Violence Interrupter

THE ORGANIZATION

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:

1. Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
2. Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
3. Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Bronx Community Justice Center (BxCJC), one of the Center's newest projects, works to create a safer, more equitable Bronx through community-driven safety initiatives, violence prevention, youth opportunity, and economic development efforts. 

The Bronx Community Justice Center is seeking a Violence Interrupter for the Save Our Streets Bronx Program. Reporting to the Violence Interrupter Supervisor, the Violence Interrupter will work individually and as a team to prevent neighborhood shootings and killings. They provide conflict mediation services and serve as conduits to the program’s Outreach Workers.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Work to intervene in circumstances in which gun violence is likely, including possible retaliation;
• Identify youth who are at-risk for being involved in violent activities and assist them;
• Learn about the causes of shootings/killings in order to assist in mediating situations and preventing retaliation between individuals and groups (e.g., working with the community, outreach programs to gain information that may be helpful in preventing additional killings);
• Form relationships with the people who are at the highest risk to experience violence in the community, as well as the people who know them;
• Conduct outreach to the community (individually and as a team member) to build strong relationships with youth, residents, businesses, and community groups;
• Talk to residents in the area of Mott Haven or Morrisania, including public housing sites, about potential conflicts and assist in preventing them;
• Participate in organizing responses to shootings and increasing visibility when shootings/killings take place;
• Work with community partners to identify and diffuse “hot spots” for shootings and violence;
• Report to the S.O.S. Bronx Violence Interrupter Supervisor and Program Manager and keep them informed of all relevant community activities;
• Document all contacts with high-risk individuals;
• Document shootings and other acts of violence that are prevented;
• Respond to shootings in other communities, when necessary;
• Distribute public education materials to targeted audience;
• Distribute information about community events and important resources;
• Attend, participate and complete all program trainings;
• Attend and help facilitate community events and shooting responses;
• Attend weekly staff meetings and other team meetings, as required;
• Attend and participate in all S.O.S. Bronx and Center for Innovation trainings, meetings, workshops and conferences as required and assigned by supervisors;
• Facilitate workshops and make presentations at schools and secure detention centers a needed;
• Communicate with Supervisor and Team effectively; and
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Individuals who are formerly incarcerated or have other experience in the criminal justice system are particularly invited to apply;
• Associates (or higher) in human services field or equivalent and satisfactory experience;
• An in-depth knowledge and familiarity of the South Bronx Mott Haven and Morrisania, with particular focus on Mott Haven: Adams, St. Mary’s, Moore and Betances Houses, Morrisania: Forest and McKinley is highly preferred;
• Reside within and are familiar with the South Bronx area preferred;
• Experience and knowledge of at-risk youth and gang involvement, with a commitment to stopping violence and working towards positive community change;
• Knowledge of street sets, crews, gangs and or groups;
• The ability to communicate with and build positive relationships with high-risk youth;
• Comfort managing a large number of diverse tasks;
• Able to walk 30 blocks or more on a regular basis;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• The ability to use a computer and Microsoft Office required; and
• Strong team skills and ability to work in a fast paced environment.

Position Location: South Bronx, NY.

Position Type: Full-Time - 35 hours/week. Evenings and weekend hours (must be able to work a flexible schedule of late nights, over-nights, holidays and weekends).

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $28.57 - $30.60 per hour, annually equivalent to $52,000 - $55,700 based on a 35-hour work week and is commensurate with experience. 

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.