Program Facilitator

Job Description

Job Description

Program Facilitator – Thinking for a Change & Conflict Resolution

Company: Kornah’s Character Development Academy (KCDA)
Work Location: District of Columbia Department of Corrections – Washington, D.C.
Position Type: Contract
Schedule: Monday - Thursday (9: 30AM - 11:00AM), Monday - Thursday (5PM - 7:30PM)
Compensation: Monthly Contract Salary Range $1,200 - $1,500 (Determined post-interview)

About KCDA

Kornah’s Character Development Academy (KCDA) is a faith- founded character-development organization committed to helping justice-involved individuals strengthen their decision-making, communication, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.

KCDA currently provides programming within the District of Columbia Department of Corrections. Through structured education, meaningful discussion, and practical skill development, we help participants examine how their thoughts influence their emotions, choices, behaviors, relationships, and future outcomes.

KCDA is a faith-founded and values-driven organization. Our work is guided by principles such as integrity, compassion, accountability, dignity, service, and the belief that meaningful personal transformation is possible. However, KCDA’s correctional programs are not religious instruction, and participation is not based on religious affiliation. We welcome and respect employees and participants of all backgrounds, beliefs, races, cultures, and identities.

Our team works with individuals who may have experienced trauma, family instability, incarceration, violence, poverty, substance use, and other significant life challenges. This work requires patience, emotional maturity, cultural sensitivity, appropriate professional boundaries, and a genuine commitment to treating every participant with dignity.

Position Overview

KCDA is seeking a dependable, compassionate, and engaging Program Facilitator to deliver the Thinking for a Change Program and KCDA’s Conflict Resolution Program within the D.C. Department of Corrections.

The facilitator will lead structured group sessions that help residents recognize unhelpful thinking patterns, manage emotions, communicate effectively, resolve disagreements, consider consequences, and make more constructive decisions.

The ideal candidate is confident speaking before groups, capable of maintaining professional boundaries, receptive to training and feedback, and able to remain composed in a structured correctional environment. This position is best suited for someone who combines compassion with accountability and can create a respectful learning environment without being judgmental or easily discouraged.

About Our Programs

Thinking for a Change

Thinking for a Change, commonly known as T4C, is a cognitive-behavioral curriculum developed by the National Institute of Corrections. The curriculum integrates three primary areas:

• Cognitive self-change
• Social-skills development
• Structured problem-solving

Participants learn to examine their thinking, understand how their thoughts influence their actions, develop healthier interpersonal skills, and use a step-by-step process to address problems more effectively.

Conflict Resolution Program

KCDA’s Conflict Resolution Program is a structured 12-week educational program designed to reduce interpersonal conflict and support safer correctional communities.

The program helps participants:

• Recognize personal triggers and patterns that escalate conflict
• Manage anger and other intense emotions
• Pause and think before reacting
• Communicate assertively without becoming aggressive
• Listen actively and consider different perspectives
• Respond appropriately to perceived disrespect

This program draws upon cognitive-behavioral principles and focuses specifically on helping residents navigate conflict, make safer decisions, and reduce behaviors that may contribute to violence within the facility and in the broader community.

Primary Responsibilities

The Program Facilitator will:

• Facilitate Thinking for a Change and Conflict Resolution sessions at designated correctional facilities.
• Follow KCDA lesson plans, approved curricula, facility regulations, and established program procedures.
• Present educational material clearly, accurately, and in an engaging manner.
• Lead structured discussions, role-plays, practical exercises, and problem-solving activities.
• Help participants connect lesson concepts to realistic situations without encouraging the disclosure of unnecessary personal or legal information.
• Establish a classroom environment that is respectful, inclusive, structured, and focused on learning.
• Encourage participation while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Respond calmly and professionally to challenging questions, resistance, disagreements, or disruptions.
• Work collaboratively with KCDA leadership, fellow facilitators, correctional staff, and designated program personnel.
• Maintain accurate attendance records, session notes, activity records, and other required documentation.
• Communicate scheduling concerns, incidents, participant needs, and program updates promptly to KCDA leadership.
• Protect confidential and sensitive information in accordance with KCDA and facility requirements.
• Attend required training, supervision, team meetings, and professional-development sessions.
• Comply with all Department of Corrections security procedures, including restrictions concerning personal belongings, materials, participant contact, and facility movement.
• Serve as a professional and dependable representative of KCDA.

Correctional Environment and Safety

Programs are conducted inside designated areas of the D.C. Department of Corrections. Facilitators work in coordination with correctional personnel, and security staff remain responsible for facility safety and supervision.

Applicants should understand that correctional facilities are highly structured environments. Facilitators must:

• Follow all entry, identification, screening, and security procedures.
• Remain alert and aware of their surroundings.
• Maintain clear professional boundaries with residents.
• Follow staff instructions during movement restrictions, emergencies, or security incidents.
• Avoid bringing unauthorized materials or personal items into the facility.
• Report concerns through the appropriate chain of command.
• Remain calm, respectful, and professional in emotionally demanding situations.

Training regarding KCDA expectations, professional boundaries, program delivery, and applicable facility procedures will be provided.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience in education, counseling, psychology, social work, criminal justice, human services, ministry, mentoring, workforce development, reentry services, or a related field is preferred.
• Strong verbal communication, public-speaking, and group-facilitation skills.
• Ability to communicate respectfully with people from diverse cultural, educational, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds.
• Dependable attendance and reliable transportation to the assigned facility.
• Ability to follow structured curricula and administrative procedures.
• Strong judgment, integrity, emotional regulation, and professional boundaries.
• Ability to receive feedback and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to complete all required orientation, background screening, clearance, fingerprinting, and facility-access requirements.
• Ability to work in a correctional environment and comply with all safety and security regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, social work, sociology, education, criminal justice, or a related field.
• Previous experience facilitating groups or teaching structured lessons.
• Experience working with justice-involved adults, individuals affected by trauma, or other vulnerable populations.
• Familiarity with cognitive-behavioral interventions, restorative practices, anger management, conflict resolution, or de-escalation.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills.
• Experience completing attendance records, progress notes, incident documentation, or program reports.

The Ideal Candidate

The strongest candidate will be:

• Compassionate without compromising accountability
• Confident but teachable
• Consistent, punctual, and reliable
• Emotionally grounded and able to manage demanding interactions
• Respectful of correctional policies and chains of command
• Comfortable engaging participants with different personalities and educational levels
• Able to recognize participants’ potential without minimizing harmful choices
• Committed to integrity, fairness, personal growth, and second chances

Physical and Emotional Requirements

This position may require standing or sitting for extended periods, carrying approved instructional materials, moving through secured areas, and adapting to schedule changes or temporary facility restrictions.

Correctional work can also be emotionally demanding. Facilitators may hear difficult personal experiences or encounter frustration, resistance, and emotionally charged conversations. Successful facilitators practice healthy boundaries, use supervision appropriately, and maintain professional composure.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

• A current résumé
• Your general availability
• Contact information for professional references

Applicants selected for consideration may be asked to participate in an interview