Illinois Peace Project

The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago’s mission is to end the cycle of violence using Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principles and teachings of nonviolence. Informed by a philosophy of nonviolence, Nonviolence Chicago will establish caring and sustained relationships with participants engaged in the cycle of violence. We will emphasize partnerships with community members, leaders, social service providers, and local law enforcement to reduce community levels of violence. We will help create a safer, healthier environment for young adults, youth, and their families. These general approaches will be specifically addressed using for major methods: Community Violence Intervention (CVI) / Street Outreach, Individualized Service Provision, Victim Support Services, and Nonviolence Training.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Manager of Community Violence Intervention (CVI) for Back of the Yards & Brighton Park will oversee street outreach and victim services in both Back of the Yards & Brighton Park communities. The Manager manages the day-to-day operations of both departments, ensuring that both departments are collaborating, meeting data collection requirements and taking a strategic approach to reducing violence. The Manager works daily with the supervisor and staff from Back of the Yards and Brighton Park and is in lockstep with our partners at Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (with whom we co-locate). Ultimately, this position works closely with leadership and is tasked with the implementation of Nonviolence Chicago’s violence reduction strategy in the Back of the Yards & Brighton Park neighborhoods as well as ensuring parity of programs and services with other neighborhoods served by Nonviolence Chicago.

This position is ideal for a candidate who has a basic knowledge of the drivers of violence in both Back of the Yards & Brighton Park communities, a proven track‑record supervising staff, and a deep commitment to the mission of Nonviolence Chicago and the field of community violence intervention. This position requires flexibility, the ability to thrive in an evolving environment and the commitment to build trusting relationships with a diverse staff.

Reports to: Associate Director of Outreach Manager and Intervention

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Partnerships

• Participate in regular meetings with leadership, collaborate on the implementation of CVI initiatives and communicate daily with supervisor to ensure consistency across neighborhoods served by Nonviolence Chicago
• Engage in constant cross-departmental communication to support collaboration across teams, information sharing and transparency
• Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders in Back of the Yards & Brighton Park, particularly Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation (PBMR) & New Life Centers.
• Understand the Scaling Community Violence Intervention for a Safer Chicago (SC2) initiative, and play a significant role in implementation if/when Back of the Yards comes online
• Represent the organization at external stakeholder meetings including those with law enforcement partners and elected officials, city partners.
• Work to establish high standards of professionalism amongst staff, promoting a culture of accountability, high ethical standards, and personal integrity

Management & Administration

• Oversee outreach and victim services staff, maintain accountability, complete annual performance evaluations, and issue corrective action, as needed
• Oversee scheduling of trainings, regular team meetings, and professional development activities
• Oversee the staff monthly schedule, making sure it is fair and equitable
• Attend monthly budget meetings, maintain active communication with the finance department and engage with staff regularly to review/approve expense requests
• Manage the participant journey for those receiving services in Back of the Yards and Brighton Park, ensuring that participants are receiving wraparound services and moving along the journey of care
• Support the cultivation of Nonviolence Chicago leaders who have a knowledge of the unique group dynamics in Back of the Yards and Brighton Park and can represent Nonviolence Chicago in a professional setting with external partners
• Participate in the hiring process for new outreach and victim services staff in Back of the Yards & Brighton Park
• Assist with pressing matters as they arise and perform other duties as required

Outreach & Victim Services Operations

• Lead a safety-focused culture. Oversee the management of safety protocols related to participant and staff engagement, demonstrate expertise in crisis prevention and de-escalation, and train others in best practices to create a safe environment for participants and staff
• Respond to critical incidents, mass shootings and emergency situations 24/7 according to established protocols and in line with Kingian nonviolence principles
• Develop and maintain a network of relationships to stay knowledgeable of community conditions and active conflicts as well as lead conflict mediation, as needed
• Oversee outreach supervisor and make sure that basic operational tasks are being completed (such as case notes and daily logs) and minimum requirements are met (such as minimum participant caseload)
• Actively participate in the implementation of the outreach and victim services strategy in Back of the Yards & Brighton Park (canvassing, engaging with participants, serving victims and their families, etc…)
• Collaborate with colleagues in workforce development to make sure that all participants can attend programming safely and work to make sure all groups receive an opportunity to enroll in services
• Learn data systems CiviCore and Apricot. Collaborate with colleagues in data department to make sure outcomes are being tracked and grant deliverables are being communicated in regular reporting
• In partnership with outreach supervisor, support the day‑to‑day operations of the Flatlining Violence Inspires Peace (FLIP) Program in Back of the Yards & Brighton Park
• Attend reoccurring meetings/events at partner locations, such as regular case management meetings, monthly data collection meetings, and Light in the Night (LIN) events

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in human services field (ie. sociology, social work, etc.) OR currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.
• At least two (2) years of experience supervising staff, preferably individuals with a history of justice system involvement
• At least five (5) years of experience in Community Violence Intervention (CVI) or related field
• Basic knowledge of the drivers of violence in the Back of the Yards & Brighton Park communities
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and to bettering yourself
• Ability to take initiative, work as a self‑starter and lead by example
• Possess an inclusive leadership style based in empathy, patience, equity, consistent support, accountability, and the ability to relate well to a variety of individuals and groups
• Ability and commitment to maintain high level of confidentiality
• Demonstrated experience serving as a problem‑solver in a complex environment
• Excellent verbal communication skills, and ability to communicate effectively in writing
• Willingness to learn and commit to the principles of nonviolence, restorative justice and trauma‑informed practices
• No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse or domestic violence
• Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, and good driving record
• Access to a vehicle to be able to moved between neighborhoods served by Nonviolence Chicago

SALARY/BENEFITS

• Competitive/commensurate with experience and other qualifications. Competitive benefits package available, including Health, Life, and 401K. Employment with Nonviolence Chicago requires proof of vaccination or an approved medical exemption.
• Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications.
• The average salary for the position is $60,000 and commiserate with experience.

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.