matches individuals serving county sentences with volunteer mentors. Over the course of the one-year program term, mentors provide emotional support and encouragement to their participants, as well as practical assistance to overcome some of the traditional barriers to successful reentry. MENTOR also empowers its participants to take advantage of additional resources provided through a network of community-based partner organizations.
When a participant successfully completes the MENTOR Program, he or she will receive a substantial reduction in the remaining term of court supervision. This is a carrot, not a stick. In addition, it is expected that participation in MENTOR will result in healthier communities and families, and a decrease in the various human and financial costs associated with crime, prosecution, and incarceration.

http://www.courts.phila.gov/mentor/