Crisis Response Specialist

Build Inc•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Crisis Response Specialist (CRS) (40 hours, Full-time) Non-exempt BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago’s West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city’s most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youth and families we serve. Our Core values: Empathy, Passion, Persistence and Innovation. The Crisis Response Specialist will act as a first responder to provide immediate support to youth and their families after a shooting or other act of violence, including emotional support, initial advocacy, and support in navigating the criminal justice system, including police departments, legal services and the courts. Services take place within targeted communities and area hospitals as needed. Responsibilities call for the Crisis Response Specialist to be available on-call at any time of day or night, including weekends and Holidays. The Crisis Response Specialist reports directly to the Crisis Response Unit Manager.

Requirements

An automobile is required along with current insurance and a valid driver’s license
Maintain respectful and appropriate relationships with program participants, all levels of agency staff and the various publics of the agency, demonstrating sensitivity to all ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds
Must be willing to travel as needed
Must be passionate about the work and helping people during a sensitive time in life
Must successfully pass extensive background check
Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
Ability to work in a variety of environments, including office settings, community locations, schools, and outdoor spaces.
Ability to respond to crisis situations in real time, which may require rapid movement, standing, walking, or traveling between locations.
Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while providing support, documentation, or attending meetings.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Works collaboratively with targeted communities, other departments and other stakeholders to identify and support youth and their families that are victims of or witnesses to crime or those exposed to violence-related traumas who are in need of services
Connect violence-exposed youth and their families with comprehensive services that promote healing, foster life-skills, and prevent high-risk/consequence behaviors that make them vulnerable to violence and other negative outcomes
Contributes to client related data systems for record keeping and reporting purposes
Contributes to reports as per grant requirements
Ensure program achieves expected performance milestones in accordance with contracts and expectations of funding sources making necessary adjustments as needed
Utilizes BUILD Universal Referral form to document and connect families to BUILD services
Operates professionally in the field on a flexible schedule, which may include holidays, late evenings and weekends
Responds to crisis calls within a reasonable, pre-established timeframe
Communicates with Crisis Response Unit Manager in advance and/or with the Crisis Response team within a timely manner if unable to respond to a crisis call
In partnership with Community Wellness Advocates, helps to identify positive adult/youth influences to create a stronger support network for the participant
Represents BUILD to broaden community awareness and support, interpreting the agency’s programs and services at program-related community, coalition and committee meetings as needed
Attends departmental and agency-wide staff meetings, as scheduled and agency-wide events, as required
Maintains knowledge current in the field in way of participation of coursework, seminars and/or workshops
Participate in agency-wide fundraising events
Participate in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends
Participate in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of BUILD, Inc.
Perform other duties as assigned