Outreach Worker - Stand Up SA (Grant Funded)

City of San Antonio•Tx 78210, TX

14h•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, is responsible for working with community-based organizations to implement the Cure Violence model. Cure Violence is a coordinated strategy to resolve community tensions in San Antonio. Alternatively, may be assigned to Public Health AmeriCorps grant-funded initiatives in San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (SAMHD). Skilled Outreach Workers are crucial to the success of these initiatives. Exercises no supervision. This position will provide supportive services to crime victims and their family members. The Outreach Worker is a mentor, life coach, positive role model, advocate, and mediator for people involved in gangs. The overall goal is to keep the peace and prevent further shootings and deaths. This position is a "grant funded" position, therefore unclassified and has no disciplinary appeal rights to the Municipal Civil Service Commission. This position is likewise subject to at-will employment status and can be terminated at any time for any reason. The San Antonio Metro Health District (SAMHD) provides public health services to clients, which may include risk for exposure to and possible transmission of vaccine-preventable diseases. Staff in high-risk positions will be required to obtain relevant immunizations, per SAMHD Policy DM 13.2. Review and consideration will be given to requests for exemption from this policy. SAMHD is committed to advancing health equity throughout the community and to creating a work environment in which all staff feel valued, respected, and accepted. Per SAMHD Policy DM 15.1, all staff are expected to apply a health equity lens to programs, services, and decision making that directly impact the communities we serve.

Requirements

Experience working and living in communities with High risk individuals and/or high risk youth.
Must obtain a valid Class "C" Texas Driver's License within sixty (60) days of employment.
Knowledge of the assigned programs and initiatives.
Knowledge of various 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.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations.
Ability to work inside and outside with occasional exposure to extreme weather conditions, hostile people, and emergency situations.
Knowledge of the techniques and methods involved in accessing intergroup relations
Knowledge of techniques used to resolve biases and intergroup tensions
Ability to work in socially tense and volatile environments

Nice To Haves

High School Diploma or GED equivalent (recognized by the Texas Education Agency or a regional accrediting agency).
Bilingual in Spanish.
Candidates with prior criminal history but may not currently be under criminal justice supervision.
Extensive experience working with at-risk youth and gang members.
Can speak knowledgeable and credibly about overcoming challenges such as neighborhood violence, gang involvement, criminal activity, or other justice system matters.
Knowledge of the techniques and methods to assess relations between groups of people.
Knowledge of techniques used to resolve biases and tensions between groups.
Skill in communicating clearly and effectively with community members and co-workers.
Skill in interacting with at-risk youth related to gun violence and gang violence.
Skill in relating to people who have experienced community violence and gang activity.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to establish mutually respectful partnerships with various community and ethnic groups.
Ability to work in tense environments and emergency situations with volatile people.

Responsibilities

Educates, informs, and gains trust of the community to implement health programs and initiatives.
Works in a multicultural environment and with diverse populations.
Participate in assigned trainings.
Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.
Mediates and resolves community tensions by doing all that is required as an individual contributor and as a team member to prevent violence in the assigned neighborhoods.
Intervenes between disputing groups to address issues and concerns causing conflict and tension.
Maintains familiarity with group dynamics, youth engagement and development strategies, and best practices in delinquency prevention/intervention.
Develops an understanding of the cause of violent events and strategies to stay better informed.
Provides case management through appropriate referrals for individuals to enhance their assistance and use of opportunities and programs in the community.
Responds to and works with local communities to diffuse violence when the situation requires it.
Tends to community responses as needed.
Develops relationships with key leaders in the community.