What is Elmwood Detention Center? The Elmwood Women's Facility in Milpitas, CA , houses approximately 250 female inmates. Banyan currently offers wellness services to the minimum security wing. Many of these women are completing their sentences and preparing to reenter society. 

Position Overview

As a Banyan Elmwood Wellness Facilitator, you will co-create healing experiences with women at the Elmwood Detention Center. You will work as part of a two-person team to hold a safe, welcoming space where women can experience self-care, community connection, and gentle practices for body, mind, and spirit wellness.

Key Qualifications

• Lived experience and authentic connection to the challenges that affect many women in the justice system - such as poverty, trauma, abuse, addiction, neglect, or systemic barriers

• Natural ability to create safety and trust through genuine empathy and shared understanding of life's challenges

• Willingness to learn gentle movement, breathwork, and wellness practices through hands-on experience

• Commitment to personal growth and walking the healing journey alongside participants

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to connect across diverse backgrounds and experiences

• Resilience and emotional stability while remaining open to continued learning and support

• Belief in the power of community and healing together

• Reliability and commitment to showing up consistently for participants

• Openness to feedback and collaboration in the co-facilitation model

Essential Skills (Developed Through Banyan Training)

• Creating welcoming presence: Learning to hold calm, grounded energy that helps others feel safe

• Basic movement guidance: Practicing simple movements and stretches that can be shared with participants

• Simple breathwork: Learning basic breathing practices for relaxation and stress relief

• Gentle facilitation: Understanding how to offer movement and practices with choice and modifications

• Recognizing stress responses: Noticing when someone feels overwhelmed or uncomfortable

• Basic grounding techniques: Learning simple practices to help participants feel safe and present

• Cultural sensitivity: Approaching participants' diverse experiences and backgrounds with respect and openness

• Healthy boundaries: Maintaining appropriate facilitator boundaries while being authentic and caring

• Supporting community connection: Helping participants feel connected to each other and the group

• Holding space for emotions: Being comfortable when participants have emotional responses during practices

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate understands firsthand that healing happens in community. You may have experienced your own journey through mental health issues, abuse/neglect,  recovery, or other life challenges, and you're ready to hold space for others on their path. You don't need to be a certified yoga teacher or wellness expert - we're looking for someone with heart, authenticity, and a commitment to showing up for women who are often overlooked and underserved.

You understand that our role is not to "fix" or "save," but to offer a safe space as compassionate witnesses while creating opportunities for rest, reflection, and sharing. You believe that women serving time have incredible strength and resilience. You are ready to honor that strength while gently introducing the power of community support .

How to Apply

With your resume please submit:

• A brief letter sharing why this role speaks to you and any relevant lived or professional experience

• Contact information for two references who can speak to your ability to hold space for others

• Your daytime availability Monday-Thursday

Location: Milpitas, CA

Pay
Lead Facilitator: $31.85/hr plus pay for security clearance paperwork and safety training

Co-Facilitator: $29.67/hr plus pay for security clearance paperwork and safety training

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