Outreach Worker - Stand Up SA (Grant Funded)

City of San Antonio•Tx 78210, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Outreach Worker works with community-based organizations to implement the Cure Violence model, a coordinated strategy to resolve community tensions in San Antonio. The role may alternatively be assigned to Public Health AmeriCorps grant-funded initiatives in the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD). The worker provides supportive services to crime victims and their family members and serves as a mentor, life coach, positive role model, advocate, and mediator for people involved in gangs. The overall goal is to maintain peace and prevent further shootings and deaths. This grant-funded position is unclassified, has no disciplinary appeal rights to the Municipal Civil Service Commission, and is subject to at-will employment. The position exercises no supervision. The worker educates and informs the community, builds trust, and supports the implementation of health programs and initiatives. Under the Cure Violence model, the worker helps prevent violence in assigned neighborhoods by mediating disputes, responding to community needs, developing relationships with community leaders, and connecting individuals with services and opportunities. The position involves work with diverse populations and may include exposure to vaccine-preventable diseases; staff in high-risk positions must obtain relevant immunizations under SAMHD policy, with consideration given to exemption requests. SAMHD expects staff to apply a health equity lens to programs, services, and decisions affecting the community. The work location is 512 E Highland Blvd, San Antonio, TX 78210. The evening schedule is Tuesday through Thursday, 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and Friday through Saturday, 4:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.

Requirements

Experience working and living in communities with high-risk individuals and/or high-risk youth.
Obtain a valid Class C Texas Driver's License within 60 days of employment.
Knowledge of assigned programs and initiatives, and of communities, social groups, and organizations within the city.
Skill in using a computer and basic office equipment.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
Ability to establish mutually respectful partnerships with various community and ethnic groups.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to perform the physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations.
Ability to work inside and outside, with occasional exposure to extreme weather, hostile people, and emergency situations.
Knowledge of techniques and methods for assessing intergroup relations and resolving biases and intergroup tensions.
Ability to work in socially tense and volatile environments.
Selected applicants must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks; a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may also be conducted if required.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED equivalent recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency.
Bilingual in Spanish.
Prior criminal history may be considered, provided the candidate is not currently under criminal justice supervision.
Extensive experience working with at-risk youth and gang members.
Ability to speak knowledgeably and credibly about overcoming neighborhood violence, gang involvement, criminal activity, or other justice system matters.
Skill in interacting with at-risk youth regarding gun violence and gang violence.
Skill in relating to people who have experienced community violence and gang activity.

Responsibilities

Educate, inform, and build trust with the community to implement health programs and initiatives.
Work in a multicultural environment and with diverse populations.
Participate in assigned trainings and perform related duties as required.
Mediate and resolve community tensions as an individual contributor and team member to prevent violence in assigned neighborhoods.
Intervene between disputing groups to address the issues and concerns causing conflict and tension.
Maintain familiarity with group dynamics, youth engagement and development strategies, and delinquency prevention and intervention practices.
Develop an understanding of the causes of violent events and strategies for staying informed.
Provide case management through appropriate referrals to help individuals access assistance, opportunities, and community programs.
Respond to local communities and help diffuse violence when situations require it.
Attend to community responses as needed.
Develop relationships with key community leaders.
Provide supportive services to crime victims and their family members.