Community Engagement Specialist

About the position

The Community Engagement Specialist at the National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) is responsible for raising awareness about crime and violence prevention and intervention. This role involves connecting with community partners, schools, law enforcement, and other agencies to build relationships aimed at reducing violence through various interventions. The specialist will also host monthly community events and provide support to at-risk individuals and families.

Responsibilities

• Perform all work in a manner consistent with the National Youth Advocate Program's mission, values, and philosophies.
• Build relationships with residents to engage with highest risk persons and their associates to reduce and prevent violence in the community.
• Inform community residents of violence prevention efforts and intentions to mitigate risk.
• Intervene in circumstances where violence is likely, including possible retaliation.
• Develop strategies for residents to report incidents safely and confidentially.
• Gain trust of community residents and high-risk persons to prevent shootings and violence.
• Serve as a link to individuals by referring clients to case management services and other opportunities.
• Obtain information on potential conflicts in the community.
• Formulate action plans to help resolve conflicts with gangs/mobs through mediation and collaboration with other providers.
• Conduct corner conversations daily/nightly with high-risk individuals to discuss community issues and offer alternatives.
• Work with community residents and partners to prevent potential retaliatory shootings.
• Develop relationships with key leaders in the community.
• Document conflicts resolved on conflict mediation forms.
• Keep a daily log documenting all contacts with high-risk individuals.
• Distribute public education materials on violence prevention programming and services.
• Provide 24/7 crisis intervention and respond to incidents of violence as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum Bachelor's degree.
• Two years of experience working with at-risk youth providing outreach services, community programs, and/or criminal justice programming.
• Knowledge of violence prevention and intervention.
• Experience working with adjudicated youth and young adults.
• Experience in the criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of at-risk crime areas and high-risk individuals.
• Understanding of criminal and juvenile justice systems.
• Familiarity with the needs and challenges of diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.
• Knowledge of community resources and organizations.
• Crisis intervention methods and techniques.
• Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, and relevant software.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in public speaking and making presentations.
• Ability to conduct needs assessments and provide community referrals.
• Skills in maintaining confidentiality with sensitive information.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k)
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• 22 days off each year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Tuition assistance
• Friday Summer hours
• Work anniversary trips
• Mileage reimbursement
• Peace Leave