THE ORGANIZATION
The Prison Society believes that every Pennsylvanian deserves health, safety, and dignity. For 238 years, the Pennsylvania Prison Society has led the nation in calling for a more just and humane criminal justice system.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Incarceration is a family experience. In October 2024, the Prison Society launched virtual Family Support groups for people who have loved ones incarcerated in PA. Two trained facilitators lead participant-centered conversation on common themes experienced by individuals and families who have a loved one who is incarcerated. Each group will include introductions, discussion, and resource sharing. Sample discussion topics include: the impact of incarceration on family dynamics, co-parenting from prison, recognizing family trauma, and managing stress and grief.
We are searching for a co- facilitator to play an essential role creating a space where people can connect and feel supported in the unique challenges facing their families
YOUR CORE COMPETENCIES
You understand the core principles of effective facilitation. You bring experience working with groups and are open to feedback and additional training to enhance your skills as a compassionate and pragmatic facilitator.
You love connecting and inspiring people. You are welcoming, empathetic and encouraging in your ability to listen and empathize with various personalities.
You understand working through a trauma-informed lens. You bring experience with working with individuals and groups who are marginalized and are open to additional training in best-practices in trauma-informed, group facilitation.
You are reliable and organized. You understand that consistency of schedule is paramount and that record-keeping and reporting requirements are a necessary function of the facilitator role..
You have basic computer skills. You will initiate and host virtual meetings on Zoom, be able to troubleshoot participant connectivity challenges, and send emails with links and attachments.
What You Need to Know
- Location - Groups will meet virtually on Zoom every two weeks for 90 minutes on Tuesday evenings from 6pm-7:30pm. In-person meetings may be created in the future, depending on facilitator availability and participant interest.
- Hours - Virtual meetings will be scheduled every other Tuesday at 6:00 pm and will last 90 minutes. Each session will be 90 minutes.
- Manager - You will report to Family and Community Support Director, Kirstin Cornnell.
- Start date - As soon as possible.
- Compensation - This is a contracted position and compensation will be $40/hour.
At the Prison Society, we don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our staff, our mission, and our community. The Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. Individuals directly impacted by the criminal justice system are encouraged to apply.
For questions, email Kirstin Cornnell at kcornnell@prisonsociety.org
