Violence Intervention Advocate

Status: Full-Time Hourly FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

Summary of Position: The Violence Intervention Advocates will be providing individualized mentoring, skill building, wraparound, and additional support to high-risk individuals and their families using a trauma informed and strength based approach. Services will be close coordination with other program staff and guided by Individualized service plans. Violence Intervention Advocate is to conduct street and/or hospital outreach with the goals of reducing and preventing violence in target neighborhoods that have high rates of gun violence and poverty.

• Services will be in close coordination with other program staff.
• Are credible community members and neighborhood leaders with shared lived experience and in-depth knowledge of the challenges and resources available in the target areas and key 'players' responsible for current or potential escalation of criminal activity and gun violence.
• These staff members will work relentlessly within the identified areas to leverage and strengthen relationships with community members in order to shift local dynamics that lead to violence.
• They will also engage those individuals identified at the highest risk of violence involvement and (re)entering the criminal justice system and provide them with intensive and individualized services that include strength-based mentoring, skill building, and wraparound support.
• The YAP street team will meet daily when they start their shift to share and learn of any activities that they should be aware of that requires follow-up or monitoring, including a plan to address potential retaliation offenses and to conduct mediation between individuals or groups as needed.
• During their shift, they will canvass their target areas, connecting with residents and monitoring ongoing issues.
• While there will be YAP staff available 24/7, it is anticipated that the majority of outreach and engagement activities will occur in the afternoon and evening, when conflict, violence and crime are most common.
• When a conflict is identified, staff intervene, using skills in crisis de-escalation and mediation to reduce tensions and interrupt violence.

Annual Salary: $36,000 up to $48,000

Position works throughout the low country. Prefer to have candidates that reside in the low country.

Qualifications/Requirements: Bachelor's Degree in social services preferred or equivalent 3 year work experience with youth considered at-risk.

• Have lived, worked, or have significant knowledge of the target communities and local resources and challenges.
• Have overcome similar challenges as individuals served by the program, such as community violence, justice system involvement, poverty and/or gang involvement.
• Must be self-motivated, dependable, committed, and able to serve as a positive role model for individuals who may exhibit challenging behaviors.
• Flexible schedule and commitment to doing "whatever it takes" to engaging the target population in neighborhoods with high rates of gun violence and poverty.
• Commitment to participating in required trainings and weekly supervision sessions.

Position requires reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and current auto insurance coverage.

Bi-Lingual is a PLUS!

Benefits Available:

• Medical/Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Short Term Disability
• UNUM
• Paid time off
• Holiday Pay
• 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan.

Youth Advocate Programs, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics, or disability unrelated to job performance or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where YAP operates. YAP will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.