Violence Interrupter

Youth Advocate Program Inc•Savannah, GA

71d

About The Position

The primary responsibility of the Violence Interrupter is to conduct street and/or hospital outreach with the goals of reducing and preventing violence in target neighborhoods that have high rates of gun violence and poverty. Services will be in close coordination with other program staff. Violence Interrupters-are credible community members and neighborhood leaders with shared lived experience and in-depth knowledge of the challenges and resources available in the target areas and key 'players' responsible for current or potential escalation of criminal activity and gun violence. These staff members will work relentlessly within the identified areas to leverage and strengthen relationships with community members in order to shift local dynamics that lead to violence. They will also engage those individuals identified at the highest risk of violence involvement and (re)entering the criminal justice system and provide them with intensive and individualized services that include strength-based mentoring, skill building, and wraparound support. The YAP street team will meet daily when they start their shift to share and learn of any activities that they should be aware of that requires follow-up or monitoring, including a plan to address potential retaliation offenses and to conduct mediation between individuals or groups as needed. During their shift, they will canvass their target areas, connecting with residents and monitoring ongoing issues. While there will be YAP staff available 24/7, it is anticipated that the majority of outreach and engagement activities will occur in the afternoon and evening, when conflict, violence and crime are most common. When a conflict is identified, staff intervene, using skills in crisis de-escalation and mediation to reduce tensions and interrupt violence.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in social services preferred or equivalent 3 year work experience with youth considered at-risk.
Have lived, worked, or have significant knowledge of the target communities and local resources and challenges.
Have overcome similar challenges as individuals served by the program, such as community violence, justice system involvement, poverty and/or gang involvement.
Must be self-motivated, dependable, committed, and able to serve as a positive role model for individuals who may exhibit challenging behaviors.
Flexible schedule and commitment to doing "whatever it takes" to engaging the target population in neighborhoods with high rates of gun violence and poverty.
Commitment to participating in required trainings and weekly supervision sessions.
Position requires reliable insured transportation, valid driver's license, and current auto insurance coverage
Use of computers is highly preferred.