Violence Prevention Outreach Worker

NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM•Chicago, IL

5d•$42,000 - $42,000•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction, raise awareness and educate communities on issues of violence and build relationships with key organizations (churches, schools, businesses, local government officials, community leaders) to reduce/eliminate violence. Outreach workers will also host monthly community events with partners, residents, and youth.

Requirements

Minimum of GED or High school diploma and a valid driver's license.
Two years of experience providing outreach services, community programs, criminal justice programming in the community.
Knowledge of: Violence prevention and intervention.
Knowledge of: Community violence.
Knowledge of: Chicago community residents (high-risk individuals and individuals with active street involvement).
Knowledge of: Criminal and juvenile justice systems.
Knowledge of: Needs and challenges experienced by people from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
Knowledge of: Community resources and community organizations.
Knowledge of: Various resources available to Chicago residents.
Knowledge of: Crisis intervention methods and techniques.
Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets, printers, fax machines and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Interpret and explain policies, procedures, and relevant laws.
Conduct needs assessments and provide appropriate community referrals.
Communicate effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations.
Prepare accurate reports and case summaries.
Maintain records and documents.
Interviewing processes and making public presentations.
Maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
Work emergency call-outs, nights, weekends and holidays.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Valid driver’s license
Reliable personal transportation
Good driving record
Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,00/$300,000 bodily injury liability

Responsibilities

Perform all work in a manner consistent with the National Youth Advocate Program’s mission, values, and philosophies.
Build relationships with residents to engage with highest risk persons and their associates to reduce and prevent violence in the community.
Through relationships inform community residents of violence prevention efforts and intentions to mitigate risk.
Responsible for intervention in circumstances in which violence is likely, including possible retaliation.
Develop strategies for residents to report incidents safely and confidentially and continue to improve reporting.
Responsible for gaining trust of the community residents and the high risk persons to prevent shootings and violence.
Serve as linkages and support to individuals by referring clients to case management services and other opportunities (job programs, GED, drug treatment, and mentoring).
Obtain information on potential conflicts in the Chicago community.
Formulate action plans to help resolve conflicts with gangs/mobs through mediation and collaboration with other RVSP providers/violence prevention organizations.
Conduct corner conversation daily/nightly to meet with high-risk individuals to discuss community issues and offer alternatives.
Work with community residents, high-risk individuals and other partners to prevent all potential retaliatory shootings.
Developing relationships with key leaders in the community.
Documenting conflicts resolved on conflict mediation forms.
Keeping daily log documenting all contacts with high-risk individuals daily.
Distributing public education materials in the community on RVPS programming and services.
Providing 24/7 crisis intervention and responding to incidents of violence as needed to provide stabilization and support.
Performs other duties as requested.