AmeriCorps*VISTA, Good Shepherd Mediation Program

Posted by on May 13, 2005

[emailed 5/11/2005]

Good Shepherd Mediation Program is recruiting for Americorps VISTA volunteers

The Good Shepherd Mediation Program (GSMP) is a non-profit neighborhood justice center located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. GSMP is seeking an Americorps VISTA for the Summary Offender Diversion Program.

Good Shepherd Mediation Program, in collaboration with the Office of the District Attorney and the Criminal Division of Municipal Court, established a diversion program for first-time juvenile summary offenders. The Summary Offender Diversion Program offers first-time juvenile offenders (ages 9-18) an opportunity to participate in skill-development workshops at GSMP and perform three-hours of community service as an alternative to going to court. Juveniles who complete the diversion program in a timely manner have their summary offense record expunged. The diversion program includes three workshop portions: conflict resolution, effects of retail theft and community service preparation. The workshops offer communication, conflict resolution, anger management, and positive decision-making skills. The workshops also focus on goal setting and its benefit for making healthy decisions.

The Community Service Representative position will: Train program youth on three Saturdays of the month at Conflict Resolution & Retail Theft Diversion Workshop at GSMP or alternate site from 9:00-4:00 p.m. Outreach to community service placements. Collaborate with and recruit community service sites. Develop and monitor youth community service placements. Coordinate, assign and monitor the completion of the community service placements, assist with securing and training volunteers; and assist with the collection of evaluation data.

*Please note that this is Tuesday ? Saturday position. Also, note this is a full-time position through Americorps for a term of 12 months. Americorps may provide the following to each VISTA: living allowance, limited health benefits, education award, deferment of student loans & relocation assistance.

GSMP Qualifications & Requirements
 Undergraduate degree preferred
 Previous experience in conflict resolution, mediation, and/or restorative justice is a plus but not mandatory
 Excellent written and oral communication skills
 Interpersonal skills reflecting an ability to work as a team member and manage conflict constructively.
&#61656; Applicants must submit application via Americorps website at <a href="http://www.americorps.org">http://www.americorps.org</a>.

Interested candidates should contact Karen McCrossen, Human Resources, at Good Shepherd Mediation Program, 215-843-5413, ext.23. For more information on Americorps VISTA please visit their website at <a href="http://www.americorps.org">http://www.americorps.org</a>. For more information on Good Shepherd Mediation Program please visit our website at <a href="http://www.phillymediators.org">http://www.phillymediators.org</a>.