Position Title: Nonviolence Outreach Specialist
Department: Intervention Services
Location: 265 Oxford Street, Providence, RI
Education: High School Diploma or GED; Case Management or some college preferred
Timeframe to apply: Open until Filled
Salary: Based on Experience
Start Date: Immediate – Open to Filled
Background Information
The Nonviolence Institute seeks to teach by word and example the principles and practices of nonviolence and to foster a community that addresses potentially violent situations with nonviolent solutions. The Institute has helped to significantly reduce violent crimes in the City of Providence, particularly youth violence. The Institute operates Statewide, with a few programs that operate solely within specific areas. In 2009, the Institute was selected as Outstanding Philanthropic Organization by the RI Association of Fundraising Professionals and is a nationally recognized best practice organization in reducing violence, particular street-level violence.
Job Description
The Institute seeks a passionate, empathic, creative, and relentless Nonviolence Outreach Specialist to work as a team member. The Institute’s client base are individuals that are most likely to be shot, shoot, commit a violent crime, or has been a victim of violent crime.
A Nonviolence Outreach Specialist will be a member of the Intervention Team that includes Outreach Specialist and Victim Advocates, all reporting to the Director of Intervention Services. Nonviolence Outreach Specialists utilize their understanding and familiarity with street dynamics of youth crews and gangs in ways that help gather information, understand a conflict’s dynamics, control rumors, reduce retaliation, prevent conflict from erupting, communicate nonviolent messages to active crew members, and when possible connect them to positive skill based and mentoring outlets. They also work closely with Victim Advocates to support victims.
The Outreach Specialist Team is expected to work a minimum of 40 hours and be on an on-call schedule to respond to calls from the Rhode Island Hospital Emergency Department and adhere to strict protocols and policies. Long nights and weekends are not uncommon, as violence routinely occurs outside of “normal” business hours. Outreach Specialists need to have the skills to operate in many different settings and be able to build trusting relationships with individuals that are prone to violence.
All Institute staff members are trained in MLK’s Nonviolence Theory and the Institute’s logic model. It is the expectation that all Institute staff members are consistently studying and practicing living a nonviolent lifestyle. This position offers the right individual an opportunity to impact the future of a vibrant and critical community organization.
Responsibilities
Be a productive member of Institute’s staff
Maintain a nonviolent lifestyle by embracing the philosophy
Available to be On call 24/7 for violence related incidents – Scheduled in advanced
Conduct daily outreach to proven- risk individuals in various locations to specific groups or assigned clients
Broker services for clients through coordination and referrals within the Institute and other agencies
Provide support, overall problem-solving assistance and advocacy on behalf of Institute clients
Maintain a small client case load – based on Institute Safety Assessment
Keep updated client information in the Institute Database
Submit weekly paperwork/reports
Maintain intake, assessment, and referral system
Develop individual service plan to meet client needs
Maintain high quality communication with the Intervention team and the management team of the Institute
Qualifications
Required
High School Diploma or GED (Case Management or some college preferred)
Submit to a comprehensive background check, involving a community and law enforcement check
A valid driver’s license, have daily access to a registered and insured vehicle
Experience working with “Proven/High risk” individuals
Ability to work on a diverse team
Conflict Resolution skills required
Preferred
Willingness to work on the street and in other unstructured situations
Comfortability with computer programs such as WORD, EXCEL, and GMAIL
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
Qualified applicants are requested to send a cover letter and resume to careers@nonviolenceinstitute.org. Please note in the Subject line: Outreach Specialist Application.
The Nonviolence Institute is an equal opportunity employer.