Anticipated SY26-27 Restorative Justice Coordinator

Position Overview

The Restorative Justice Coordinator will work as part of the leadership team of the Office of Education Options, to develop a strategy for systems change, and to support the implementation of new and innovative approaches to school discipline for Chicago’s Options Schools.

Principal Responsibilities

• Develop Network level strategy for capacity building at the more than 50 Options Schools.
• Develop Network policies and alternative approaches to school discipline for Options Schools, which focus on reducing harm and increasing youth engagement in school.
• Build and maintain strong relationships and joint strategies with leaders at the juvenile court and Department of Probation for Cook County.
• Support Principals and other leaders at Options Schools in building a cultural shift in their schools, including a focus on restorative practices.
• Work collaboratively with the Juvenile Justice Reengagement Team, to develop new and restorative approaches to supporting the transition back to school for youth who have been out of school because they were detained or incarcerated.
• Build strong relationships with school leaders, as well as counselors and teachers at Options Schools.
• Assess the current need for training in restorative justice approaches at Options Schools, and develop a strategic plan for training and program development.
• Develop training curriculum and facilitate trainings for school faculty at Nancy B. Jefferson Alternative School, as well as Options Schools which enroll a high number of students who are formerly detained or incarcerated.
• Build and maintain positive relationships and healthy communication with parents, guardians, students, probation officers, staff and school administrators.

Skills & Abilities

• Develop and maintain strong, empathetic relationships with students and their families.
• Have a background in restorative justice practices, including development of curricula and training.
• Demonstrate understanding of the ethical and legal implications of this work and respect for the rights of students and families, including the need for confidentiality.
• Evaluate and address social service and other needs of at-risk students, and coordinate efforts of service providers and community organizations.
• Be able to work with minimal supervision outside of formalized office setting.
• Be willing to work flexible hours to meet needs of families, and to attend evening meetings.
• Have significant experience working with court and/or gang-involved youth.
• Have worked with youth in a confined setting such as a jail or prison.
• A minimum of 5 years of highly successful related experience.
• Evaluate and address social service needs of juvenile offenders and coordinate efforts of various social service agencies health, and community organizations.
• Experience working with court-involved youth, or young people who are gang affiliated.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
  CPS Is Committed To Providing Comprehensive Health Coverage To Our Employees And Their Eligible Dependents. You'll Have Access To a Variety Of Choices To Best Fit Your Needs
• Medical Plan Options
• Pharmacy
• Dental
• Vision
• Behavioral Health & EAP
• Employee Wellness Program
• Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
  We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options: Basic Life Insurance Life and Disability Insurance Pension Plans Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)) Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) Spot Pet Insurance
• Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
  CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies: Paid Leave Sick Leave Vacation Days Parental Leaves Short-Term Disability Religious Holidays Leaves

Posting Date

Jun 18, 2026, 11:25:59 AM