Violence Interrupter - Ingersoll Cornerstone (62961)

University Settlement partners with 40,000+ New Yorkers in Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn every year to build on our collective strengths as we achieve healthy, stable, and remarkable lives. For nearly 140 years, we’ve fought poverty and systemic inequality by building highly effective social services in collaboration with our neighbors. Established in 1886 as the first Settlement House in the United States, we bring the values of that movement into the 21st century by meeting New Yorkers where they live, listening deeply to all perspectives, and creating space for responsive cooperation.   

Joining with our neighbors to make stable foundations where people of all ages can grow and pursue their dreams, we build community strength. We infuse a commitment to civic engagement, equality, and communal action into each of our programs, which include early childhood education, youth development, healthy aging, mental health and wellness, English classes for adult immigrants, community centers, and the arts.    

Launched in 2014, the Crisis Management System (CMS) is a partnership of more than 70 organizations that promote peace, community stewardship of public safety, and healing in the neighborhoods most affected by gun violence in NYC. Utilizing the globally recognized Cure Violence model, which is an evidence-based public health approach to responding to gun violence through credible messengers who identify and engage individuals most likely to be involved in gun violence and to defuse conflicts before they escalate. The CMS program will service the 88th precinct area of Brooklyn including the Ingersoll, Whitman and Farragut housing developments to be the frontline in preventing and interrupting conflicts that may lead to gun violence and retaliation in real time.    

Reporting to the Violence Interrupted Supervisor,  Violence Interrupter will be responsible for providing intervention to the community  for the CMS program.  

Responsibilities: 

• Identify and assess "hot spots" for shootings and violence, understanding the underlying causes to resolve conflicts and prevent retaliation between individuals and groups. 

• Conduct daily community canvassing as part of a team, establishing program presence, gaining insights into current and past conflicts, and making informal contact with individuals at risk of involvement in shootings and serious violence. Minimum 15 hours per week of team canvassing required. 

• Build relationships with high-risk youth in the community and those who know them. 

• Participate in organizing responses to shootings and increase program visibility during such incidents. 

• Report all relevant community activities to the appropriate supervisor, following the program's supervisory structure. 

• Work flexible hours, including late evenings, weekends, and holidays 

• Attend meetings and training sessions coordinated and required by OPGV. 

• Ensure accurate documentation of daily activities and enter data into the required reporting tool/mechanism promptly. 

• Interact with Credible Clinician as needed. 

• Other relevant duties within the scope of the position assigned by Supervisor.  

Qualifications: 

• High school diploma or HSE required (Bachelor's degree preferred).  

• Previous experience in community outreach or violence intervention programs is advantageous. 

• Demonstrated successful experience of at least 2 years working with vulnerable, high-risk and/or opportunity youth and young adults ages 16 to 24 required 

• Personal or professional Experience working with gang-involvement or gun related violence preferred 

• Must have an understanding of, sensitivity and commitment to working with youth and families  that have experienced gun-related trauma 

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to establish rapport with at-risk individuals and community members. 

• Strong understanding of local community dynamics, conflicts, and challenges. 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

• Ability to adhere to program supervisory structure and keep relevant supervisors informed of activities. 

• Proficient in data entry and documentation for accurate reporting. 

• Willingness to participate in meetings and training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge. 

• Ability to work effectively in a team  

• As required by the contract candidate must: 1) clear through hiring panel comprised of program and community partners; 2) complete a criminal background check; and 3) submit to drug testing and agree to periodic drug testing as part of a program of random testing or for cause 

Work Schedule: Full time, Tuesday - Saturday, 11:00am - 7:00pm, 35 hours per week 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive community. We support a broadly diverse team who will contribute to our organization. We are an equal employment opportunity for all regardless of race, color, citizenship, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran or reservist status, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.