Outreach Worker - Safe Passages - BRAG DOE

Good Shepherd Services•Bronx, NY

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Safe Passages Outreach Worker (SPOW) supports the Mediation Specialist (MS) in delivering the B.R.A.G. DOE Program, a school-based initiative that provides culturally competent programming to at-risk youth. The program aims to reduce students’ involvement in violence at school and in the community and increase school engagement, including attendance and academic progress. Activities may also include school-wide efforts to change the culture around violence and help schools respond to incidents. Target participants should live in or near the designated Community-Based Violence Intervention (CVI) catchment area and are selected based on risk and previously documented involvement in violence or other infractions, in consultation with the school principal and local CVI provider. The SPOW assists with student attendance outreach, individual and group counseling, family support, recruitment, intake, crisis intervention, conflict mediation, referrals, and student enrichment and career-development activities. The role includes maintaining documentation and using program data to inform practice, working collaboratively with school faculty and families, and providing Safe Passage activities during dismissal. The position is based in the Jerome Avenue/Fordham/233rd/Boston Road area of the Bronx, is non-exempt, and is scheduled for 20 hours per week. It reports to the ED-VOC/Employment Coordinator.

Requirements

High school graduation or equivalent.
Three years of experience in community work or community-centered activities related to the duties described.
Experience and knowledge working with at-risk and gang-involved young people, including skills for working effectively with high-risk teenagers and young adults.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and collaboratively with staff, program participants, and community members.
Proficiency with computers and handheld devices, including databases and common office programs.
Ability to work a highly flexible schedule.
Ability to walk 30 blocks and travel by public transportation.
Experience working with adolescents individually and in groups.
Commitment to working as a member of an interdisciplinary school team.
Commitment to a strength-based or youth and family development perspective.
Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Good Shepherd Services, including participation in quality improvement activities and the ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English.
Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

Support the Mediation Specialist in helping at-risk youth improve attendance and academic achievement and reduce violence or other infractions at school or in the community.
Assist with a caseload of students, monitor attendance and educational progress, and provide regular individual counseling meetings.
Conduct attendance outreach, counseling, and family support, including home or work-site visits.
Provide Safe Passage activities during dismissal with the Mediation Specialist.
Partner with the Mediation Specialist to facilitate conflict intervention and mediation during the school day.
Support student recruitment, intake assessments, and interviews.
Collaborate with B.R.A.G./DOE faculty to support student progress.
Provide crisis intervention, conflict mediation, and social-emotional support.
Refer students and families to outside resources, including CVI, employment, emergency shelter, day care, and other social and educational services.
Complete work documentation and statistics accurately and on time.
Participate in individual and team use of data to inform practice.
Help orient students and families to the program at the school.
Engage students’ families to support positive student outcomes and assist families with identified needs.
Participate in staff meetings and development.
Work with the Mediation Specialist and school faculty to develop and implement student enrichment and leadership activities.
Support job and career-development activities, including resume and cover-letter writing, job applications, interview preparation, and positive work habits.
Perform other duties as assigned.