Life Coach I – FLIP Peacekeeper Program

Illinois Peace Project; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

401K retirement plan

Job summary

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago is hiring a Life Coach I for the FLIP Peacekeeper Program. You will work with high‑risk individuals to establish stable, pro-social lifestyles and navigate court involvement.

Reporting to the Program Manager, you will provide supportive services, document progress, and coordinate with partners to connect participants with housing, transportation, and community resources. A trauma‑informed approach and strong communication are essential to mentor participants and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum two years experience with high-risk individuals.
• Willingness to respond to crises around the clock.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain supportive relationships with participants using trauma‑informed approaches.
• Provide resources and accountability to a caseload of 20+ participants.
• Complete intake and establish participant goals.
• Document progress and significant events in the database weekly.
• Assist participants with transportation to courts and community supports.
• Respond to crises and connect participants with housing and services.

Skills

Trauma-informed approach

Caseload management

Crisis response

Relationship-building

Communication skills

Driving

Education

High school diploma/GED

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Data entry basics

Job description

INSTITUTE FOR NONVIOLENCE CHICAGO

POSITION TITLE: Life Coach I – FLIP Peacekeeper Program

REPORTS TO: Program Manager – FLIP Peacekeeper Program

The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago’s mission is to end the cycle of gun violence in Chicago using Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principles and teachings of nonviolence. Informed by a philosophy of nonviolence, Nonviolence Chicago will establish caring and sustained relationships with participants engaged in the cycle of violence. We will emphasize partnerships with community members, leaders, social service providers, and local law enforcement to reduce community levels of violence. We will help create a safer, healthier environment for young adults, youth, and their families. These general approaches will be specifically addressed using five major methods: Community Violence Intervention (CVI) / Street Outreach, Individualized Service Provision, Victim Support Services, Behavioral Health and Nonviolence Training.

Flat Lining Violence Inspires Peace (FLIP) Program: The FLIP Program uses a proven strategy to create a safe presence on Chicago's most highly impacted blocks. The model advances street outreach work by engaging high-risk individuals (program participants) who live in neighborhoods that are at a high risk for violence and provides them a daily stipend to be physically present on neighborhood “hotspots” as well as training to mediate and de-escalate conflict. Participants have credibility and influence with local street groups and are viewed as trusted insiders who are native to hot spots and community. This uniquely equips them to contribute to peace by engaging networks who engage in violence. Participants are also provided with support and resources for their own professional growth. At this time, the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago provides the FLIP Program in each of the three neighborhoods served (Austin, West Garfield Park and Back of the Yards).

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Program Manager – FLIP Peacekeeper Program, the Life Coach I works directly with high-risk individuals in the community and accompanies them as they navigate the challenges associated to current or past involvement with the criminal justice system, work to establish a healthy and stable lifestyle, and overcome barriers to accomplishing their professional goals. This position not only provides services and resources to help achieve established goals, but also uses first-hand knowledge of the community to develop and maintain meaningful and effective relationships with participants, responds in the community as crises arise and draws out participant motivation to reach his/her potential. The Life Coach I models prosocial behaviors and successful interpersonal relationships, provides the accountability necessary to achieving established goals, and mentors participants as they receive supportive services and attend court dates.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilize first‑hand knowledge of the community and street conflicts to develop and maintain supportive and effective relationships with participants
• Using a trauma‑informed approach, provide support, resources and accountability to a caseload of 20 participants at minimum
• Coordinate and complete intake process for every participant on caseload
• Establish and monitor participant goals
• Conduct and document in database a minimum of one in‑person one‑on‑one support sessions each week with every participant on caseload
• Document in database the progress of each participant, including significant contacts, events attended (such as court dates) and feedback shared by external partners
• Assist participants with transportation to community supports, court, social service agencies, etc.
• Respond to crises in the community that impact participant safety and/or stability
• Provide linkages to needed supports, such as safe and stable housing or other community resources
• Create coordinated care, addressing gaps in information and services for each participant through regular communication with internal team members, participant family, and other service providers
• Work closely with referring partners and our community‑based partners to ensure that goals are met
• Model prosocial behaviors and successful interpersonal relationships
• Serve as a mentor and draw out participant motivation to reach his/her potential
• Assist in facilitating cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) groups to support participant self‑regulation
• Provide accountability necessary to supporting participant achieving established goals, challenge antisocial behavior and consistently hold participants to high standards
• Complete required annual trainings, such as nonviolence training
• Support and attend annual INVC-wide staff events and participate in events hosted by community partners, as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma/GED required. Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field (ie: Sociology, Urban Studies, Social Work) preferred.
• At least two years (2) experience working with high-risk individuals, preferably in Community Violence Intervention (CVI) field
• Willingness and flexibility to respond to crises around the clock
• Demonstrated commitment to professional development and to bettering yourself
• Knowledge of Chicago neighborhoods, the fundamental drivers of violence and the history of street groups in the city
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system in Cook County, court processes, restorative justice practices and alternatives to incarceration
• Knowledge of basic cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) principles
• Ability to work with a team and respond well to supervisor direction
• Ability to take initiative, work as a self‑starter, lead by example, and model exemplary conduct
• Ability and commitment to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Excellent verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to complete basic data entry and word processing tasks
• No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse or domestic violence
• Driving is required for this position. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license, consistent access to a reliable vehicle, and current vehicle insurance.
• Ability to meet prescribed deadlines, collaborate as part of a team and respond well to supervisor direction and follow up

BENEFITS:

Competitive/commensurate with experience and other qualifications. Competitive benefits package available, including Health, Life, and 401K.

SALARY:

$50,000

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago -- EEO Statement

Institute for Nonviolence Chicago 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, Institute for Nonviolence Chicago complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization 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.