What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Violence Intervention Outreach Worker position at Johnson County Iowa?
Definition & Duties
Under direction of the Public Health Director in collaboration with the Community Violence Prevention Coordinator (CVPC), assist with Johnson County’s community violence prevention efforts; work with CVPC to strategically eliminate violence in Johnson County by using data-driven programs and strategies. Conduct outreach to the community (individually and as a team member) to build strong relationships with youth, residents, businesses, and community groups. Establish and maintain collaborations with key community partners; work collaboratively and engage individuals who are at the highest risk of participating in or being a victim of violent crime and connecting them to comprehensive support services.
Knowledge of & Ability to
- Evidence-based approaches to reducing community gun violence
- Local, state and federal codes and policies related to program
- Policies governed by the Johnson County Attorney’s Office
- Policies governed by the Johnson County Public Health Department
- Firsthand knowledge of the community and knowledge of current group conflicts
- Community resources and organizations
- Cultural competency, health equity, and systems thinking, particularly related to community health and criminal justice systems
- Group violence intervention strategies
- Interpersonal and communication skills to strengthen and expand community partnerships and work effectively with diverse stakeholders
- Interpersonal and communication skills to strengthen and expand community partnerships
- Firearms and ammunition
- English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary and proofreading skills
Ability to:
- Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible and trustworthy manner
- Outreach to the community (individually and as a team member) to build relationships with individuals, residents, businesses, and community groups
- Coordinate intake and individualized needs assessment for all clients and work to develop an Individualized Safety Plan (ISP) that addresses barriers and/or performing a warm handoff to an internal or external case manager; Provide information and referrals, as well as advocacy assistance to resources and services.
- Provide case management and mentoring individuals according to program policies.
- Ability to work one-on-one and in groups with high-risk individuals to resolve conflicts and promote prosocial behaviors, provide crisis intervention
- Learn and develop the competencies of the Group Violence Intervention model to apply the principles to working with young people, families, law enforcement, system services, and other community partners
- Focus on trauma informed, strength and solution-based practices while empowering the clientele we work with
- Be detail-oriented; Performs required documentation duties and maintain client files with detail and organization including data collection and reports on client progress based on program descriptions.
- Facilitate life skills building lessons and prosocial programming
- Knowledge of youth issues, specifically youth violence and juvenile justice
- Ability to effectively communicate, connect with, and motivate youth and/or young adults away from impulsive behavior that will lead to violence
- Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate
- Interact effectively with persons from widely divergent backgrounds; practicing good judgment; integrity; tolerance of differing points of view and beliefs
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, CVPC, co-workers, community organizations, government entities, law enforcement agencies, volunteer groups, and members of the public
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, in formal and non-formal situations
- Ability to stay calm in response to emergencies, and have experience working in high stress situations
- Ability to be coachable and willing to learn new skills
- Use a computer for the purposes of data entry word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, e-mail and Internet
- Follow oral and written instructions
- Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
- Work independently on projects and routine tasks
- Lift, move, push and pull up to 25 pounds
- Sit, stand, bend, squat, stoop, kneel, twist and reach
- Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work at various facilities
- Work flexible schedule (days, evenings, and weekends included)
Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements
High school diploma/GED required AND experience working with at risk, group involved or impacted youth and/or adults is required. Experience with or training in crisis intervention, principles in nonviolence, restorative justice practices, or trauma-informed practice. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Special requirements:
Candidates should have a minimum of twenty-four (24) months from their release from incarceration. No pending cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse, or domestic abuse within the last ten (10) years. Valid driver’s license and insurable under County liability coverage. May also require use of personal vehicle for official business. Must pass background check within the special requirements parameters.
Specific Duties
to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
- Attending meetings of coalitions to align systems, strategies, and processes to address violence prevention and social determinants of health.
- Assist in strategic plans toward reducing violence, particularly firearms violence, in Johnson County, using evidence-based programs and strategies.
- Assist CVPC with building and maintaining community partner infrastructure and identifying ways organizations and the community can work together to influence violence prevention.
- Serve as a resource on using public health and community-driven approaches to reducing firearms violence and developing safe and healthy communities.
- Assist CVPC with program planning and evaluation.
- Gain information on potential conflicts.
- Work to prevent acts of violence and help to prevent all potential retaliatory shootings.
- Assist in formulating action plans to help resolve conflict.
- Engage and build rapport with individuals and families at risk of participating in or being a victim of violent crime with support services.
- Provide crisis intervention and respond to community requests for street outreach interventions.
- Provide individualized support to help each client develop their care plan to address barriers to health and safety and identify areas where clients will need assistance to accomplish those goals.
- Provide necessary information and referrals so clients can receive a warm handoff to appropriate services to reach their health and safety goals.
- Assist clients with procuring necessary documents and services such as identification card, birth certificate, social security card, etc.
- Ensure clients can access supportive services by coordinating transportation services.
- Ensure community input and collaboration by building and maintaining relationships with community members and partners.
- Attending county led prevention programs related to violence prevention, firearms safety, and suicide means reduction from firearms.
- Perform general clerical duties, such as operating a personal computer or laptop, filing, answering telephones, photocopying, and completing forms.
- Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
- Attend work regularly at the designated place and time.
Resume and cover letter must be attached to online application.
