Restorative Justice Coordinator
Facilitate restorative practices to resolve conflicts and build inclusive communities within educational institutions.
Overview
This career focuses on replacing traditional exclusionary discipline with dialogue-based reconciliation and community accountability. The daily rhythm is often reactive, requiring immediate intervention in interpersonal conflicts between students or faculty, but it is balanced by proactive programming such as circle keeping and social-emotional learning workshops. Professionals in this field spend significant time navigating sensitive emotional landscapes and power dynamics to repair harm and reintegrate individuals into the community.
Success in this role requires a high degree of emotional regulation and the ability to maintain neutrality while facilitating difficult conversations. The work involves a constant cycle of listening, documenting outcomes, and advocating for systemic changes that address the root causes of behavioral issues. Those who thrive in this environment are typically skilled at systems thinking and possess the patience to work toward long-term cultural shifts rather than quick fixes.
Responsibilities
- Design and implement restorative justice curricula for students and instructional staff.
- Facilitate formal mediation circles between parties involved in conflicts or disciplinary incidents.
- Train teachers and administrators on de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed care.
- Collect and analyze behavioral data to identify trends and evaluate program effectiveness.
- Collaborate with school leadership to revise student handbooks and disciplinary policies.
- Maintain detailed records of restorative interventions and student progress.
- Coordinate with community partners and families to support holistic student development.
Qualifications
- A bachelor degree in social work, education, sociology, or a related field.
- Formal certification in restorative justice practices or conflict transformation.
- Three to five years of experience working in an educational or youth development setting.
- Demonstrated proficiency in conflict resolution and crisis de-escalation.
- Experience working with diverse populations and practicing cultural humility.
- Strong verbal communication skills for public speaking and small group facilitation.
Nice to have
- A master degree in social work, counseling, or educational leadership.
- Fluency in a second language commonly spoken within the specific community.
- Previous experience in policy advocacy or school administration.
- Advanced training in trauma-informed clinical practices.
Work environment
- Work is primarily conducted within school buildings or administrative offices.
- Standard hours generally align with the academic school day, with occasional evening meetings.
- The role involves high levels of interpersonal interaction and emotional labor.
- Case management software and educational databases are the primary digital tools used.
Benefits & growth
- Compensation typically follows public sector or non-profit salary scales with stable benefits.
- Career progression often leads to roles such as Director of School Culture or Student Services Administrator.
- Professional development is frequently provided through specialized workshops and conferences.
- Opportunities for growth exist in consulting for districts or state-level departments of education.
Frequently asked questions
What does a Restorative Justice Coordinator do?
A Restorative Justice Coordinator facilitates restorative practices within schools to resolve conflicts, repair harm, and build a stronger community. They lead mediation sessions, design alternatives to traditional discipline, and train staff and students on communication techniques to foster an inclusive school environment.
What skills are needed for a Restorative Justice Coordinator?
Essential skills include active listening, conflict resolution, and trauma-informed communication. Coordinators must be proficient in group facilitation and demonstrate strong cultural competency to navigate diverse school demographics and sensitive social situations effectively.
What is the career path for a Restorative Justice Coordinator?
The career path often begins with a background in education, social work, or criminal justice. Professionals typically advance from entry-level counseling or teaching roles into specialized coordinator positions, and can eventually transition into school administration or educational policy consulting.
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