Description:
Position is responsible for carrying out and overseeing daily operations portion of current Prison Services Program. Responsibilities include continued monitoring of program to stay within budgeted expenses, proactively contacting and/or responding to wardens and chaplains, managing inmate correspondence and/or calls, mailing books/materials to correctional facility libraries and inmates, updating/maintaining Prison Services database, matching inmates with A.R.E. mentor correspondents, and coordinating and training program volunteers.
Job contingent upon satisfactory passing of standard background security check.
- Respond to correctional facility and inmate correspondence and inquiries; input information into Prison Program database;
- Update and maintain Prison Services database with accuracy; generate reports, and recommend changes in database design, as appropriate;
- Select and pack books and materials for shipment to correctional facility and/or inmates;
- Maintain organized inventory of books to be donated through Prison Services Program; notify Chief Operating Officer of needs and/or changes;
- Initiate contact with prison and jail librarians, respond to, and comply with special projects for correctional facility libraries;
- When appropriate, train and supervise volunteers, matching skills with program needs and objectives;
- Collaborate with Assistant Director of Annual Fundraising and Membership to prioritize/set Prison Services objectives in order to achieve organizational, budgetary and departmental goals;
- Collaborate with Assistant Director of Annual Fundraising and Membership on recommended improvements in Prison Services Program and database; follow through in timely manner;
- Provide regular updates to Assistant Director of Annual Fundraising and Membership on operations, inmate/correctional facility requests, other items of interest;
- Coordinate and oversee the inmate correspondence/mentorship program;
- Encourage formation of inmate-led study groups on material including “A Search for God”, “Your Life”, and other Cayce related topics
- Other relevant duties as required.
Required Education and Experience:
- High School diploma or equivalent with business training or equivalent combination of education and experience;
- Minimum two year’s customer service and data entry experience required; and
- Minimum two years’ office experience working with Microsoft Office products and Internet Explorer applications required; experience with membership management software (Aptify) preferred but not required.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of philosophy of the key principles in the Edgar Cayce readings, particularly kindness, active patience and a service orientation is required.
- Good working knowledge of A.R.E. resources and available services.
- Proficient skills required in Microsoft Office including Word, Outlook, Excel, Internet Explorer web-based applications.
- Knowledge of and familiarity with A.R.E. Press books is preferred.
- Working knowledge of membership management software programs (Aptify) preferred.
- Strong interpersonal/customer service skills required, including continuous demonstration of courtesy, friendliness, patience, kindness, cooperation with a service orientation.
- Excellent communication skills required -- oral, written, listening--to exchange information with variety of individuals.
- Requires strong skills in data entry, accuracy, proofreading and data analysis.
- Strong time-management and multi-tasking skills with ability to manage competing deadlines required.
- Strong interpersonal skills in tact, diplomacy, problem solving, and objectivity required.
- Requires excellent organization skills, detail orientation, ability to keep eye on bigger picture.
- Demonstrated ability to keep confidential all Prison Program and A.R.E. related information, including donor, member, customer and staff information, is required.
- Ability to effectively supervise volunteers’ work, with average level of independent judgment, permitting latitude for independent decision-making with changing priorities.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment, with the general public and co-workers – demonstrating patience, diplomacy, persistence, kindness, and clarity is required.
- Ability to motivate and provide a high level of service and display positive attitude toward helping others is required.
- Ability to prioritize and set objectives to achieve organizational, budgetary and departmental goals required.
- Demonstrated ability to follow through with and/or recommend improvements in the Prison Program and database.
- Ability to maintain a strong customer focus with demonstrated enthusiasm/respect in working with people from diverse backgrounds is required.
- High degree of emotional intelligence and maturity – demonstrating adaptability, engagement, and enthusiasm.
- A good sense of humor.
Special Job or Training Demand
- Job contingent upon satisfactory passing of standard background security check.
Scope and Impact of the position:
- Position directly impacts the effectiveness of the prison outreach program and A.R.E.’s relationship and image with prison personnel, inmates, and participating volunteers.
- Position has potential to enrich and enhance the lives of countless inmates and educate prison personnel positively
Physical Requirements:
- Required ability to sit for lengthy periods of time, using a computer keyboard, looking at a computer screen, requiring focus on prolonged visual and mental attention.
- Required ability to frequently carry out physical activities of picking, packing, lifting, and carrying up to 15 lbs. on a daily basis.
- The ability to move between buildings on uneven ground and to use staircases in historical buildings without elevators is required.
Requirements: