AmeriCorps Prisoner Re-entry Mediation Specialist will provide public education about mediation, conduct case management, mediate cases, and collect data.
Service Activities
AmeriCorps Re-entry Mediation Specialists will:
Attend 50+ hours of mediation training
Make presentations to inmates preparing for release
Conduct intake for inside and outside participants
Mediate cases
Collect, record, and report data
Community Need Addressed
Recidivism
Position Outcomes
Re-entry mediation sessions will result in improved communication and understanding between soon-to-be-released prisoners and their families or supporters. In post-mediation surveys,
75% of mediation participants will report improved understanding. Also, 3 months after individuals
are released, a statewide average of 80% of participants will report that their housing situation is
stable. Finally, recidivism will decrease by more than 10% among participants receiving Re-Entry
Mediation services, compared to a control group.
Benefits
Childcare assistance if eligible, Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Living allowance, Stipend, Student loan forbearance, Training
Education Benefits
Mediator apprenticeship begins as AmeriCorps members observe real mediations and co-mediate cases immediately after training.
Professional Mediator Mentoring is available for mediators who want to get certified through the Performance Based Evaluation process.
Skills you will gain
public speaking, de-escalate conflict, reflective listening,
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Seek opportunities to improve knowledge of tools and technologies that may assist in streamlining work and improving productivity
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment