Violence Prevention Outreach Worker

The purpose of this position is to assist in the coordination of activities and programs for the prevention of youth and gang violence. This is accomplished by reaching out to identified gang members and linking them to services and institutions, and providing access to resources in an effort to reduce attachment of youth to gangs and gang activities. Transporting youth to and from various appointments and functions Plans and attends social and recreational activities. Serves as advocate for the youth in securing social services, education, and job related opportunities. Performs needs assessment for youth and family members and provides information about services. Makes appropriate referrals and maintains detailed documentation of all contact with youth. This position reports to the Youth and Gang Violence Prevention Coordinator.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Identifies appropriate youth to participate in the project; Recruit and retain youth by providing access to job skills training; information resources, role modeling and encouragement; Serves as advocate for the targeted youth in securing services, education and job related opportunities; Assess needs of family members affected by the youth’s gang involvement and makes referrals to appropriate services.
• Networks with various organizations, schools, courts, probation offices, community residents, and grass roots organization to gather resources and information to offer the youth and their affected family members; Plans and attends social and recreational activities for the targeted youth.
• Creates and maintains records for each youth involved in project; Document all contact with youth and their families and compiles status reports.

When Assigned to Reentry/Workforce:

• Provide reentry services for youth identified by Department of Juvenile Justice. Provide on-site/in-person job coaching support for Project Rebuild and Project Imagine
• Have a high degree of comfort working hands on in the community with a diverse group of community members
• Be able to train and support youth on developing excellent resumes and cover letters as well as providing assistance with filling out job applications
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies to meet the holistic needs of youth

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Education and Experience

• Associate’s degree with knowledge of a specific vocational, administrative, or technical nature from a college, vocational or technical school.
• One year up to and including three years’ experience in social services, grassroots organizations, community advocacy, or youth intervention.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above

Certifications/Licenses

Job Knowledge

Intermediate knowledge to perform most work in normal situations. Comprehension of standard situations and includes knowledge of most of the significant aspects of the subject.

Reading

Intermediate-Ability to read papers, periodicals, journals, manuals, dictionaries, and thesauruses.

Writing

Basic-Ability to write simple sentences containing subject, verb, and object, and/or series of numbers, names, and addresses.

Math

Intermediate-Ability to deal with a system of real numbers; and practical application of fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurement.

Communication Skills

Decisions regarding interpretation of existing policies may be made. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

Independence and Decision-Making

Normally performs the duty assignment after receiving general instructions as to methods, procedures, and desired end results. There is some opportunity for discretion when making selections among a few, easily identifiable choices. The assignment is usually reviewed frequently.

Technical Skills

Work requires the use of standard technical skills appropriate to the work environment of the organization.

Fiscal Responsibilities

This position has no budgetary/fiscal responsibility.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is light in nature, exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly or requires walking or standing to a significant degree. Requires adequate vision, hearing and talking to use a computer, telephone and communicating effectively with others.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Typically requires use of standard office equipment, including computer and related hardware and software, and any other equipment as appropriate or required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is typically performed in the community.

The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task; and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.