Hospital Responder/Violence Interrupter
Position Summary
LIFE Camp, Inc. seeks committed and experienced individuals for a community and hospital-based gun violence prevention program that aims to reduce and prevent shootings through the use of public health strategies.
The Cure Violence Hospital Responder works individually and as a team to prevent and respond to neighborhood shootings and killings. They provide conflict mediation, referral, and follow-up services to victims of violence and their families. This work is a collaboration between a community-based Cure Violence replication program and partner hospital(s).
Reports To: Hospital Response/Violence Interrupter
Principle responsibilities will include, but are not limited to the following:
Respond to shootings and other cases of severe violence, to prevent retaliation when notified by hospital staff
Learn about the shooting or violent incident in order to assist in mediating situations and preventing retaliation between individuals and groups
Work to intervene in circumstances in which retaliation is likely
Formulate action plans to help resolve conflicts with the program team
Gain information on potential conflicts affecting South Jamaica neighborhoods
Form relationships with the highest risk people in the community, as well as the people who know them
Report to the Hospital Response/Outreach Worker Supervisor and keep him/her informed of all hospital notifications and communications
Keep a daily log documenting all contacts with hospital staff, patients, and their family and friends
Attend all program trainings
Attend weekly staff meetings and other team meetings as required
Attend regular implementation meetings with hospital staff
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work to intervene in circumstances where gun violence is likely, including possible retaliation
Identify youth who are high 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 highest risk people in the community, as well as the people hwo 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, make inroads and develop relationships
Learn 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 Outreach Worker Supervisor and keep him/her 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 and help facilitate community events and shooting responses
Qualifications
An in-depth knowledge of the community in the particular target area
Experience working with high risk youth and gang members
Knowledge of neighborhoods, street sets, crews, gangs and or groups
Able to pass random drug screenings
Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes late evenings, weekends and holidays
Committed to working toward positive community change
No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse or domestic violence
Excellent communication skills
Experience or training in crisis intervention
Valid, clean NYS driver’s license strongly preferred.
Position Type: Part-time; requires evenings, late nights, weekends and holiday hours