Violence Interrupter S.O.S. Crown Heights
About the Program
One of these demonstration sites is the Crown Heights Community Mediation Center. Operating out of a storefront since the summer of 1998, the Mediation Center provides anti-violence programs, youth programs and resource links to community residents. Its mission is to encourage communication and understanding, prevent future conflicts, and help foster stronger, healthier neighborhoods.
The Mediation Center is seeking a part time Violence Interrupter for the Save Our Streets (S.O.S.) Crown Heights program who will report to the Violence Interrupter Supervisor. S.O.S. Crown Heights is a replication of the Cure Violence program, a gun violence prevention model that aims to reduce and prevent shootings through the use of public health strategies. The Violence Interrupter will work individually and as a team to prevent neighborhood shootings and killings. They provide conflict mediation services and serve as conduits to the program’s Outreach Workers.
About the Position
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Work to intervene in circumstances in which gun violence is likely, including possible retaliation.
- Identify youth who are at-risk for being involved in violent activities and assist them.
- Learn about the causes of shootings/killings in order to assist in mediating situations and preventing retaliation between individuals and groups (e.g., working with the community, outreach programs to gain information that may be helpful in preventing additional killings).
- Form relationships with the people who are at the highest risk to experience violence in the community, as well as the people who know them
- Conduct outreach to the community (individually and as a team member) to build strong relationships with youth, residents, businesses, and community groups
- Talk to residents in the area of Bedford -Stuyvesant that includes Louis Armstrong House and Marcy Green Houses about potential conflicts and assist in preventing them
- Participate in organizing responses to shootings and increasing visibility when shootings/killings take place
- Work with community partners to identify and diffuse “hot spots” for shootings and violence
- Report to the S.O.S. Violence Interrupter Supervisor and keep him/her informed of all relevant community activities
- Document all contacts with high-risk individuals
- Document shootings and other acts of violence that are prevented
- Respond to shootings in other communities, when necessary
- Distribute public education materials to targeted audience
- Distribute information about community events and important resources
- Attend all program trainings
- Attend and help facilitate community events and shooting responses
- Attend weekly staff meetings and other team meetings as required
- Attend and participate in all mediation center and center for Court innovation trainings, meetings and conferences as assigned by supervisors.
Requirements
- An in-depth knowledge of Crown Heights in particular the target area
- Experience working with at-risk youth and gang members
- Reside within and are familiar with the Bedford -Stuyvesant area preferred
- Knowledge of the street sets, crews, gangs and or groups
- Able to walk 30 blocks or more on a regular basis
- Able to pass a drug screening
- Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes late evenings, weekends and holidays
- Committed to working toward positive community change
- No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse or domestic violence
- Excellent communication skills
Position Type: Part-time, Evenings, and Weekends
How to Apply
To apply for this position, send a resume to Email , with Violence Interrupter S.O.S. Crown Heights as the subject line of the email.
If you are unable to access email, you may submit materials by mail or fax to:
Note: The Fund for the City of New York/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.
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.
Learn more about us at courtinnovation.org.
The Fund for the City of New York/Center for Court Innovation is an equal opportunity employer.