​​ Cure Violence Outreach Worker—NKCDC

New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) is a community development corporation committed to sustainable development in housing opportunities, economic development, vacant land strategies, community engagement, and real estate development. NKCDC advances social equity and economic empowerment by nurturing and creating opportunities for residents to live and actively shaping their neighborhoods of choice. To that end, NKCDC provides free resources to residents and businesses in the Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond neighborhoods.

NKCDC has a strong reputation, both locally and nationally, with longstanding credibility of serving as a trusted and valuable partner and collaborator. The organization is currently one of only two community development organizations in the City of Philadelphia that are chartered members of the NeighborWorks America network. Our current work using a trauma-informed community engagement model, applying a racial equity lens across the organization, and leading programs at the intersection of health and housing are keeping NKCDC at the cutting edge of community development. NKCDC draws on the strengths of the communities in Kensington, Fishtown, and Port Richmond — a population of over 62,800, 23% of whom live below the federal poverty level — to make sure neighborhood development benefits all residents. More information can be found at nkcdc.org.

Function

NKCDC is seeking a mission-oriented Cure Violence Outreach Worker who can effectively act as a bridge between the community, NKCDC, and other community service providers. The Outreach Worker will utilize the Cure Violence intervention model, a strategic, evidence-based public health approach to reducing violence in the community. This person will be responsible for community outreach and mobilization, including supporting and sustaining community-led action, identifying resources, linking community members to support, and keeping an accurate accounting of all activities. The ideal candidate is someone who can develop and sustain positive relationships with community members, leaders, and organizations.

Reports to

Program Manager

Responsibilities

Specific tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Work to identify and create a caseload of high-risk individuals at elevated risk of violence,
• Connect individuals with opportunities and assistance programs.
• Assist with NKCDC’s day-to-day operations relative to the Cure Violence Program, including canvassing, mediating conflicts, community outreach, and mobilization.
• Represent Cure Violence through community presence to expand opportunities for support.
• Participate in Cure Violence training and meetings, as necessary.
• Distribute and track Cure Violence public education materials in the target areas.
• Conduct outreach to residents and community groups. Identify and build relationships with viable partner organizations, city agencies and programs, supportive businesses, and schools to create and maintain strong relationships and expand the number and types of resources.
• Develop and maintain relationships with community partners and organizations to expand resources available to community members.
• Attend community meetings and events, aiding and advocating where necessary.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all activities for accountability purposes.
• Investigate causes of shootings/killings to assist in mediating situations and preventing retaliation between individuals and groups.
• Identify and diffuse “hot spots” for violence and prioritize individuals with the highest need for intervention; work closely with staff to refer to other team members and resources.
• Attend vigils for shooting victims in the assigned area to support victims and community members and increase program visibility.
• Addressing outreach needs in a timely and effective manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in community outreach or at-risk youth work.
• Proficient in Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment, prioritize work, manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and quickly adjust or change course as needed.
• Commitment to NKCDC’s mission.
• Familiarity with the Kensington neighborhood is a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, communication skills, flexibility, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work with culturally diverse people.
• Comfort traveling and working directly at the community level.
• Flexibility to work off-site, and to work evenings, and weekends occasionally as needed.
• Bachelor's degree in a related field is a plus. Experience may substitute for an academic degree.