At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead restorative practices to create a safe and supportive school community.
- Company: Chicago Public Schools, dedicated to fostering connection and belonging.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health plans, retirement options, paid leave, and wellness programs.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on healing and growth in education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives through restorative justice and community building.
- Qualifications: Degree in Education or related field; experience in restorative justice and youth development.
The predicted salary is between 48700 - 68300 £ per year.
Restorative justice is grounded in the worldview that fostering connection and belonging, addressing people’s needs, and building their skills is more effective in creating a healthy and safe community rather than punitive measures. The Restorative Justice Coordinator reports to the school principal and works directly with students, staff, admin, families, and school stakeholders to facilitate restorative practices, build schoolwide systems and capacity for restorative justice, and advance the reach of restorative justice in the CPS community.
Main Job Function
Cultivate a schoolwide culture of healing and safety through accountability, skill‑building, and relationships.
Primary Responsibilities
- Facilitate restorative practices across universal, targeted, and intensive tiers of support with all school community stakeholders.
- Facilitate Tier 1 proactive restorative practices with administrators, staff, students, and families (e.g. check‑ins, establishing shared values, community building, restorative conversations, classroom talking circles and restorative communication to build community and celebrate students and achievements).
- Facilitate and connect students, families, staff and administrators to appropriate Tier 2 and 3 responsive restorative practices (e.g. restorative conversations, peace circles, Peer Conference, re‑entry processes, responding to crisis or trauma, and offering support).
- Setting up and maintaining physical space for the implementation of restorative practices at all tiers (e.g. creating a school Peace Room or assisting teachers in creating classroom‑based spaces for restorative work).
- Provide training and coaching to build capacity within school community in restorative justice mindset and skills.
- Design and lead training for staff and administrators on restorative justice (intro to restorative justice, restorative communication, restorative conversations, talking circles, peace circles).
- Develop scope & sequence that meets the school’s restorative justice needs and goals.
- Model and co‑facilitate restorative practices in classrooms and in staff meetings, with an objective of building staff capacity to facilitate, including a restorative discipline protocol to communicate school‑wide expectations for restorative justice practices.
- Provide individual and team coaching for administrators and staff to develop restorative justice skills; observe the facilitation of restorative practices and provide constructive feedback.
- When individual student social, emotional, and/or behaviour issues arise, consult with school staff on restorative prevention, de‑escalation, and intervention strategies, and identify opportunities for minimising or addressing behaviour issues in the future.
- Collaborate with and seek input from stakeholders, including parents and community members, through outreach, focus groups, and shared leadership.
- Develop students’ restorative justice skills through Peer Conference, restorative justice workshops for students, and restorative justice leadership and facilitation opportunities for students (including student‑led community events).
- Participate in the Chicago and CPS restorative justice community to further the growth of restorative justice.
- Participate in programming for Restorative Justice Coordinators, including communities of practice and coaching.
- Connect the school to local restorative justice‑related community partners, resources, tools, professional development, etc.
- Attend regular professional development training and coaching in restorative justice, cultural competency, anti‑racism, trauma responsiveness, circle practice, and related topics.
- Develop data‑informed strategic goals for schoolwide restorative practices implementation within the school’s Continuous Improvement Work Plan.
- Collecting and analysing schoolwide data on the implementation of restorative practices to identify areas for growth, inform training and coaching offerings.
Required Training and Experience
- A College Degree; Public Administration, Education or Human Services preferred.
- Previous experience in a school setting or working with adolescents.
- Two years of training and/or experience in restorative justice and circle practice.
- Ability to work after school and weekend hours.
- Four years of direct experience implementing conflict mediation (e.g. de‑escalation, facilitating conversations to repair harm) and positive youth development in a school or community setting.
- Four years of experience building relationships and collaborations with students, teachers, administration, parents, and/or community partners.
- Ability to interface with students, families, teachers, school leaders, and classroom support staff to find creative solutions to challenging problems.
Benefits
- Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice - Medical Plan Options, Pharmacy, Dental, Vision, Behavioral Health & EAP, Employee Wellness Program.
- Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow - Basic Life Insurance, Life and Disability Insurance, Pension Plans, Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), Spot Pet Insurance.
- Work‑Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life - Paid Leave, Sick Leave, Vacation Days, Parental Leaves, Short‑Term Disability, Religious Holidays Leaves.
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
Posting Date: Feb 25, 2026, 6:32:10 PM
Primary Location: South Side‑535 East 35th Street (Doolittle Elem)
Salary Range: $63,287.72 to $95,360.75
Restorative Justice Coord employer: Chicago Public Schools
As a Restorative Justice Coordinator at Chicago Public Schools, you will be part of a transformative work culture that prioritises healing, connection, and community engagement. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing professional development opportunities in restorative practices, cultural competency, and trauma responsiveness, ensuring you are well-equipped to make a meaningful impact. Located in the vibrant South Side, we offer competitive benefits, including comprehensive health plans and generous leave policies, making us an excellent employer for those passionate about fostering a safe and supportive educational environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Restorative Justice Coord
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and restorative justice fields. Attend local events or workshops to meet people who can help you get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with restorative practices, training sessions you've led, and any successful projects. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Before interviews, role-play common questions with a friend or mentor. Focus on how you would facilitate restorative conversations and build relationships within a school community.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your passion for restorative justice and connect with schools looking for someone just like you. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Restorative Justice Coord
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Restorative Justice:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for restorative justice shine through! Share personal experiences or insights that highlight why this approach matters to you and how it can positively impact the school community.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific responsibilities and values mentioned in the job description. Use keywords from the posting to demonstrate that you understand the role and are a perfect fit for our team.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to showcase your previous experience in restorative practices, conflict mediation, and working with diverse groups. Be specific about your roles and achievements to give us a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chicago Public Schools
✨Know Your Restorative Justice Stuff
Make sure you brush up on restorative justice principles and practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in school settings. Think about specific examples where you've facilitated conversations or built community connections.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
This role is all about fostering connections, so be prepared to share stories that highlight your ability to build relationships with students, staff, and families. Think of times when you’ve successfully navigated challenging situations through collaboration and communication.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like a conflict between students or a crisis in the classroom. Practice your responses by thinking through the steps you would take to implement restorative practices effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Coaching Ability
Since part of the role involves training and coaching others, be ready to discuss your experience in mentoring or leading workshops. Share how you’ve helped others develop their skills in restorative practices and what strategies you used to ensure their success.