Violence Interrupter (PT)-1

City of Gainesville•Gainesville, FL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Gainesville's initiative to reduce and eliminate gun violence is a top priority for the Chief of Police, City Commissioners, and the community. To combat violence, the City will use public health strategies. Focusing on high-violence target areas, the initiatives will work to prevent gun violence by mediating conflicts, changing the thinking of individuals most at risk, and working closely with a broad coalition of local partners to promote a community-wide message that shooting is unacceptable behavior. The Violence Interrupter operates in areas where violence and poverty are frequent, leveraging their individual reputation and street credibility to disrupt the cycle of violence. Interrupters are connected to the streets and neighborhoods with the unique ability to identify and intervene in individual, group, and gang-related conflicts before they escalate. The position is primarily assigned to targeted geographic areas throughout Gainesville and Alachua County identified as high risk for gun violence. Some work is performed in an office environment, but the majority will be in the community. This role reports to a designated supervisor and works under general supervision, distinguished by its non-administrative duties and emphasis on community engagement. Skilled violence interrupters committed to positive change are key to eliminating violence in Gainesville and surrounding areas.

Requirements

Individuals who were formerly incarcerated or have other experience in the criminal justice system are particularly invited to apply.
Experience and knowledge of at-risk-youth and gang involvement with a commitment to stopping violence and working towards positive community change.
Strong team skills and ability to work in a fast paced environment.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
Committed to working toward positive community change.
No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse or domestic violence.
An in-depth knowledge of Gainesville and the surrounding areas.
Ability to use Microsoft Office required.
Ability to pass drug screening.
High School Diploma or GED.
Valid Florida driver’s license is required upon hire.
American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid is required within 60 days of hire.
Handle With Care (within one month of being hired)
Mental Health First Aid Training within 60 days of hire
Knowledge of community in particular targeted area.
Street sets, crews, gangs and/or groups.
Problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
Strong communication skills both oral and writing.
Time management with a demonstrated ability to multitask.
Attention to details.
Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
Ability to work collaboratively with team members.
Converse with gang members, at risk populations, community activists, law enforcement personnel, public official, partners and other stakeholders in various settings.
Ability to facilitate workshops and make presentations to schools, non-secure and secure detention centers as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences or related field preferred.
Experience working with high-risk youth and gang members.
Experience or training in Crisis Intervention.

Responsibilities

Work to intervene in circumstances in which gun violence is likely, including possible retaliation.
Engage with high risk individuals to rethink the impulse to act violently and to invest in redirecting positive results.
Attend and participate in all program trainings.
Attend weekly check-in meetings and other team meetings as required.
Document and maintain accurate records within established accountability methods.
Submit reports in a timely manner.
Document shootings and other acts of violence that are prevented.
Work with community partners to identify and diffuse hot spots for shootings and violence, including attending community events.
Talk to residents about potential conflicts and assist in preventing them when possible.
Learn about the causes of shootings/killings in order to assist in mediating situations and preventing retaliation between individuals and groups.
Identify youth who are at-risk for being involved in violent activities and assist them.
Conduct outreach to the community (both individually and as a team member) to build strong relationships with youth, residents, businesses, and community groups.
Work closely with other city efforts to reduce gun violence, such as IMPACT GNV and the BOLD Program to refer community members and individuals engaged through violence interruption to appropriate services.
Complete all required trainings as assigned.