Community Diversion Program Coordinator

Agency Overview:

In 2015, former Governor Hutchinson took a significant step to address escalating incarceration rates in Arkansas by convening a summit that brought together diverse justice and behavioral health organizations. This collaborative effort resulted in establishing Restore Hope, a non-profit tasked with bridging the gap between government services and communities to reduce incarceration rates, facilitate successful reentry, and decrease the number of children entering foster care. For communities to thrive, the most vulnerable need knowledge and access to services. Restore Hope acts as a brokering agency, connecting community and government leadership with those in need. The organization leverages technical assistance, technology, and community collaboration to address complex issues.

As Restore Hope evolved, it introduced 100 Families, a community-led initiative designed to help families transition from crisis to career by leveraging existing community resources. Engaging partner organizations, Restore Hope has trained agencies in collaborative case management, assisted communities in analyzing specific needs through data, and developed tailored programs and alliances based on community-specific data and proven services. Using a collective impact methodology, this initiative streamlines services, improves communication between providers, and ensures families in crisis receive necessary help, reducing service gaps and preventing duplications for a more effective and efficient social sector.

These funds are a crucial component of a comprehensive strategy to tackle opioid-related substance use disorders and co-occurring issues. Key objectives include expanding treatment availability, promoting evidence-based prevention strategies, providing education on substance use avoidance, decreasing opioid oversupply, supporting addiction recovery services, and addressing the needs of individuals in treatment or recovery involved in the criminal justice system. Other goals include efforts to prevent over-prescribing, misuse, and overdose deaths, supporting law enforcement, and conducting research for opioid abatement.

In 2020, the Incarceration: Recidivism, Reentry, and Reunification (iR3) program launched. In partnership with the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, Restore Hope identified challenges faced by individuals leaving the criminal justice system. Through focus group meetings involving various stakeholders, the iR3 program strategically aimed to foster collaboration among diverse organizations and individuals committed to reducing recidivism in Arkansas's corrections system. This collaboration highlighted the need to establish diversion programming at the district court level. 

In the fall of 2023, Attorney General Tim Griffin acknowledged the extensive work done by Restore Hope and the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute. In a significant announcement, he designated a portion of the opioid settlement funds and a portion of unrestricted funds to support the ongoing development of diversion programming at the district court level.

This strategic allocation reflects the state's commitment to addressing the complexities of opioid-related issues at the local level and implementing targeted, evidence-based programs to mitigate the impact of opioid dependence within communities. 

Position Summary:

The role of the Community Diversion Program Coordinator is integral to the overall success of the program, encompassing a range of responsibilities that contribute to its effective operation. The Community Diversion Program Coordinator is tasked with providing general oversight of the program, ensuring its smooth functioning, and delivering comprehensive case management services to participants.

The Community Diversion Program Coordinator undertakes a range of key responsibilities critical to the effective functioning of the program, including maintaining accurate and timely records for both the program and its participants, overseeing contractual obligations, fostering communication among team members and partner agencies, and ensuring strict adherence to programmatic policies and procedures. Furthermore, the Community Diversion Program Coordinator is entrusted with supervising the collection of performance and outcome data, actively contributing to the ongoing evaluation and enhancement of the program. Additionally, the Community Diversion Program Coordinator is responsible for managing the schedule of court sessions and staffing meetings and engaging in providing continuous education for existing stakeholders and guiding new members to ensure a cohesive and well-informed team dynamic.

As an indispensable member of the team, the Community Diversion Program Coordinator assumes leadership responsibilities across various facets, including overseeing meeting attendance, managing grant reporting, administering budgets, and providing essential program support. Notably, the coordinator plays a pivotal role in community outreach, actively fostering local support by representing the program to stakeholders and collaborating with community organizations, furthering the goals and impact of the diversion program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in social work, criminal justice, or a related human services field, complemented by a minimum of one year of practical experience in working with vulnerable individuals.

• In lieu of a formal degree, candidates with some college education and 2-3 years of work/personal experience with vulnerable individuals or those with lived experience and sufficient clean time, will be considered.

• Additional consideration will be granted to candidates with work experience pertaining to the criminal justice population and/or a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system in Arkansas.

Job Roles and Responsibilities:

1. The Program Coordinator will be assigned to a diversion program and actively participate as an essential team member.

2. The Program Coordinator shall use a validated criminogenic risk-need assessment tool during the referral process to ensure the diversion program serves the appropriate target population.

3. The Program Coordinator will oversee the diversion program, handling meeting attendance, grant reporting, budget administration, and program support.

4. The Program Coordinator will actively support individuals in the diversion program by assessing their needs, creating tailored case plans, and coordinating services provided.

5. The Program Coordinator will monitor client progress with their case plan goals and make necessary adjustments as needed.

6. The Program Coordinator will monitor clients' progress and maintain detailed records for reporting updates to the court and tracking program effectiveness.

7. The Program Coordinator will connect clients with appropriate resources and services, advocating for their needs and developing action plans.

8. The Program Coordinator will collaborate with treatment providers to ensure clients receive comprehensive and effective services.

9. The Program Coordinator will assist in providing or seeking continuing training for the diversion program team.

10. The Program Coordinator will facilitate communication among team members, partner agencies, and clients.

11. The Program Coordinator will liaise between the court, treatment providers, and relevant agencies to ensure effective collaboration.

12. The Program Coordinator will assist in organizing court events and meetings, compiling supporting materials, and coordinating resources for stakeholders and service providers.

13. The Program Coordinator will participate in case conferencing and team meetings to discuss individual cases and ensure a coordinated approach to treatment and support.

14. The Program Coordinator will ensure annual updates to diversion program policies and procedures and their adherence during program operations.

15. The Program Coordinator will monitor clients' compliance with court-ordered requirements and program guidelines.

16. The Program Coordinator will ensure team members follow confidentiality regulations and appropriate forms are signed and circulated to relevant agencies.

17. The Program Coordinator will be knowledgeable about the ethical boundaries of team members and integrate them into the diversion program.

18. The Program Coordinator will oversee the diversion program's statistical database and evaluation process.

19. The Program Coordinator will ensure all new team members receive a comprehensive orientation before participating in initial staffing.

20. The Program Coordinator will address crises or issues that may arise during a client's involvement in the program, collaborating with other team members to find practical solutions.

Ethical Considerations:

• The Program Coordinator must be knowledgeable of each team member's ethical boundaries and how they are incorporated into the diversion program.
• The Program Coordinator must avoid coercion and uphold ethical standards to create an environment that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their involvement in the diversion program. 
• The Program Coordinator must only provide services within his/her area of training and scope of practice.
• The Program Coordinator must avoid dual relationships with participants in the diversion program.
• The Program Coordinator must advocate for participants' interests. 

Benefits:

· Dental Insurance

· Health Insurance

· Life Insurance

· Paid Time Off

· Vision Insurance

Status: Full-Time

Reports to: District Judge; Diversion Program Manager; 100 Families Coordinator;

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Fort Smith, AR: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person