Community Outreach Worker, PISC

University of Pennsylvania • Philadelphia, PA

169d • $21 - $25

About The Position

Penn Community Violence Prevention (PCVP) is a strategic evidence-based public health approach to reduce and prevent shootings and killings in areas with a high prevalence of gun violence. Skilled outreach workers are a key ingredient to the success of this initiative and are instrumental to facilitating both community norm change, and positive behavior change among high-risk individuals. For this initiative, PCVP staff will implement the program with fidelity in three feeder schools of Bartram H.S. and the concentrated areas of violence in West/Southwest Philadelphia. The PCVP Outreach Worker will provide community and school-based violence prevention activities including school presentations/assembly's, trainings, mediating conflicts, canvassing the community, adult community outreach and mobilization, assisting in shooting responses, case management/referrals, and accurately documenting all activities in a timely manner. They will also manage a caseload of 15-30 clients that are at high risk for violence as they work to detect and interrupt violence, mentor at-risk individuals towards prosocial paths and away from street violence and anti-social networks and change attitudes and social norms that promote violence in vulnerable communities. This position will participate and assist in all related PCVP community outreach events. This is a 3-year grant-funded position. Continuation of this position is contingent on funding.

Requirements

• High School Grad/GE Degree, and 5 to 7 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Candidate must have at least one-year experience working with target population and experience or training in crisis intervention.
• Must have excellent communication skills (written and verbal).
• Proven community organizing abilities.
• Extensive knowledge of West/Southwest Philadelphia and other high-risk neighborhood.
• Proven ability to document programmatic activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of all applicable computer software.

Responsibilities

• Work individually and as a team to prevent shootings in the target area specifically with adults and young adults.
• Provide frequent contact, support, and mentorship to caseload of high-risk adults / young adults and link them to opportunities and assistance programs in the community.
• Work closely with other outreach workers, supervisors, managers, and directors internally to identify and diffuse 'hot spots' for violence and prioritize individuals with the highest need for intervention.
• Conduct outreach to the community (as a team member) to build strong relationships with community residents, businesses, and community groups.
• Attend and assist in organizing community events and partnerships.
• Timely documentation of all activities and prevented violence using designated tracking software to maintain accountability, support data reporting requirements, and facilitate presentations and publications.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Tuition: Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
• Retirement: Generous retirement plans including Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial amount of time away from work for personal needs.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance for faculty and staff and eligible family members.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support health and work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources for personal and professional advancement.
• University Resources: Access to a wide range of University resources and cultural activities.
• Discounts and Special Services: Discounts on various goods and services for faculty and staff.
• Flexible Work Hours: Options for non-traditional work hours and locations.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loan for eligible employees for home buying or improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified expenses related to legal adoption.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Educational Services
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees