**Community Engagement Specialist** Location: Decatur, IL **Position Summary** Under direction, the community engagement specialists will raise awareness on crime and violence prevention and intervention. They will connect with community partners, churches, schools, law enforcement, and other government agencies to build relationships that aid in reducing and eliminating violence through various interventions. The Community Engagement Specialists will also host monthly community events with partners, clients, and youth. Hours: 9am - 5pm, with flexibility for programming; 30-40 hours a week; Temporary position **Working At NYAP** + Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k) + Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance + 22 days off each year + 11 paid holidays per year + Student loan repayment assistance + Tuition assistance + Friday Summer hours + Work anniversary trips + Mileage reimbursement + Peace Leave Benefits listed are for eligible employees as outlined by our benefit policy. **Responsibilities** The Community Engagement Specialist position may include the following, as well as other duties assigned: + Perform all work in a manner consistent with the National Youth Advocate Program’s mission, values, and philosophies. + Build relationships with residents to engage with highest risk persons and their associates to reduce and prevent violence in the community. + Through relationships inform community residents of violence prevention efforts and intentions to mitigate risk. + Responsible for intervention in circumstances in which violence is likely, including possible retaliation. + Develop strategies for residents to report incidents safely and confidentially and continue to improve reporting. + Responsible for gaining trust of the community residents and the high risk persons to prevent shootings and violence. + Serve as linkages and support to individuals by referring clients to case management services and other opportunities (job programs, GED, drug treatment, and mentoring). + Obtain information on potential conflicts in the community. + Formulate action plans to help resolve conflicts with gangs/mobs through mediation and collaboration with other RVSP providers/violence prevention organizations. + Conduct corner conversation daily/nightly to meet with high-risk individuals to discuss community issues and offer alternatives. + Work with community residents, high-risk individuals and other partners to prevent all potential retaliatory shootings. + Developing relationships with key leaders in the community. + Documenting conflicts resolved on conflict mediation forms. + Keeping daily log documenting all contacts with high-risk individuals daily. + Distributing public education materials in the community on RVPS programming and services. + Providing 24/7 crisis intervention and responding to incidents of violence as needed to provide stabilization and support. + Performs other duties as requested. **Minimum Qualifications** + Minimum Bachelor’s degree. + Two years of experience working with at-risks youth providing outreach services, community programs, and/or criminal justice programming in the community. + Knowledge of violence prevention and intervention. + Experience working with adjudicated youth and young adults. + Experience in the criminal justice system. + Knowledge of: + Knowledge of at-risk crime areas + Knowledge high-risk individuals and individuals with active street involvement. + Criminal and juvenile justice systems. + Needs and challenges experienced by people from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds. Community resources and community organizations. + Various resources available to residents. + Crisis intervention methods and techniques. + Interviewing processes + Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smart phones and tablets, printers, fax machines and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet and database programs. **Other Skills** + Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Interpret and explain policies, procedures, and relevant laws. + Conduct needs assessments and provide appropriate community referrals. + Communicate effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. + Maintain a high degree of sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy during stressful situations. + Prepare accurate materials and relevant material for group sessions. + Maintain records and documents. + Make public presentations. + Maintain confidentiality with sensitive information. + Conduct groups and peace circles. + Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. **Driving and Vehicle Requirements** + Valid driver’s license + Reliable personal transportation + Good driving record + Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,00/$300,000 bodily injury liability If this describes YOU, please apply today! www.nyap.org/employment **Who We Are** National Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and we continue to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement and Reunification/Permanency. We know you are compassionate and dedicated to serving your clients and communities and NYAP is dedicated to providing support to those who join our team! We look for individuals that are ready to make a direct impact and are excited to be an instrument in supporting the needs of our children, youth and families. An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. **Qualifications** **The person in this position needs to follow a team concept and support both agency goals and co-workers. Employees must be able to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds.** An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.