The Seattle Municipal Court is currently recruiting for a Community Court Program Assistant through the Americorps Program.
Program Description:
In the traditional court system, a pattern of non-compliance results in longer jail sentences because the traditional system has limited tools. As a collaborative effort of the Municipal Court of Seattle, City Attorney and Public Defense – Seattle Community Court (SCC) takes a different approach. SCC serves chronic public system users- offenders who repeatedly commit low-level crimes, fail to comply and fail to appear for Court, and use jail days when they could be more effectively rehabilitated through alternative strategies.
SCC was founded on the belief that even offenders with a history of non-compliance can be successful with dedicated resources to help them become self-sufficient. Rather than relying on lengthy and costly jail sentences, offenders are typically assigned between 16-56 hours of community service and mandated to make social services linkages to address the underlying issues causing their repeated criminal behavior. Offenders help communities with visible and impactful projects such as graffiti and litter removal, assisting at food banks, and reviving community gardens and other green spaces.
SCC believes that meaningful personal change happens when offenders are well-supported and are able to share their stories while being acknowledged by representatives of the court. Offenders will gain an understanding of the consequence of criminal behavior while experiencing positive aspects of community life which can then be translated into a healthier lifestyle once they complete our program. AmeriCorps Members help foster a positive experience by performing service alongside offenders and providing encouragement through personal conversation and empowered storytelling. This innovative partnership has been instrumental in strengthening public safety and public trust in the criminal justice system while giving members an opportunity to gain leadership skills in a unique learning environment.
Americorp Member Duties:
- Members help offenders in the Community Court program by providing encouragement and support in the courtroom where offenders begin the program; in the community where offenders give back by performing community service; and in the Court Resource Center where offenders connect with services in the Self Awareness Workshop and a variety of social service providers.
- Members are present with offenders during community service projects and facilitate a workshop which is a combination of the traditional lecture with group activities, open discussion, and guest speakers who have overcome personal challenges. Class sizes are up to 20 offenders. Education activities will result in offenders indicating a gain in knowledge of positive behaviors measured by a simple pre & post survey.
- Members will serve in the Court Resource Center where offenders connect with critical social services including food assistance, healthcare, substance dependency, emergency and permanent housing, mental health counseling and healthcare.
Program Benefits for Americorp Members:
- Education award upon successful completion of service
- Stipend
- Monthly bus pass
- Training
- Childcare assistance if eligible
- Health Coverage
Position Service Areas:
Hunger, Homelessness, Education, Ex-Offender Reentry, Public Safety, Housing, Health, Community Outreach, Neighborhood Revitalization.
Skills gained through Seattle Community Court experience:
Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Writing/Editing, Counseling, Social Services, Team Work, Teaching/Tutoring, Public Speaking, Communications, Education.
Program Start Date:
9/1/2016
Program End Date:
07/15/2017
Work Schedule:
Full Time (40 hours per week)
Minimum Education level:
Associates degree (AA)
Program Age Requirement:
Minimum: 18 Maximum: 25
Program Location:
Downtown Seattle, Washington
Deadline to Apply:
07/29/2016
For more information, please contact Tricia Lapitan:
206-684-8569
www.seattle.gov/communitycourt
Link for more information and to apply:
https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=61718&fromSearch=true