We are looking for Outreach Workers to join our team. Our ideal candidate is comfortable canvassing the neighborhood on a routine basis, has experience managing a case load of high- risk participants and has exceptional oral and written communication skills. You should be a ‘people person’ with interpersonal skills and the ability converse easily with our community.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Form relationships with the highest risk persons in the community, as well as the people who know them.
• Work to intervene in circumstances in which gun violence is likely, including possible retaliation.
• Conduct outreach to the community (individually and as a team member) to build strong relationships with youth, residents, businesses, and community groups.
• Report to the Outreach Supervisor and keep him/her informed of all relevant community activities.
• Identify youth who are involved in high-risk activities and intervene in their lives through case management to aid in solving current problems and preventing future ones.
• Provide clients with support and linkages to programs and opportunities in the community (e.g., job programs, GED, drug treatment, and mentoring).
• Identify individuals in the service area who are at high risk of involvement in shootings and other serious violence and engage these individuals in mentoring sessions and activities designed to understand and reject the impulse to act violently and to set more positive life goals.
• Build a caseload of a minimum of 10 program participants
• Engage participants on caseload by conducting an assessment of their risks and needs, and providing guidance and support to help them reach goals and milestones.
• Participate, as necessary, in organizing responses to shootings and increasing visibility when shootings/killings take place.
• Research causes of shootings/killings to assist in mediating situations and preventing retaliation between individuals and groups (e.g., working with the community, outreach programs and local law enforcement to gain information that may be helpful in preventing additional killings).
• Document all work including shootings and other acts of violence prevented, case notes, referrals, and changes in participant’s status as directed by Program Manager.
• Attend all mandatory program trainings.

Requirements:

• HS Diploma or equivalent (BS/BA preferred)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• An in-depth knowledge of the PLG/Brownsville areas; particularly within the target area
• Reside within the target area (highly preferred)
• Experience and knowledge of at-risk youth and gang involvement (preferred)
• No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault or child abuse
• Able to walk 30 blocks
• Committed to working toward positive community change
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes some late evenings and weekends

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