SISU Outreach and Partnership Specialist

                                                                             LAWRENCE FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, INC. D/B/A

355 Haverhill Street, Lawrence, MA 01840

Telephone: (978) 224-8808

Website: www.lawrenceprospera.org

The Community Outreach and Resource Specialist works with the SISU Street Outreach Team to develop and execute a successful outreach strategy. The Community Outreach and Resource Specialist develops and maintains relationships with local law enforcement, Juvenile and Adult Court and Probation staff, and other local providers; and ensures appropriate referrals are made to the Street Outreach Teams. The Community Outreach and Resource Specialist works with the Lead Community Outreach Specialist to monitor neighborhoods, hot spots, and/or where gang activity has been active. The Community Outreach and Resource Specialist serves as a resource to SISU programming staff and community members. The Community Outreach and Resource Specialist is available to work a flexible schedule including days, evenings, weekends to be available to assist with youth and gang related crisis, and directly assist with referrals from the Judicial branch to the applicable Lawrence Prospera program and/or local resource.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Work with SISU Leadership to develop and execute a robust and strategic outreach and engagement strategy to identify proven-risk and at-risk youth, including; 1) street and neighborhood-based outreach (i.e. frequenting local housing communities, youth hangouts, gang hotspots, parks, etc.), 2) attending neighborhood and other community meetings and 3) visiting youth-serving organizations during peak operation, 4) and identifying programming that will attract youth
• Work directly with the Lawrence District Court and other judicial entities to place referrals in the appropriate programs at Lawrence Prospera
• Assist with the organization of grant and other resources to ensure that programs are functioning to meet related goals, interventions, expected outcomes and performance measurements in close coordination with the Executive Director.  Executive Director will set a financial goal.
• Work with Lead Outreach Specialist to ensure youth referrals are received, documented, and followed up on
• Develop and maintain partnership/relationships with local law enforcement, Juvenile and Adult Court and Probation staff, and other local providers
• Identify and develop partnerships with community-based resources for proven risk youth and their families and work with street outreach team to connect clients with identified resources
• Assist Street Outreach Team with successfully navigating the court system and successfully advocating for SISU Youth involved in the criminal justice system
• Participate in Outreach Team Meetings to regularly review strategic outreach and engagement plan and document youths’ progress and/or setbacks and program outcomes.
• Participate in morning and afternoon community activities
• Participate in restorative practices and conflict resolution when appropriate
• Provide gang awareness and intervention trainings to internal and external participants and providers
• Assist with the peace-making process with gang involved youth; introduction meeting, peace trips, peace circles, and peace summits
• Collaborate with team members on youth assessments; Individual Service Plans, Pay-for-Performance, Exit Tickets, Internship for Hire etc.
• Support youth with court recommendations, conditions, and mandates     
• Attend mandatory staff community meetings and professional development  

• All other duties assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Solid understanding of the interaction of Federal, State and Local Government, especially for proactive youth programs that enhance skills, leadership and socio-economic potential of young people
• Capable of working independently to actively participate in the judicial process to successfully place youth in specialized programs
• Advocate for necessary resources and the coordination of youth programs to use resources in an effective and efficient manner
• Strong understanding of gangs and gang culture in the City of Lawrence preferred
• Interpersonal skills and problem-solving skills; and ability to relate to a wide range of issues, people and institutions
• Strong comfort level in approaching youth at different levels of social emotional growth
• Ability to multi-task and adapt to changing environment
• Valid driver’s license
• Good listening, oral and written communication skills
• Strong leadership, organizing and facilitation skills
• Proficiency in computer skills
• Bilingual/bicultural (Spanish/English) preferred
• Proven team leader
• Ability to work flexible hours based on program and youth needs

Reports to: Executive Director

Hours: Flexible work schedule, which may include evenings and weekends

Lawrence Family Development, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.