Community Justice Society - Halifax Nova Scotia

Restorative Justice Facilitator

The primary role of the Restorative Justice Facilitator is to facilitate the Restorative Justice Sessions such as the Victim/Offender Conference, Family Group Conference and the Accountability Conference. The Restorative Justice Facilitator will be required to commit a minimum of two evenings per month. The Restorative Justice Sessions are usually conducted in the evening between 7pm – 9 pm, occasionally sessions are held during the day depending on the availability of the participants and the facilitators. As a Restorative Justice Facilitator, you will:

Facilitate the process and dialogue
Listen to and summarize each participant’s perspective
Keep the conversation fair and balanced
Help clarify the issues
Foster mutual understanding and respect between participants
Assist participants (victims, youth, and community members) in developing a mutual agreement that is achievable, attainable and realistic

Skills Required
Not all volunteers are equipped with the necessary skills to allow them to become a successful Restorative Justice Facilitator. The Community Justice Society will assist in enhancing those skills not currently demonstrated by an individual. The training period for the Restorative Justice Facilitator is approximately 40 hours. Some of the skills required are:

Communication skills
Strong interpersonal skills
Ability to listen and to put people at ease
Patience for detailed work, toleration of delay, cancellations and frustration
Willingness to explore feelings
Ability to guide participants through the restorative justice process
Ability to maintain impartiality
Ability to listen and paraphrase clearly with accuracy and identify issues
Ability to work co-operatively with Co-Facilitators
Ability to work with persons from diverse cultures

Training Provided
The specific training a volunteer will receive is directly tailored to the volunteer position. As a Restorative Justice Facilitator, a volunteer will receive the following:

3 hour Orientation Session
Restorative Justice – Philosophy, Principles and Models
Comprehensive Training Programs

Communication Skills
Understanding Adolescence
Victims of Harm
The Role of the Community in the Restorative Justice Process
Restorative Justice Processes
Facilitation of Restorative Justice Processes
Diversity/Gender Based and Cultural Competency

Follow-up Training
Professional Development Training

If you are interested in becoming a Restorative Justice Facilitator please click here and print your application and either mail to our office or fax it to the attention of our Volunteer Coordinator. Please see our Contact Page for details.