Jobs at Institute on Public Safety and Social Justice (IPSSJ) - Adler University (Now Hiring) — 3 open

About Adler University 

Adler University is dedicated to educating socially responsible practitioners, engaging communities, and advancing social justice. Through innovative academic programs, community partnerships, and applied scholarship, Adler prepares professionals to address society's most pressing challenges and create meaningful change. 

 

About the CHOICE Program 

The Creating Healing of Inside Community Educators (CHOICE) Program is a trauma-informed, restorative initiative that promotes healing, accountability, and personal transformation within correctional settings. Through facilitated dialogue, relationship-building, and evidence-informed practices, CHOICE volunteers partner with incarcerated men to examine the effects of trauma, strengthen resilience, and support successful reentry into their families and communities. 

Volunteers will work in Pinckneyville Correctional Center, with opportunities to expand programming at additional Southern Illinois correctional facilities such as Murphysboro and Menard. 

 

Position Summary 

Adler University seeks a compassionate, organized, and relationship-focused Volunteer Engagement Coordinator to recruit, orient, arrange training, and support volunteers serving in the CHOICE Program. 

This position is responsible for developing and sustaining a diverse volunteer network while ensuring volunteers are prepared, supported, and connected throughout their service. The successful candidate will possess exceptional interpersonal skills, strong organizational abilities, and a commitment to restorative justice, trauma-informed practice, and the belief that every individual has the capacity for growth and transformation. 

Training in the CHOICE curriculum and facilitation model will be provided. 

 

Essential Responsibilities 

• Recruit, interview, screen, onboard, and retain volunteers for the CHOICE Program. 
• Develop partnerships with community organizations, faith communities, colleges and universities, professional associations, and civic organizations to expand volunteer recruitment. 
• Coordinate volunteer scheduling and placement for correctional programming. 
• Maintain regular communication with volunteers, providing ongoing encouragement, guidance, and support. 
• Collaborate with CHOICE leadership to prepare volunteers for programming and ensure compliance with Illinois Department of Corrections policies and procedures. 
• Assist with planning and facilitating volunteer orientation, continuing education, and program meetings. 
• Maintain accurate volunteer records, participation data, and related documentation. 
• Represent Adler University and the CHOICE Program professionally through community outreach, presentations, and recruitment events. 
• Support continuous improvement efforts related to volunteer engagement and program effectiveness. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience. 
• Experience coordinating volunteers, community engagement initiatives, nonprofit programs, or related activities. 
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail. 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a remote team. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual communication platforms. 
• Ability to travel periodically to correctional facilities and community locations throughout Southern Illinois. 
• Authorization to work in the United States. 

 

Preferred Qualifications 

Experience in one or more of the following areas is strongly preferred: 

• Volunteer management 
• Restorative justice 
• Trauma-informed practice 
• Correctional education or prison programming 
• Prison ministry 
• Reentry services 
• Behavioral health 
• Counseling 
• Social work 
• Higher education 
• Community organizing 

 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

The ideal candidate will: 

• Build authentic, trusting relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. 
• Demonstrate cultural humility and respect for people of all faith traditions, identities, and perspectives. 
• Communicate with professionalism, empathy, diplomacy, and discretion. 
• Effectively manage multiple priorities in a remote work environment. 
• Exercise sound judgment, flexibility, initiative, and strong problem-solving skills. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to social justice, restorative practices, and the dignity and worth of every person. 

 

Working Conditions 

This position is primarily remote with periodic travel to correctional facilities and community locations throughout Southern Illinois. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to accommodate volunteer recruitment activities, trainings, and special events. 

Employment is contingent upon successfully completing Adler University onboarding requirements and receiving all required clearances to enter Illinois Department of Corrections facilities. 

 

Why Join Adler University? 

Joining Adler University and the CHOICE Program offers an opportunity to contribute to meaningful systems change through restorative justice, trauma-informed practice, and community engagement. The Volunteer Coordinator plays a vital role in building a dedicated network of volunteers whose relationships with incarcerated individuals foster healing, resilience, accountability, and successful reentry. 

This position is ideal for someone who is energized by building relationships, developing community partnerships, and helping others find meaningful ways to serve. 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

Adler University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all employees are valued and respected. Adler University provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Adler University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities throughout the hiring process and employment. Applicants requiring accommodations should contact the Office of Human Resources. 

Final candidates will be required to successfully complete a background check and satisfy all institutional and Illinois Department of Corrections requirements applicable to this position.