Prison Program Coordinator

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.