Outreach and Community Safety Worker Manager

Organization Description:

Founded in 2016, Focused Interruption was established by a dedicated group of community members, many of whom have personally experienced the devastating effects of gun violence and the criminal justice system. Driven by a shared commitment to action, these volunteers came together to address the rising gun violence in Dane County.

Over the past five years, Focused Interruption has provided critical counseling and support to more than 300 victims and perpetrators of gun violence, working tirelessly alongside area hospitals—day and night—to offer immediate intervention. In partnership with the City of Madison, the organization has played a key role in community-led efforts to prevent and reduce gun violence.

Our Mission:

We take a holistic, evidence-based approach to breaking cycles of generational trauma. Through targeted intervention and prevention services, we empower individuals, families, and neighborhoods most affected by gun violence, fostering safer and healthier communities.

Position Summary:

The Outreach and Community Safety Worker Manager, reporting to the Director of Programs, is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing and expanding the presence of Community Safety Workers (CSWs) and Outreach Workers in neighborhoods at high risk of violence. This position plays a vital role in developing and implementing strategic safety initiatives, engaging directly with residents, and fostering strong partnerships with community organizations.

The Manager will lead efforts to deploy violence interrupters, proactively working to prevent retaliatory violence and provide critical support to individuals, families, and communities impacted by gun and community violence. Additionally, this role will collaborate closely with Focused Interruption (FI) staff, UW Health, and other institutional partners to advance the organization's mission—reducing violence, addressing social determinants of health (SDOH), and promoting racial and health equity.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Expansion of CSWs and Outreach Worker Presence

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to expand FI’s presence in neighborhoods at high risk of violence.
• Partner with CSWs, Outreach Workers, FI staff, and community members to identify and address safety priorities, strengthening protective factors within vulnerable communities.
  

2. Collaborative Community Engagement

• Engage directly with residents and community leaders to assess priorities for reducing violence and enhancing community safety.
• Work alongside individuals with lived experience to co-develop initiatives tailored to the unique needs of each neighborhood.
  

3. Deployment of Violence Interrupters and Outreach Teams

• Oversee the deployment of outreach teams to hospitals where gunshot victims are being treated, ensuring timely support for patients and their families.
• Respond to shooting incidents or violent events when alerted by law enforcement or community members, providing immediate intervention to de-escalate tensions and prevent retaliation.
• Offer crisis support and long-term assistance to individuals, families, and neighborhoods impacted by gun violence and community trauma.

4. Policy Advocacy, Data Collection, and Resource Development

• Identify critical policy and resource gaps that impact gun violence survivors and their families.
• Collaborate with UW Health, law enforcement, and other institutions with and under the guidance of the Director of Programs to advocate for policies addressing the SDOH, reducing violence, and advancing racial and health equity.
• Ensure CSWs and Outreach Workers accurately and promptly enter data into the appropriate platform to assist with program evaluation, policy development, and grantmaking efforts in partnership with, and under the guidance of, the Director of Programs.
  

5. Team Leadership and Strategic Collaboration

• Provide strong leadership, training, and ongoing support to CSWs and Outreach workers, ensuring they have the tools and resources needed to succeed in their roles.
• Foster collaboration with internal teams and external partners to align efforts, share best practices, and enhance the overall impact of outreach and violence intervention initiatives.

 Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social work, public health, or a related field, or equivalent years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated experience in community outreach, violence prevention, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on engaging at-risk communities.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate, support, and empower a diverse team of CSWs and Outreach Workers.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with residents, community leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Deep understanding of social determinants of health, trauma-informed care, and racial and health disparities.
• Strong commitment to equity, social justice, and community empowerment.
• Familiarity with local policies and available resources related to violence prevention and social services (preferred).
  

Position Details:

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Madison, Wisconsin. Please note that Focused Interruption does not provide work visa sponsorship or relocation assistance for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Focused Interruption provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Focused Interruption complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences to apply.

To Apply:

Please provide:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Three (3) references
• Salary expectations

 Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.