Job description
Position Summary
The Street outreach Specialist is a critical frontline role dedicated to violence prevention, conflict mediation, and community healing within the Greater Grand Crossing area. This position focuses on interrupting cycles of violence by engaging high-risk individuals and providing immediate crisis intervention. As a core member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), the Outreach Worker must be mobile and ready to provide rapid-response support at hospitals and crime
Key Responsibilities
1. Outreach & Emergency Response (40%)
- Rapid Crisis Response: Serve on the Emergency Response Team, responding to immediate incidents of violence at hospitals and crime scenes.
- Street-Based Presence: Conduct proactive outreach in parks, transit stops, and local businesses, primarily during afternoon and late-evening hours.
- Engagement: Identify high-risk individuals and build rapport to recruit them for services and mentorship.
2. Mediation & Restorative Practices (30%)
- Conflict Resolution: Mediate disputes between individuals or groups using restorative justice principles to prevent retaliation.
- Peace Circles: Create safe spaces for participants to address harm and work toward peaceful resolutions.
- Follow-up: Provide sustained intervention and long-term support for resolved conflicts.
3. Documentation & Administration (15%)
- Salesforce: Maintain accurate daily incident reports, participant case notes, and outcome data within the Salesforce platform.
- Outlook: Manage all professional communication, team meetings, and scheduling via Microsoft Outlook.
- Intake Assistance: Support Case Managers with participant intakes, ensuring all documentation is trauma-informed and accurate.
4. Community Presence & Training (15%)
- Representation: Attend community events, peace circles, and safety convenings to increase program visibility.
- Ongoing Development: Maintain annual certifications in CPR, Narcan administration, and "Stop the Bleed."
Mandatory Requirements
- Licensing: Possession of a valid driver’s license in good standing is mandatory.
- Transportation: Possession of a reliable, working vehicle is mandatory for this position to ensure immediate response to emergency calls, hospital deployments, and community outreach.
- Vetting: Willingness to undergo a comprehensive background check.
Required Skills & Experience
- Technical Proficiency: Comfort using digital tools including Salesforce, Microsoft Outlook, and mobile case management systems.
- Community Connection: Strong ties to the Greater Grand Crossing area or surrounding neighborhoods.
- Lived Experience: Understanding of challenges faced by the community, such as trauma, justice system involvement, or street affiliation.
- Flexibility: Ability to work a non-traditional schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on-call rotations.
Working Conditions
- Environment: Field-based, often in high-risk areas, requiring physical and emotional resilience.
- Support: Access to regular team supervision and self-care opportunities to manage the impact of vicarious trauma.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What skills or qualities help someone succeed as a Outreach Worker?
A: To succeed as an Outreach Worker, key technical skills include proficiency in case management software, data entry, and basic computer literacy. Essential soft skills include strong communication and interpersonal skills, empathy, and the ability to build trust with diverse populations, as well as adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment. These strengths enable Outreach Workers to effectively engage with clients, manage complex cases, and provide high-quality support, ultimately contributing to successful outcomes and career advancement opportunities.
Q: What is the career path for a Outreach Worker?
A: A typical career progression for an Outreach Worker involves starting as an Entry-Level Outreach Worker, where they engage with communities, provide support services, and build relationships. As they gain experience, they can move into Mid-Level roles such as Outreach Team Lead or Program Coordinator, overseeing teams, developing programs, and managing budgets. Senior roles like Program Manager or Community Development Director often follow, where they lead strategic planning, resource allocation, and community partnerships, providing opportunities for advanced skill development in leadership, project management, and community engagement.
