Equal Justice USA (EJUSA) is a national organization working to transform the justice system by promoting responses to violence that break cycles of trauma. We work at the intersection of criminal justice, public health, and racial justice to elevate healing and safety over retribution, advance racial equity, and meet the needs of survivors. Our programs work to end the death penalty, limit and transform policing, expand community-based healing and violence prevention programs in impacted communities, and change the national narrative on violence and accountability.

We are looking for highly skilled, healing-centered facilitators to lead our flagship trainings, From Trauma to Trust: Police/Community Collaborative Training, in various cities across the United States. Trauma to Trust is an innovative, 16-hour experience that brings together community residents (survivors, formerly incarcerated, community activists, etc.) and police officers to build mutual understanding of the links between unaddressed trauma (acute, chronic and complex) and justice system involvement, the impact of trauma on communities of color, and the impact of PTSD on officer use of force. Community members and police officers learn and speak openly about their own trauma, the trauma they see around them, and the historical link between the justice system, the history of policing, and racism. This dialogue allows everyone to see the impact of trauma on all sides, talk through persistent obstacles to trust, and collectively develop solutions for trauma-informed practices and policies that decrease harm and violence. Following the trainings, EJUSA organizers work with participants to engage in advocacy for systems change.

For more information on the trainings, see this 6-minute video produced by The Grio: https://youtu.be/VB3z1rriL-s (clickable link at the end of the post).

Position Overview

Trauma to Trust Facilitators work in teams of two on a contract basis to lead our 16-hour trainings with community residents and police officers. Trainers use trauma-informed, restorative facilitation practices grounded in racial equity to lead dialogue, manage conflict and tension, build empathy, and increase knowledge of individual, community-level, and historical trauma, particularly in communities of color. The trainings are held over two days (8 hours per day), with a week break in between each session. Facilitators also provide feedback from their sessions to EJUSA to inform ongoing curriculum and program development, evaluation, and data collection.

Facilitators will be invited to participate in a rigorous Train-the-Trainer process (details below). Following the Train-the-Trainer, selected Facilitators will work with EJUSA to set a schedule for training dates and locations. Trainings in 2020 are expected to take place in the northeast, the southeast, and the west cost.

Selection Process, Train-the-Trainer, and Ongoing Time Commitment

1. After an initial interview, selected candidates will be invited to #2.
2. Participation in a full 16-hour cohort in Newark, NJ – either May 6 and May 13 OR May 9 and May 16 (2 full days).
3. Debrief/follow-up interview with EJUSA after cohort participation. Selected candidates will be invited to #4.
4. Trauma-to-Trust Train-the-Trainer in Newark, NJ from June 5-7 (3 full days). Selected candidates will be invited to #5.
5. Co-facilitate one Trauma to Trust cohort in Fall 2019, under observation, alongside our Project Director and Lead Facilitator.
6. Selected Facilitators will become EJUSA Trauma to Trust trainers and can begin leading cohorts in late 2019 or early 2020.
7. Trauma to Trust 2020 kick-off conference call in January 2020.
8. Periodic Facilitator conference calls (schedule TBD by Director of Training and Capacity Building).
9. We request that all Facilitators are available for a minimum of four cohorts per year and a maximum of two cohorts per month, however exact quantity, schedule, and locations will be determined with EJUSA on a case-by-case basis.

Responsibilities

• Co-lead facilitation of Trauma to Trust training with police and community members in cities across the country.
• Complete debriefing form after each cohort session to provide EJUSA feedback on the session.
• Participate in periodic Facilitator calls with EJUSA.
• Work with EJUSA’s training team to provide feedback and authentic input for further improvement of the curriculum and program.

Key competencies

• Advanced skills in facilitation, holding space amidst complex group dynamics and discussions, and managing/facilitating through conflict and tension.
• Understanding of trauma and trauma-informed practices and ability to absorb and retain training curriculum with factual content on trauma
• Understanding of structural racism and historical trauma of marginalized communities
• Ability and comfort identifying and navigating race and discussions about racial justice issues in multi-racial groups
• Ability to maintain composure and empathy in healing spaces

Experience & Other Qualifications

• Significant experience in facilitating groups, especially historically opposed groups and/or groups with significantly contentious dynamics  (ex. police and Black community; those who have harmed and those who have been harmed; immigrant and anti-immigrant communities).
• Experience in implementing conflict mediation, restorative practices, trauma-informed approaches, experiential learning rooted in group process, racial equity training, and/or related experiences
• Understanding of social justice and commitment to the mission and values of EJUSA, including a commitment to racial equity
• Professional demeanor by being punctual, consistent, reliable and courteous
• Ability to travel (each cohort requires two trips, one week apart)

Compensation

Lead Facilitators: Flat rate of $2,500-$3,000/cohort, plus travel expenses; periodic Facilitator conference calls scheduled outside of cohorts will be paid $125/hr.

Co-Facilitators: Flat rate of $2,000/cohort, plus travel expenses. Facilitator conference calls scheduled outside of cohorts will be paid $125/hr.

Prospective Facilitators: EJUSA will cover all travel costs during the Train-the-Trainer process, as well as a stipend of $100/day for the Train-the-Trainer and observed co-facilitation sessions.

To apply:

Upload a cover letter, resume, and 3 references in pdf format only by clicking “I’m interested”. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Deadline to apply: March 27, 2019

EJUSA encourages a diverse pool of candidates to apply, including those impacted by the issues we work on. We consider all applicants on the basis of their ability to perform the job, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, physical appearance, age, mental or physical disability, credit history, veteran status, uniform service member status, justice system involvement, victims of domestic violence, stalking, or other crimes, political affiliation, or any other legally protected class. EJUSA does not tolerate discrimination or harassment against any of the above listed classes.All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.