Program Associate

CMC seeks a community dispute resolution professional to serve as a Program Associate for our Crime Victims Justice Project (CVJP). CVJP is a unique project - one of the first of its kind - to pair ADR processes with traditional legal services to create additional access to justice options and resources for clients. CMC administers the project and provides ADR services together with partners like Haven House, as well as the Center for Elder Law and Justice (CELJ) and Volunteer Lawyers Project (VLP), who provide legal information and representation to project clients.

The Program Associate will provide case management and ADR service provision (mediation, conflict coaching and restorative practices) to victims of crime. A proven ability to build trust with victims of crime is required for the position. Significant opportunities for professional development in advanced areas of mediation and restorative practices are available to all Program Associates and become a unique perk of working with this team. 

This position currently offers a hybrid work environment (after training period) with a combination of an in office and work from home schedule. Candidate will be required to work outside of typical work-hours, in order to develop ADR practice schedule that meets the needs of CVJP clients.

A day on the job as a Program Associate includes:

• Talking with members of our community who identify as victims of crime about their disputes and explaining our services by phone or in-person. This includes supporting individuals as they share emotional and difficult stories about conflict that is taking a toll on their day-to-day life.
• Screening parties to determine the appropriateness of a matter for mediation and/or ability of a party to effectively engage in the mediation or conflict coaching process.
• Scheduling mediations and assigning mediators or other ADR professionals to provide the service as part of the complete case management process.
• Initiating, maintaining and closing electronic case records with great attention to detail.
• Hosting sessions either in-person, at our CMC or Haven House offices, or in various community locations across WNY, or on our virtual mediation platform.
• Mediating, coaching, restorative practices.

Our best candidate:

• Believes that
• • Resolving conflict is an important key to the overall health of our neighbors and our community
  • Collaborative, community relationships can affect positive, systemic change
  • Diversity in ideas and in people fosters an atmosphere of equity and inclusion
  • Victims of crime can and should be provided the opportunity to have a voice and a choice in developing solutions to address their needs
• Is excited about joining a project that works differently across legal and social services systems to improve the lives of our clients
• Has excellent interpersonal engagement and communication skills
• Can skillfully build trust with vulnerable populations
• Enjoys direct client work and project administration
• Is willing to explore, identify, and work collaboratively with a variety of community stakeholders and partner agencies

• An Associate’s Degree or equivalent knowledge and experience with conflict resolution and direct client service.

• Experience in mediation, conflict resolution and/or working with people in high conflict situations. Strong preference given to candidate(s) who have Initial Mediation and Custody/Visitation Mediation Training

• Excellent interpersonal engagement skills and can put people at ease quickly over the telephone and in person.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and online conferencing platforms.
• A commitment to maintaining accuracy and paying attention to detail in the utilization of caseload management system.
• Superior organizational skills to juggle multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• The ability to remain level-headed and cool under pressure.
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt responsibilities according to program needs.
• A demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team-based environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel to and work in a variety of settings, including virtually, within C+FS office, courts and community offices and, occasionally, travelling outside of WNY for statewide meetings or professional development opportunities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Experience working with victims of crime and understanding how trauma can impact people and communities 
• Prioritizes victim's safety and confidentiality

Competitive Pay Rate of $25.00 per hour

C+FS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and their families and help to create a healthy work environment

• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays and bereavement time
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical insurance options
• Dental insurance options
• Vision insurance options
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care FSA Retirement
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions

Child and Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer: 

Child and Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child and Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.