Outreach Worker - West

Good Shepherd Services•Bronx, NY

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Outreach Worker works with program staff, community residents, businesses, and community-based organizations to implement strategies to reduce and prevent shootings and killings in selected hot spot areas within the Bronx 46th Precinct, including Fordham, University Heights, Morris Heights, and Mount Hope. The role assists the Program Director/Outreach Worker Supervisor with coordinating mobilization and public education activities, supervising other program staff, and conducting community outreach. It also builds partnerships between community and public safety-oriented organizations to help connect neighborhoods with existing City Hall initiatives. The position maintains an active caseload of 10–15 participants, conducts admission screenings and regular participant contacts, develops and monitors risk reduction plans, and links participants to community services and opportunities. The Outreach Worker builds trusting relationships with high-risk individuals, identifies and mediates emerging conflicts, supports victims and families after shootings, and mobilizes communities around violence reduction. The role requires timely documentation, database entry, communication with supervisors, participation in meetings and training, and 24-hour on-call availability as directed. The position is based at 1995 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY; it is 35 hours per week and non-exempt. Salary is $44,600–$49,600 per year.

Requirements

In-depth knowledge of Bronx 46th Precinct neighborhoods; residence in the area is strongly preferred.
Experience and direct knowledge of at-risk youth and gang involvement.
Ability to communicate effectively with gang members and other high-risk individuals and gain their trust.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Computer literacy and ability to enter notes and activities into databases using handheld devices and office computers.
Ability to work a highly flexible schedule that includes late evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to pass drug screening.
Must not be under current criminal justice supervision; criminal justice history is preferred.
Commitment to positive community change and to a strength-based, trauma-informed youth and family development perspective.
Ability to use public transportation.
Ability to travel extensively, stand and walk for long periods, lift 25 pounds, bend and lift, and otherwise be physically active.
Commitment to Good Shepherd Services’ mission, vision, and values, including involvement in quality improvement and ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.

Nice To Haves

Residence within the Bronx 46th Precinct area.
Criminal justice history.
Valid, clean New York State driver’s license.
Bilingual Spanish-English skills.

Responsibilities

Maintain an active caseload of 10–15 participants and perform admission criteria screenings for approval.
Conduct regular participant contact, including three visits in or near the home, three additional face-to-face meetings, and eight substantive phone conversations per month.
Develop Risk Reduction Plans and track progress for updates.
Connect participants with community opportunities and provider programs, case-manage referrals, and advocate for participants when necessary.
Build a network with other outreach program workers.
Document detailed participant case notes.
Build trusting relationships with high-risk community members and people who know them, and be present on the streets to support safety and intervene when necessary.
Gather information about potential conflicts, attend or convene gang mediation meetings, and work with perpetrators and gang leaders to resolve conflicts.
Meet daily with high-risk individuals to discuss problems that arise.
Engage youth and young adults in an age-appropriate manner and follow agency guidelines and ethics.
Help prevent retaliatory shootings by meeting with shooting victims and their families, providing mediation and assistance, referring them to relevant resources, and maintaining contact.
Mobilize the community around violence reduction through public education materials, relationships with community leaders, and participation in community responses to shootings.
Maintain a daily log of contacts with high-risk individuals and document resolved conflicts; enter information promptly into the prescribed database using handheld devices or office computers.
Stay in contact with the Outreach Worker Supervisor and/or Director for accountability, guidance, and direction.
Provide 24-hour on-call availability as directed by the Director or Outreach Worker Supervisor.
Attend staff and other assigned meetings on time.
Participate in required training, including conflict mediation, motivational interviewing, trauma-informed practice, and other effective work tools.
Learn and use trauma-informed practice, which may include tools from the Sanctuary Model.
Perform other duties as assigned.