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 to join the Save Our Streets South Bronx program. This position serves as a mentor and peer counselor to a caseload of 10-15 individuals most impacted by community violence.

Responsibilities

• Identify and form relationships with individuals at high risk of involvement in shootings and killings to help them rethink the impulse to act violently and redirect their lives in more positive directions;
• Build and maintain a caseload of participants, and develop and implement a personalized risk reduction plan with each participant;
• 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 try to prevent an outbreak of violence, and work to prevent retaliations when violence does occur;
• Provide clients with support and linkages to programs and opportunities in the community (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 target area;
• 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 a 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;
• and 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, and 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

• Comprehensive healthcare with a national network
• Free basic dental coverage
• Vision insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA
• 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.