Job Title: HEAL DC Violence Intervention Specialist

About Peace For DC:

Peace For DC is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC that is dedicated to transforming public safety by empowering communities of color, with essential skills for healing, community building, and professional growth. Utilizing proven strategies in trauma support and community violence intervention, we aim to significantly reduce the homicide rate, build healthy individuals, and foster safer, more resilient neighborhoods.

About the HEAL DC Program:

HEAL DC - Building Healthy, Empowered, Achieving Leaders for DC is a neighborhood-based life transformation program that provides long-term wraparound care and healing for a cohort of individuals most at risk of involvement in gun violence, in some of DC’s most impacted communities. This program is modeled after successful programs like READI and Chicago CRED, and incorporates Roca’s Rewire Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT).

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Canvass in the target area to build rapport and establish presence
Lead participant vetting and recruitment, focused on individuals at highest risk of involvement in gun violence
Help gauge participants readiness and risk level
Ensure participants understand that safety and security is of the utmost importance
Ensure participants understand that no weapons are allowed on program sites or activities
Maintain connections with participants throughout the course of the program by facilitating a minimum of one face-to-face and one phone/virtual engagement per week
Document all participant's engagement
Encourage participants’ commitment and retention in the program on an ongoing basis.
Help participants get back on track during any setbacks
Lead safety check ins as needed, and ongoing safety planning and preparedness for HEAL DC team
Provide programming staff with timely updates of any arrests, other incidents, and/or any violent or potentially violent situations that relate to the program target area and/or program participants.
Identify and detect potential shooting events
Formulate action plans to resolve conflicts.
Mediate conflicts between individuals and/or groups. Document all conflict mediations.
Work collaboratively with program staff to facilitate individual de-escalation strategies, as needed.
Participate in weekly meetings, as a member of the HEAL DC support team, to discuss participant needs, concerns and progress
Serve as an organizational and program model demonstrating positive behaviors for program participants
Provide participants with resources, as needed

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma or GED, or equivalent combination of education and experience (Must be willing to pursue GED throughout employment).

REQUIREMENTS & ABILITIES:

Experience working with at-risk youth/young adults and crew/gang members.
Strong communication skills
Experience and/or training in crisis intervention
DC Peace Academy graduate
Working understanding of trauma and its impact on individuals, families and communities
Experience and training in Cognitive Behavioral Interventions (CBI) (e.g. Roca’s Rewire CBT)
Strong work ethic, demonstrated professionalism and integrity
Strong interpersonal skills and comfortability working in a team environment
Overall knowledge of Washington DC culture, resources and communities; specifically Ward 8 and Washington Highlands community
Committed to ongoing professional and personal development

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds.
Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one work site to another.
Requires the physical ability to respond to physically demanding situations. Includes the ability to run, lift, bend, drop to knees quickly, and utilize full range of motion of hands, arms, shoulders, knees and legs.
Moving about to accomplish tasks throughout the assigned post.

This position is subject to a background check. However, Peace For DC proudly identifies as a second-chance employer in addition to supporting equal opportunities for all.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 25 per week

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20003-5022

Peace For DC

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