Job Description
Executive Service VOLUNTEER MENTORSHIP COORDINATOR Department of Correction Prison Operations Knoxville, TN (East Region) Annual Salary: $61,200.00 - $91,752.00 Closing Date: 06/02/2026 Background Check: This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position Who we are and what we do: The Tennessee Department of Correction operates and oversees 14 adult prisons across the state, housing some 21,000 offenders. In the community, TDOC supervises 79,000 offenders on probation, parole, or community corrections. The department operates 44 probation/parole offices in 13 districts across the state. The mission of the Tennessee Department of Correction (TDOC) is to operate safe and secure prisons and provide effective community supervision in order to enhance public safety. The department manages and operates or oversees 14 state prisons housing approximately 21,000 offenders. In addition, the department supervises some 79,000 offenders on probation, parole, or community correction and operates eight Day Reporting/Community Resource Centers across the state. The department is fully accredited by the American Correctional Association (ACA). Job Overview: The role requires regular travel to the TDOC prison facilities within a defined region (no overnight stay required) and daily interaction with both incarcerated individuals and external community members. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends as required by the prisons visitation schedule. Comfortable working within a secure correctional facility with adherence to all security protocols. Reporting to the director of Religious and Volunteer Services, the Volunteer Mentor Coordinator will serve as the liaison between the Governors Faith Based and Community Initiative (GFBCI) Mentors and the TDOC facility staff and inmate Mentees, who have expressed a desire to be matched with a Mentor, and will play a vital role in supporting the reentry and rehabilitation process for incarcerated individuals by facilitating meaningful mentorship connections. This role involves training and coordinating mentors from community-based (CBO) and faith-based (FBO) organizations, while also assisting with recruiting mentees from within the prison (TDOC) population. The coordinator will manage the logistics of mentorship visits and communications, ensuring compliance with prison policies and procedures and will also be responsible for ensuring the Volunteer initiatives (faith-based and other group events) are being properly managed and tracked. Key Responsibilities: Mentor Engagement & Volunteer Support: Provide ongoing support and communication with Mentors and Mentees to foster long-term engagement and program success. Guide and train the Mentors, set expectations for what success looks like Liaison/conduit between Mentors and Prison staff Collaborate with Reentry Specialists to fill any gaps Mentor uncovers Facilitate Mentor group meetings to share best practices and increase engagement Provide support to the volunteer coordinators and Chaplains Mentee Recruitment: Work with facility staff to identify anyone releasing within 24 months or less. Conduct outreach to the identified individuals, explain the benefits of having a Mentor and encourage participation. Interview potential mentees to understand their goals, needs, and challenges to facilitate better mentor-mentee matches. Conduct Mentor-Mentee Meet-ups and creating the ideal pairings. Logistical Coordination: Coordinate visitation schedules, ensuring compliance with policies and available time slots for mentorship meetings. Organize mentor-mentee pairings based on shared interests, goals, and compatibility. Maintain accurate records of mentor-mentee interactions, track progress, and provide updates to Director of Religious & Volunteer Services, GFBCI staff and other relevant stakeholders. Serve as the point of contact for Mentors and Prison staff, ensuring the program adheres to institutional rules and regulations regarding visitation, communication, and security. Program Evaluation and Reporting: Monitor the effectiveness of mentorship pairings and gather feedback from both mentors and mentees to assess the program's impact. Provide regular updates and monthly reports to the Director of Religious & Volunteer Services and Volunteer Mentorship Initiative Di