Diversion Coordinator

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory • Springfield, MA

1d • $29 - $38 • Onsite

About The Position

The Diversion Coordinator plays a key role in supporting youth participating in the Massachusetts Diversion Program by delivering comprehensive case management services and coordinating individualized interventions that promote positive youth development, accountability, and long-term success. This position serves as the primary point of contact for youth, their families, service providers, schools, courts, law enforcement, and community partners.
This role requires a motivated, adaptable, and compassionate professional with a strong commitment to working with youth and reducing recidivism through restorative and evidence-based practices. The ideal candidate will be skilled in building meaningful relationships, thinking critically, solving problems effectively, and responding appropriately to changing and complex situations.
This job description is not all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential duties of the position. Other duties, responsibilities and tasks may be assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, or a closely related field; or Associate degree in one of the above fields, accompanied by a minimum of two (2) years of direct experience working with at-risk youth or similar populations.
• Demonstrated experience working with at-risk, court-involved, and/or underserved youth.
• Experience engaging and building relationships with diverse communities and populations.
• Knowledge of local community resources, service providers, and support organizations available within the service area.
• Professional experience within juvenile justice, child welfare, behavioral health, or related human services systems; lived experience is also valued and may be considered.
• Bilingual proficiency, particularly in Spanish or another language commonly spoken within the service area.
• Experience with restorative justice practices and restorative approaches to youth engagement and intervention.
• Experience utilizing assessment tools, developing case plans, and implementing evidence-based interventions.
• Demonstrated commitment to community service, volunteerism, and community engagement.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with youth, families, service providers, schools, and community partners.
• Understanding of restorative practices and the importance of accountability, relationship-building, and repairing harm.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Sit, stand, walk, bend, squat, kneel, climb, twist, and move about the work environment on an occasional to frequent basis.
• Reach, grasp, push, pull, and handle objects such as files, office supplies, equipment, and reference materials, including reaching overhead when necessary.
• Set up, adjust, and operate office equipment and technology commonly used in a professional work environment.
• Use a telephone, computer, and other electronic communication devices effectively.
• Operate standard office equipment, including computers, printers, copiers, scanners, and other related devices.
• Occasionally lift, carry, and move items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Apply sound judgment and make informed decisions in a variety of situations.
• Analyze information, think critically, and solve complex problems effectively.
• Plan, organize, and manage projects from inception through completion.
• Demonstrate creativity, innovation, intuition, and perceptiveness in addressing challenges and opportunities.
• Adapt to changing priorities while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
• Communicate effectively and collaborate with colleagues, youth, families, service providers, and community partners.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Human Services, or a related field is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meet with referred youth and their families to explain program expectations, requirements, and processes.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, interviews, and information gathering to identify strengths, risks, and service needs.
• Review relevant documentation, including police reports, school records, and other materials to inform case planning.
• Develop individualized diversion agreements and case plans tailored to each youth’s needs and goals.
• Connect youth and families with appropriate services, interventions, and community resources.
• Monitor youth progress, participation, and compliance throughout the diversion process.
• Maintain consistent contact with youth through in-person meetings, home visits, phone calls, text messages, and other approved communication methods.
• Engage youth actively in the case planning process and reinforce expectations at each stage of participation.
• Maintain regular communication with service providers, schools, law enforcement, courts, probation departments, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop and sustain collaborative partnerships that enhance service delivery and expand opportunities for youth.
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings, court sessions, and other youth-related proceedings as required.
• Identify and strengthen community resources that support positive youth outcomes and program effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case documentation in accordance with program standards and policies.
• Collect, track, and enter program data for reporting, compliance, and evaluation purposes.
• Ensure all records are securely stored and accessible only to authorized personnel.
• Prepare case notes, summaries, and reports as required by program guidelines and funding requirements.
• Participate in required trainings, conferences, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Stay current on best practices in juvenile justice, restorative practices, youth development, and case management.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off every year that includes: vacation and sick time, holidays, and up to 3 personal days.
• Employer funded Pension Plan (company contributions begin after 1 year of employment)
• Comprehensive health care coverage with low-cost employee premiums, co-pays and deductibles
• Eligibility for supplemental insurance plans including Short Term Disability, AFLAC and Voluntary Term Life
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Eligibility for the Federal Government’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree