Street Outreach Worker (Part Time)

Gary Comer Youth Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Gary Comer Youth Center in Chicago seeks an Outreach Specialist to lead violence prevention and community healing efforts. You will engage high-risk individuals, deploy rapid-response at hospitals and scenes, and coordinate restorative practices with trauma-informed care.

The role requires field presence, strong community ties, and the ability to work evenings and weekends. Proficiency in Salesforce and Outlook is essential, with ongoing training in CPR, Narcan, and Stop the Bleed.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license in good standing.
• Reliable vehicle for rapid response and field work.
• Willingness to undergo a comprehensive background check.
• Experience applying trauma-informed approaches in community settings.

Responsibilities

• Rapid crisis response as part of the Emergency Response Team at hospitals or crime scenes.
• Street-based outreach in parks, transit stops, and local businesses during afternoons and evenings.
• Mediate disputes using restorative justice principles and facilitate peace circles; provide follow-up support.
• Maintain incident reports and participant notes in Salesforce; coordinate communications via Outlook; assist with intakes.
• Represent the program at community events and training sessions; maintain certifications in CPR, Narcan, and Stop the Bleed.

Skills

Community connection

Lived experience

Flexibility

Trauma-informed approach

Tools

Salesforce

Microsoft Outlook

Mobile case management

Job description

Position SummaryThe Street outreach Specialist is a critical frontline role dedicated to violence prevention, conflict mediation, and community healing within the Greater Grand Crossing area. This position focuses on interrupting cycles of violence by engaging high-risk individuals and providing immediate crisis intervention. As a core member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), the Outreach Worker must be mobile and ready to provide rapid-response support at hospitals and crime scenes.Key Responsibilities1. Outreach & Emergency Response (40%)Rapid Crisis Response: Serve on the Emergency Response Team, responding to immediate incidents of violence at hospitals and crime scenes.Street-Based Presence: Conduct proactive outreach in parks, transit stops, and local businesses, primarily during afternoon and late-evening hours.Engagement: Identify high-risk individuals and build rapport to recruit them for services and mentorship.2. Mediation & Restorative Practices (30%)Conflict Resolution: Mediate disputes between individuals or groups using restorative justice principles to prevent retaliation.Peace Circles: Create safe spaces for participants to address harm and work toward peaceful resolutions.Follow-up: Provide sustained intervention and long-term support for resolved conflicts.3. Documentation & Administration (15%)Salesforce: Maintain accurate daily incident reports, participant case notes, and outcome data within the Salesforce platform.Outlook: Manage all professional communication, team meetings, and scheduling via Microsoft Outlook.Intake Assistance: Support Case Managers with participant intakes, ensuring all documentation is trauma-informed and accurate.4. Community Presence & Training (15%)Representation: Attend community events, peace circles, and safety convenings to increase program visibility.Ongoing Development: Maintain annual certifications in CPR, Narcan administration, and \"Stop the Bleed.\"Mandatory RequirementsLicensing: Possession of a valid driver’s license in good standing is mandatory.Transportation: Possession of a reliable, working vehicle is mandatory for this position to ensure immediate response to emergency calls, hospital deployments, and community outreach.Vetting: Willingness to undergo a comprehensive background check.Required Skills & ExperienceTechnical Proficiency: Comfort using digital tools including Salesforce, Microsoft Outlook, and mobile case management systems.Community Connection: Strong ties to the Greater Grand Crossing area or surrounding neighborhoods.Lived Experience: Understanding of challenges faced by the community, such as trauma, justice system involvement, or street affiliation.Flexibility: Ability to work a non-traditional schedule, including evenings, weekends, and on-call rotations.Working ConditionsEnvironment: Field-based, often in high-risk areas, requiring physical and emotional resilience.Support: Access to regular team supervision and self-care opportunities to manage the impact of vicarious trauma.