Outreach Worker

Grade: T22

Cure Violence is a strategic evidence-based public health approach to reduce and prevent shootings and killings in areas with a high prevalence of gun violence. Located at Temple University’s Center for Urban Bioethics, Cure Violence’s skilled outreach workers are a key ingredient to the success of this initiative and are instrumental to facilitating both community norm change and positive behavior change among high-risk individuals. Outreach workers implement the program with fidelity to the Cure Violence Global model in three primary settings: streets, hospitals, and schools. Major responsibilities include maintaining close contact with a caseload of individuals at high risk for violence, mediating conflicts, canvassing, community outreach and mobilization, responding to shootings, and accurately documenting all activities in a timely manner.

Responsibilities include: Work individually and as a team to prevent shootings in the target area; provide frequent contact, support, and mentorship to caseload of high-risk individuals and link them to opportunities and assistance programs in the community; refer high-risk individuals and victims of violence to the Cure Violence Case Manager, when necessary; work closely with other outreach workers, supervisors, managers, and directors to identify and diffuse “hot spots” for violence and prioritize individuals with the highest need for intervention; distribute and track Cure Violence public education materials in the target area; work to intervene in circumstances in which violence is likely; conduct outreach to the community (individually and as a team member) to build strong relationships with youth, residents, businesses, and community groups; investigate causes of shootings/killings to assist in mediating situations and preventing retaliation between individuals and groups; attend vigils for shooting victims in the assigned area to support victims and community members and increase program visibility; advocate for individuals through court testimonies, when necessary; attend and assist in organizing community events and partnerships; timely documentation of all activities and prevented violence using designated tracking software to maintain accountability, support data reporting requirements, and facilitate presentations and publications. Performs other related duties as assigned.

When you come to Temple, you don’t only come to an impressive campus with an abundance of resources and amenities.  You come to Philadelphia, where Temple’s Main Campus is woven into the city’s fabric.  Temple is committed to this community and provides several financial programs for full-time faculty and staff who purchase and reside in homes surrounding Main Campus and the Health Sciences Center.

Visit https://careers.temple.edu/careers-temple to learn more about the benefits of working at Temple University.

Required Education & Experience:
At least one year experience working with at-risk youth and gang members and experience or training in crisis intervention. Must have valid PA driver’s license, insurance, access to a vehicle, and good driving record. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. 

Required Skills & Abilities:
*Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
*Ability to navigate relationships with people of diverse faiths, gender identities, etc.
*Proven community organizing abilities
*Extensive knowledge of North Philadelphia and other high-risk neighborhoods
*Proven ability to document programmatic activities
*Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
*Working knowledge of all applicable computer software
*Able to obtain Act 33 clearances 
*Comfort with traveling and working directly at the community level in areas where Cure Violence is active and during peak hours when conflicts and shootings are likely. This might involve working at the community level late evenings as well as over the weekends.

This position requires a background check.
This position requires Child Abuse Certifications prior to the commencement of service.
This is a grant funded position.

Temple University values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status protected by law.

In accordance with the City of Philadelphia’s COVID-19 mandate, all Temple University students, faculty, staff, and contractors must be fully vaccinated before receiving authorization to work unless they have a medical or religious exemption approved by the University.  An individual is considered fully vaccinated two (2) weeks following the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine or two (2) weeks following a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Individuals who do not meet the University’s vaccination or exemption requirement will be prohibited from working until proof of full vaccination or an exemption is requested and approved.  For more information, visit the University’s Vaccines web page at https://www.temple.edu/coronavirus/vaccines.

Compliance Statement: In the performance of their functions as detailed in the position description employees have an obligation to avoid ethical, legal, financial and other conflicts of interest to ensure that their actions and outside activities do not conflict with their primary employment responsibilities at the institution. Employees are also expected to understand and be in compliance with applicable laws, University and employment policies and regulations, including NCAA regulations for areas and departments which their essential functions cause them to interact.

To obtain additional information about Temple University please visit our website at www.temple.edu.  

Temple University’s Annual Security and Fire Safety Report contains statistics, policies, and procedures related to campus safety and can be found at: https://safety.temple.edu/reports-logs/annual-security-report

You may request a copy of the report by calling Temple University’s Campus Safety Services at 215-204-7900.