Restorative Practices Specialist

About the role

Under the general direction of the Manager of Restorative Practices and Community Engagement, the Restorative Practices Specialist supports the Department’s mission to promote fairness, restorative culture, and community wellness for juveniles, families, and victims served by the Juvenile Probation Department.

This position provides training, coaching, and implementation support in restorative and trauma-informed practices to staff and community partners. This job strengthens collaboration among schools, law enforcement, courts, and community organizations to build capacity for equitable, healing-centered approaches and to reduce systemic barriers to fair policies and practices in the juvenile justice system.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This classification is part of the Social Services job family. The incumbent performs routine to moderately complex duties related to the delivery and coordination of restorative and trauma-informed training and program implementation. Work includes collaboration with internal staff, youth, families, and community partners. The Specialist must demonstrate sound judgment, empathy, and cultural responsiveness and may occasionally work flexible hours or in secure facilities to meet program needs.

• Maintains up-to-date certifications and professional development in restorative and trauma-informed practices.
• Develops and delivers training content, curricula, and materials that promote trauma-informed care, restorative justice principles, and community wellness.
• Provides coaching and technical support to staff implementing restorative and trauma-informed approaches within the Juvenile Probation Department and partner agencies.
• Collaborates with the Director of Restorative Practices and Community Engagement to identify and implement initiatives that promote fairness, restorative culture, and community wellness.
• Participates in Department and community workgroups, task forces, and committees focused on improving outcomes for youth and families.
• Supports the development of strategies and interventions that address fairness, restorative culture, and community wellness of youth and families.
• Collects and tracks data and feedback related to training participation, implementation progress, and community engagement efforts.
• Builds and maintains partnerships with community organizations, schools, law enforcement, and judicial entities to advance restorative practices and trauma-informed care across systems.
• Assists with the creation of communication and educational materials to increase awareness and understanding of restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Contributes to the development of policies, procedures, and practices that foster a restorative culture and psychological safety within the Department.
• Participates in regular supervision, training, and professional development to ensure alignment with Department goals.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in a related field and three (3) years of experience working with school districts, law enforcement, courts, or youth-serving organizations, including at least one (1) year of experience delivering training, coaching, or implementation support in restorative or trauma-informed practices.

• OR,
• Any combination of education and experience that has been achieved and is equivalent to the stated education and experience and required knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities of this job.

Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements

Valid Texas Driver’s License.

Preferred

• Certification or training in mediation/conflict management, group facilitation, interest-basedbargaining, and/or community engagement techniques or strategies.
• Experience in government, juvenile justice, or community-based settings.
• Bilingual proficiency – English/Spanish (speak/read/write).
• Certification and/or training in restorative practices, trauma-informed care, facilitation, or community engagement.
• Experience with fairness, restorative culture, and community wellness initiatives.
• Lived experience with inequities as a result of systemic barriers.
• Advanced training or licensure in a mental health discipline (e.g., LCSW, LPC, LMFT).

Knowledge of

• Principles and practices of restorative and trauma-informed systems of care.
• The impact of trauma, adversity, and systemic barriers on youth development and behavior.
• Restorative justice and community engagement frameworks.
• Strategies for conflict resolution and restorative dialogue.
• Confidentiality laws (HIPAA and related).
• Federal, state, and local juvenile justice regulations.

Skill in

• Delivering engaging training and presentations.
• Facilitating groups and building collaborative partnerships.
• Problem-solving, conflict resolution, and de-escalation.
• Strong interpersonal skills, communicating well with people of all backgrounds.
• Collecting and interpreting data related to training and program outcomes.
• Using computer systems, word processing, and presentation software.

Ability to

• Build trust and communicate effectively with diverse populations.
• Motivate and support staff in adopting restorative and trauma-informed approaches.
• Maintain confidentiality and use sound professional judgment.
• Work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Adapt to changing priorities and work environments.
• Maintain composure in emotionally charged situations.

Additional information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 50 pounds occasionally; visual acuity; speech and hearing; and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer and standard office equipment. Work may involve standing, sitting, walking, bending, kneeling, and client contact in various settings. Some evening or weekend work may be required.

Travis County employees play an important role in business continuity. As such, employees can be assigned to business continuity efforts outside of normal job functions.

Work Hours: 8 am - 5 pm, Monday-Friday.

Location: 2515 S. Congress Avenue

Department: Juvenile Probation

Criminal, Driving, Education, and Employment Background Checks Required.

Drug Test, Alcohol Test

This job description is intended to be generic in nature. It is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The essential duties, functions and responsibilities and overtime eligibility may vary based on the specific tasks assigned to the position.

You must ensure your application accurately reflects your skills and abilities as they relate to the position. Only periods of employment and experience detailed in the "Work Experience" section of the application will be considered in determining which applicants move forward in the selection process, as well as determining pay level for candidate(s) recommended for hire.