Violence Prevention Specialist

City of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Violence Prevention Specialist is responsible for reducing violence and improving public safety through proactive community engagement, intervention strategies, outreach initiatives, and collaborative partnerships within Pittsburgh neighborhoods. This position serves as a trusted liaison between community members, local organizations, schools, faith-based groups, healthcare providers, and public safety agencies to identify individuals and groups at elevated risk for violence to help mediate and intervene in problematic behavior and connect them with supportive resources and services where possible. The Specialist works directly within the community to build trust, de-escalate conflicts, promote positive relationships, and support violence prevention initiatives designed to improve neighborhood safety and community well-being. The Violence Prevention Specialist plays a critical role in fostering safer communities by addressing the root causes of violence, strengthening community trust, supporting vulnerable populations, and promoting long-term neighborhood stability through outreach, intervention, and collaboration.

Requirements

Three (3) years of full-time experience in community outreach, violence prevention, crisis intervention, case management, youth engagement, or a related human service.
Associate's Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Criminal Justice or a related field.
Must become residents of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment and remain a resident throughout employment.
Must submit official transcripts verifying post-secondary education prior to hire.

Responsibilities

Conducts consistent street-level and community-based outreach in various Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
Develops and maintains positive relationships with residents, community leaders, youth, local businesses, schools, and service providers.
Identifies individuals at risk of involvement in violence and provides intervention, mentorship, advocacy, and referrals to supportive services.
Mediates and de-escalates interpersonal conflicts and potentially violent situations using trauma-informed and evidence-based practices.
Organizes and participates in community meetings, neighborhood events, workshops, and violence prevention initiatives.
Collaborates with public safety agencies, healthcare systems, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and social service providers to coordinate prevention strategies.
Assists individuals and families in accessing resources such as housing assistance, employment services, behavioral health treatment, educational programs, and crisis intervention services.
Maintains accurate records, outreach logs, case notes, referrals, and program documentation in accordance with organizational policies and confidentiality standards.
Monitors community trends and emerging issues related to violence, gang activity, retaliation, trauma exposure, and public safety concerns.
Participates in training related to conflict mediation, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and violence prevention best practices.
Supports emergency response efforts and community stabilization activities following violent incidents.
Promotes community trust, relationship-building, and long-term violence reduction efforts through consistent engagement and visibility.
Performs other related tasks and duties as assigned or required.