Diversion Program Coordinator

STARTING PAY: $50,000

SUMMARY

The mission of the Diversion Programs Coordinator is to provide effective and relevant alternative sentencing options to assist juvenile and adult offenders with violation resolution, accountability, and services as needed; to establish partnerships and relationships with area agencies, organizations, and programs for the betterment of the community; and to provide education for the safety of all citizens. Under general supervision of the Director of Court Services and the Presiding Judge, the person will also serve as Youth Diversion Coordinator and will develop and oversee a state mandated youth diversion plan for juveniles.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• As the Youth Diversion Coordinator, this person will assist the court in:

• Determining whether a child is eligible for diversion

• Employing a diversion strategy authorized by law

• Present and maintain diversion agreements to juveniles and their parent/guardian to explain Youth Diversion requirements and expectations

• Monitor diversions

• Maintain records regarding whether one of more diversions were successful or unsuccessful

• Coordinate referrals to the court

• Receives referrals and reports case status and defendant compliance to referral sources including, but not limited to, the Amarillo Municipal Court; Amarillo Police Department; City Legal department.

• Prepares and maintains all paperwork related to intake, hearings, court orders and compliance monitoring for assigned caseload.

• Develops, tracks and monitors compliance with court ordered community service, mandatory training attendance and restitution placements.

• Compiles, prepares, and submits mandatory and operational reports relating to diversion programs.

• Follows-up and monitors defendants that are court ordered to participate in some type of alternative sentence, such as community service, job and/or educational placements as well as referrals to self-improvement type assignments

• Recruits, trains, supports, encourages and motivates local non-profit organizations by providing support services that offer a positive environment for juvenile and adult defendants as well the community organization.

• Performs community outreach and prepares and provides educational presentations.

• Speaks to groups such as social and service organizations and agencies, school officials and student leaders, PTA groups, Chambers of Commerce, Junior Chambers of Commerce, law enforcement agencies and the like.

• Coordinates special events.

• Maintains the Municipal Court website, as assigned.

• Designs, teaches, and evaluates courses to help court defendants correct behaviors that caused them to receive citation(s).

• Remains in regular contact with the community media, through the City's approved communications processes, to inform them of Municipal Court activities and events.

• Interviews defendants completing a diversion program for resolution of their citation.

• Uses critical thinking skills to verify and then electronically send cases to the appropriate departments.

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Preferred: A bachelor's degree in social work, education, and a minimum of 2 years of experience with a community outreach program, education, youth program or in a public sector related position. Public speaking, management and web site development experience.

Minimum: An associate degree is required with one year of experience in a community outreach program or public sector related position. Valid Texas Driver's License required.

Applicants must be willing to work occasion weekend or late during the week. Must pass a Criminal Justice Information system (CJIS) fingerprint- based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to case management system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A or B Misdemeanor Convictions, or open arrest for any Criminal Offences (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to operate computers for data entry and word processing and proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite.

• Ability to concentrate on detailed and complex matters under pressure and with constant distractions and interruptions.

• Good interpersonal and strong verbal and written communication skills, position requires public speaking.

• Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.

• Attention to detail and organizational skills.

ADA PROFILE

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is required to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. The employee must also walk, stand, sit, hear, speak, see, and talk. Also requires the ability to make rational decisions and perform repetitive motions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The employee works in a dynamic environment that requires being sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

The City of Amarillo is an Equal Opportunity employer and encourages applications from eligible and qualified persons regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information or protected veteran status, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.

The City of Amarillo provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities on a case by case basis. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact the Human Resources Office at 806-378-4294.