Outreach Worker, Save Our Streets South Bronx

About the role

The Bronx Community Justice Center, a program of the Center for Justice Innovation, seeks an Outreach Worker for the Save Our Streets South Bronx program. This position reports to the Outreach Worker Supervisor and plays a crucial role in reducing and preventing shootings through public health strategies.

Responsibilities

• Identify and form relationships with individuals at high risk of involvement in shootings and killings to help them rethink violent impulses and redirect their lives positively;
• Build and maintain a caseload of participants, developing and implementing personalized risk reduction plans;
• Work with community partners and the rest of the S.O.S. team to identify and diffuse “hot spots” for shootings and violence;
• Intervene in local conflicts to prevent outbreaks of violence, and work to prevent retaliations when violence occurs;
• Provide clients with support and linkages to community programs and opportunities (e.g., job programs, GED, drug treatment, and mentoring);
• Conduct outreach to the community (individually and as a team member) to build strong relationships with youth, residents, businesses, and community groups;
• Participate in organizing responses to shootings;
• Increase visibility when shootings/killings take place in the target area and surrounding areas;
• Keep supervisor informed of all relevant community activities;
• Document all work including shootings and other acts of violence prevented, case notes, referrals, contacts with participants, and changes in participant’s status as directed by the Outreach Worker Supervisor and Program Manager;
• Refer participants to programs that are part of the New York City “Crisis Management System” including therapeutic services, legal services, and employment services, as needed;
• Plan, attend, and help facilitate community and participant events;
• Attend and participate in all mandatory staff meetings, trainings, workshops, and other team meetings as required, which may include non-traditional business hours;
• Attend weekly supervision and keep the Outreach Worker Supervisor informed of all work-related activities;
• Additional relevant tasks, as needed.

Qualifications

• Candidates who are formerly incarcerated or have other experience in the criminal justice system are particularly invited to apply;
• A high school diploma as well as a minimum of 2 years’ experience or the equivalent in a related area, knowledge of mental health illness and understanding of psychosocial triggers, strengths, and personal needs is required;
• The candidate should reside in or have an in-depth knowledge of Morrisania or Mott Haven;
• Experience working with at-risk youth and gang members, and knowledge of the street sets, crews, gangs, or groups is a must;
• Candidate must be able to walk 30 blocks or more on a regular basis, and work a flexible schedule that includes late evenings, weekends, and holidays;
• Must be willing to work in inclement weather;
• Excellent communication skills, commitment to working towards positive community change, and interest in learning new skills and information are a must for this position.

Position Location

South Bronx

Position Type

Full-time, evenings and weekends. Schedule may be flexible, changing, and include late nights.

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $55,000 - $58,400 and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• An excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA.
• We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans.
• We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.