CVI Outreach Worker

YWCA Northeast Kansas•Topeka, KS

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

YWCA Northeast Kansas is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. We provide transformative services in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and human trafficking, Community Violence Interruption, before- and after-school programming, and leadership and inclusion initiatives. Reporting to the Director of Violence Prevention, the Outreach Worker engages with the individuals at the highest risk of perpetrating violence and those who are most likely to be victimized in Topeka. The Outreach Worker accepts internal referrals from the outreach staff of individuals who are living in the chaos of violence to reduce their risk and increase safety for them and their families. The Outreach Worker coordinates service provision for participants and their families with external providers to ensure that their needs are being addressed. The position works autonomously in the field while maintaining consistent communication with the Director of Violence Prevention.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a human services field with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in child welfare, youth development, street outreach, or reentry, OR a high school diploma/ GED with a minimum of four (4) years of experience in child welfare, youth development, street outreach, or reentry.
Experience working in high-risk communities and high-risk individuals.
Knowledge of local community resources (services providers, programs)
Is open and respectful of the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and is willing and competent to work with a diverse client population.
Understand trauma-informed practice.
Demonstrated ability and proficiency to do this work through a screening process.
Dedication to relationship building and a commitment to working as an integral part of a team, while exercising significant initiative and autonomy.
Commitment to the YWCA mission and values, including a strong focus on racial equity and social justice.
Valid driver’s license.
Transportation.
Auto insurance.
Pass various background checks.

Responsibilities

Operates from a trauma-informed lens that properly supports those who may have been traumatized.
Sets goals with participants and monitors progress every month.
Coordinates referrals to necessary services for participants.
Maintains communication and contact with each participant every week, at a minimum.
Coordinates activities for program participants.
Works with participants on violence prevention and risk reduction skills (i.e., anger management, conflict resolution, decreasing violent behavior, being mindful about their networks, and other life skills).
Using a strengths-based approach engages participants in strategies to improve participation in needed services.
Assists and encourages participants to become involved in positive activities such as arts, employment, and recreation.
Documents service delivery for participants as outlined in program requirements.
Performs other related tasks as required or assigned.
Establishes and maintains relationships with local service providers and faith institutions to enhance community relations and strengthen referral sources for participants.
Attends community meetings (i.e., elected officials’ meetings, beat meetings, community discussions) and serves as a representative of the organization.
Conducts themselves with integrity and demonstrates high ethical standards that are consistent with the organization’s values
Always acts professionally and maintains appropriate boundaries with participants.
Demonstrates accountability for results and keeps commitments to others.
Reports to work, meetings, training, and job-related activities prepared and as scheduled.
Demonstrates openness and respect for cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of clients and coworkers.
Accepts feedback and ideas from team and supervisor and is constructive when sharing feedback and ideas with others.
Attends regular supervision, team meetings, required training, and other professional workshops to enhance job skills.
Sets annual developmental goals with supervisor to meet learning needs and interests, while also enhancing job performance and skills.
Refrains from assuming any duty that is unrelated to and/or interferes with the responsibilities of the position.
Develops, promotes, and practices teamwork and open communication in all activities.
Assists in maintaining the operational functions of YWCA Northeast Kansas headquarters, including serving as a substitute for the front desk when needed.
Advocates, promotes, and practices cultural sensitivity and responsiveness in day-to-day interactions.
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor and CEO. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee holding this position.