SWITCH Youth Outreach Specialist - Memphis Allies

Youth Villages•Memphis, TN

About The Position

For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families. As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change. We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully. For more information, please visit www.youthvillages.org Program Overview: Memphis Allies, launched by Youth Villages, is a bold, collaborative initiative designed to reduce gun violence and build safer, stronger neighborhoods across Memphis. The program brings together community groups, organizations, and local resources to expand opportunities for adults, youth, and their families while addressing the root causes of violence. At the heart of this effort is the Support with Intent To Create Hope (SWITCH) model—an innovative approach that combines street outreach and life coaching with intensive clinical services and case management. Through SWITCH and SWITCH Youth, Memphis Allies staff identify, connect with, and support adults (ages 19 to 30) and youth (ages 12 to 19) at the highest risk of involvement in gun violence, who may have been recently arrested, on probation, or are re-entering the community after incarceration. By meeting individuals where they are and surrounding them with consistent support, Memphis Allies is working to build stability and safety, change lives, reduce gun violence, and strengthen communities.

Requirements

High School diploma or equivalent (required)
Must have lived in Memphis, TN for a minimum of two years (required)
Credibility and cultural competency (required)
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license, an automobile for work purposes, and proof of auto insurance

Nice To Haves

Experience working with youth and families in need of crisis intervention (preferred)

Responsibilities

Identifies very high risk, prospective participants though the Gun Violence Reduction Strategy
Locates prospective participants through personal networks, outreach, social media, or other means and works to engage them and directly connect them to a Life Coach
Builds trust with prospective participants by learning their individual stories and establishing trust necessary for dialogue
Responds to shooting scenes after an injury shooting to provide support to victims and their families, ease tension at the scene, offer support to victim’s friends and network, and gather information about the cause of the shooting
Goes to hospitals to engage with recent gunshot victims to offer support and services, discourage retaliation, and build relationships with victims, families, and the victims' network
Attends community events and canvas neighborhoods with high rates of violence to show a presence and offer support
Attends funerals of people who were members of active gangs, crews, and groups to provide support to their family as well as build relationships with the family and victim’s network
Visits and occasionally conducts groups and workshops in local juvenile and adult correctional facilities for the purpose of building rapport with individuals who will be released and may be high-risk individuals
Establishes a positive and trusting relationship with each participant, spending time in-person and building a rapport
Provides transformative mentorship (including motivational interviewing, strengths identification, and basic familiarity with cognitive-behavioral interventions)
Defuses immediate tensions and helps build long-term peace agreements between all parties, with the aim of creating a safer community for everyone
Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings (including staff meetings, team meetings, case conferences, and quarterly booster training sessions)
Provides on-call crisis support to youth and adults (schedules vary by location but require 24/7 availability)
Completes accurate and timely documentation in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
Performs other duties as assigned