The Center for Court Innovation is a non-profit organization that works to create a more effective and humane justice system by performing original research and helping launch reforms by guiding justice innovators, nationally and internationally. The Center creates operating projects that have been documented to reduce the use of jail and prison, assist victims of crime, and strengthen communities.
The Bronx Community Justice Center, one of the Center's newest projects, works to create a safer, more equitable Bronx through community-driven safety initiatives, violence prevention, youth opportunity, and economic development efforts. Save Our Streets South Bronx is a replication of the Chicago Project for Violence Prevention’s evidence-based Cure Violence program, a cutting-edge gun violence prevention model that aims to reduce and prevent shootings through the use of public health strategies.
The Bronx Community Justice Center is seeking an Outreach Worker for the Save Our Streets South Bronx program. Reporting to the Outreach Worker Supervisor, the Outreach Worker will serve as a mentor and peer counselor to a caseload of 10-15 individuals most impacted by community violence, redirecting them toward positive attitude, behavior, and lifestyle changes.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Identify and form relationships with individuals who are 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 Outreach Worker Supervisor informed of all work-related activities;
- Additional relevant tasks, as needed.
Position Location: South Bronx
Position Type: Full-time, evenings and weekends. Schedule may be flexible, changing, and include late nights.
Qualifications: Candidates who are formerly incarcerated or have other experience in the criminal justice system are particularly invited to apply, but must have no pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse, or domestic violence. The ideal candidate will have 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. 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, pass a drug screening, 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.
Compensation: Salary range starts at $43,100 and is commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package including comprehensive health, dental and life insurance, four weeks paid vacation, paid sick time, WageWorks, Flexible Spending Account plans for health and dependent care, a 403(b) retirement plan and a 401(k) retirement plan with a generous employer match.
The Center for Court Innovation is an equal opportunity employer. The Center does not discriminate on the basis of 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. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities as well as individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system.
As of September 9, 2021, all new hires are required to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus, unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for medical, disability or religious reasons by the Center’s Human Resources Department.
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete an employment eligibility verification document form upon hire. Only applicants under consideration will be contacted. No phone calls please.