Executive Director

OVERALL DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director is responsible for the operations of the Mediation Center’s services for adults, including community and landlord/tenant. The Manager is responsible for the case management process for mediation services and support of volunteer mediators. The Executive Director maintains all program records, mediates cases, co-mediates community cases, and communicates with and establishes referral sources.

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

Neighborhood Dispute Settlement (NDS) is a 501(c)3 providing conflict resolution services as an alternative to other means of resolving disputes. To fulfill this purpose, NDS offers mediation, conflict coaching, facilitation, and conflict resolution training, We believe that conflict is a normal part of life, and that people know what’s best in their own lives. By offering non-judgmental and confidential conflict resolution we create a safer and more peaceful community for everyone.

The Mediation Center is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

PRIMARY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

Manage intake and case coordination for all mediation services.

· Be the first and primary point of contact for all clients using community mediation.

· Ensure consistent and responsive communication with all clients, including rapidly returning all phone calls and e-mails, accurately answering client questions, and clearly communicating program parameters.

· Coordinate the availabilities of staff, clients, volunteers, community partners and meeting spaces to create the mediation schedule and solve any scheduling conflicts that may arise.

· Work with attorneys, court personnel, staff of nonprofit partners, and other referral sources to communicate about case status and best use of the program.

· Maintain precise and up-to-date documentation of all client communication and case interaction through the use of electronic applications and formats such as Excel spreadsheets.

· Work with clients to problem-solve barriers to service delivery and to accommodate special needs.

· Regularly research and develop community partnerships. This will be a collaborative effort with the NDS Board.

· Efficiently and quickly move clients from their first contact with NDS to their mediation session or to case closure as appropriate.

· Employ discerning judgment about what issues may require more support (In those cases, collaborate with the Center’s Executive Director or Board Chair to find a solution.)

· Serve as the task supervisor for interns or volunteers assigned to the program.

· Electronically track and report on all data for the community mediation program as needed and requested.

· Responsible for maintaining order in the NDS office, including file maintenance, supplies, space organization, etc. (making it a welcoming and professional environment).

· Other duties as assigned.

Coordinate The Mediation Center’s Volunteer Mediator Program

· Get to know and be the primary point of contact for volunteer mediators including tracking volunteer learning and skill level, ensuring volunteers are appropriately matched with co-mediators and with mediation cases, organizing the volunteer calendar, coordinate in-service training, maintaining regular communication, and ensuring an accurate database of volunteer contact information.

· Organize the annual in-service training schedule and other special events for volunteer mediators, including producing a calendar, sending reminders, and tracking attendance.

Mediate Conflict

• Participate in mediating community cases as needed.

HOW WE EXPECT YOU TO APPROACH THE WORK

Composed – Remains calm and unflappable in the face of conflict; believes in the value of peaceful conflict resolution; practices active listening; works well independently; and is optimistic about creative, positive outcomes to complex, difficult scenarios.

Flexible – Adapts and maintains a positive attitude when changes occur to roles, partnerships, program goals, or other aspects of The Mediation Center’s services; initiates efficient and well-reasoned responses to changes; asks for and gives help; adjusts approaches to meet the specific circumstances and needs of each client; remains willing to accept feedback and ideas from other team members; and collaborates with others to find solutions when problems emerge.

Detail-oriented – Maintains a high level of organization; manages multiple projects and priorities at once while seeing tasks through to completion; balances different responsibilities through smart prioritization; and ensures that all client records and program documentation are orderly, accounted for, and complete.

Dedicated to Best Practices – Remains well-informed about conflict and its impact on the clients and communities we serve; keeps up-to-date knowledge about the field of community mediation; provides services with fidelity to best-practice models; and manages all cases efficiently, quickly, and pro-actively.

Non-judgmental – Prioritizes building warm, friendly, and impartial relationships with clients, treating each client equally and with respect; avoids making judgments or sharing opinions; and aims to facilitate workable solutions through mediation.

Supervisory Relationships

The Community Mediation Manager reports to NDS’s Executive Director. In the absence of an Executive Director the CMM will report to the NDS Board Chair. The Community Mediation Coordinator supports and coordinates a team of volunteer mediators.

Hours/Schedule

This is a 20-25 hour/week exempt position. Hours may fall between day and evening, Monday through Friday, with several evenings per month for Board, Committee, and Mediation meetings and potentially one or two earlier mornings per week for court or other necessary duties which have been assigned. Work schedule subject to change weekly. In person attendance and coordination of monthly Board meetings and Annual meeting is expected. In person attendance may also be required for other official business.

Location and Travel

The primary location for this position is in our Harrisburg office, however, the position allows for some flexibility for remote work. Three days of in-office work is required of at least five (5-hr) duration. Work related mileage is reimbursed.

Requirements

· A 4-year degree in social work, human services, or a related field from an appropriately accredited college or university OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

· Ability to speak, understand, write, and read English at a professional level.

· Ability to see and hear.

· Ability to follow written and oral directions.

· An acceptable outcome on a criminal background check (The Mediation Center supports employment opportunities for people with prior justice system involvement and will consider each case individually.)

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and protect sensitive information.

· A valid PA driver’s license and a vehicle for use on all workdays.

· Ability to work efficiently despite frequent interruptions.

· Excellent written communication skills.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products; ability to master Office 365; ability to do basic troubleshooting to resolve technology issues and questions.

Desired Characteristics

· Experience working with people in conflict situations.

· Experience with case management and documentation of case records and evidence of managing detail-oriented work with precision.

· Volunteer management experience including recruitment, retention, and training.

· Ability to speak, understand, write, and read Spanish at a professional level.

· Ability to analyze and interpret reports, documents, and statistical data.

· A general understanding of criminal and civil court systems and the experiences of people involved in them.

· Experience with grant writing and/or fundraising.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $20,000.00 - $25,000.00 per year

Expected hours: 20 – 25 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

• Harrisburg, PA 17102 (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Harrisburg, PA 17102