Outreach Worker

Lawndale Christian Legal Center•Chicago, IL

2d•$47,750 - $50,000•Hybrid

About The Position

LCLC reaches over 350 minors and emerging adults in the criminal justice system annually with services including Community Holistic Defense, Community Housing, Restorative Justice Community Court, and Community Holistic Juvenile Diversion. LCLC aims to continuously innovate its program portfolio to build upon new best practices for serving minors and emerging adults and better serve its communities. The Outreach Worker is responsible for helping to reduce community violence and working with juveniles and emerging adults, 25 and under, who are at the highest risk of violence to help prevent shootings and retaliatory violence. Responsibilities include being part of the Community Holistic Defense team, collaborating with attorneys and case managers to identify and engage clients, maintaining a caseload of 15 clients, mediating conflict, canvassing, monitoring and responding to community violence, serving as a liaison between LCLC and the community, and promoting LCLC's mission. This individual will work a rotating schedule of 10a-6p Mon-Fri or Tues-Saturday, along with being on call to respond to community violence up until 9p. Travel is required.

Requirements

No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse, or domestic violence.
High School Diploma/GED required.
Significant experience (2+ years) working with high-risk, justice involved, and/or street involved juveniles and/or emerging adults, preferred.
Firsthand knowledge of North Lawndale and other communities served and knowledge of current street conflicts.
Some experience or training in crisis intervention, conflict resolution/mediation, and trauma preferred.
Experience working on a team.
Experience working with justice involved individuals a plus.
Valid Illinois Driver’s License, insurance, and good driving record.
Access to a vehicle.
Writing and communication skills (written and verbal).
Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
Basic computer skills. Ability to learn new software and databases quickly.
Skilled in working one-on-one and in groups with high-risk juveniles and/or emerging adults to resolve conflicts and promote prosocial behaviors.
Possesses knowledge and understanding of street dynamics, trauma and the effects of trauma and operate from that perspective when interacting with clients, their families and the community.
Emotional maturity, good judgment, integrity, tolerance of differing points of view and beliefs, and commitment to nonviolence.
Willingness to learn and commit to the principles of nonviolence, restorative justice and trauma-informed practices.
High degree of cultural competency.

Nice To Haves

Significant experience (2+ years) working with high-risk, justice involved, and/or street involved juveniles and/or emerging adults.
Some experience or training in crisis intervention, conflict resolution/mediation, and trauma.
Experience working with justice involved individuals a plus.

Responsibilities

Work with Juveniles and Emerging Adults (25 and under) who are of the highest risk of violence successfully engaging and/or re-engaging them in services and maintaining a caseload of up to 15 clients.
Maintains contact with clients on a weekly basis, at minimum.
Participates in Holistic Intake process with attorney and case management & completes eligibility screen for outreach services.
Complete the safety assessment and safety intervention plan that will be used to help identify appropriate services, safety risks, and needed resources, sharing findings with case management & legal.
Complete all required documentation in a timely manner utilizing the agency database.
Ensures timely information about potential and current clients and their safety is clearly identified and communicated, both verbally and in writing, to attorneys, case managers and Director.
Encourage and assist clients with completing individual goals identified in their work with case management.
Demonstrates supportive behavior and act as a role model displaying positive appropriate interactions.
Works with clients individually and in group setting on violence prevention skills (i.e., anger management, conflict resolution).
Coordinates and facilitates activities for workshops and groups for clients (peace circles, recreation, life skills).
Have knowledge and a clear understanding of street dynamics, trauma and the effects of trauma and operate from that perspective when interacting with clients, their families and the community.
Gain and maintain the trust of the community to help prevent shootings and retaliatory violence.
Serves as support and advocate for the clients and their families, identifying and relaying the need for resources to case management.
Canvassing the community and working in other unstructured situations.
Collaborate and network with other Outreach programs and workers to coordinate strategic responses to violence.
Monitor and respond to shootings or other forms of community violence in North Lawndale received through CPIC notifications, Citizens app and word of mouth as well as responding to violence in surrounding communities when necessary.
Willingness to work later hours during the week and during the weekends.
Coordinates and lead community events for clients, their families and North Lawndale community.
Market and promote the work of LCLC in the North Lawndale community magnifying our Holistic services to attract and identify potential clients in services.
Attend regular staff meetings, partner meetings, supervision meetings, community meetings as instructed by Outreach Supervisor and/or Director.
Appear in court on behalf of clients with attorneys as needed/directed.
Participates in media opportunities as requested.
Participates in all mandatory training and undertakes any training and professional development as required to ensure effective work.
Other duties as assigned.