Violence Interrupter

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Make a difference in the community you live in! As a Community Builder-an employee with the City of Gainesville- you will have a direct hand in building and improving your community and making a visible impact on the lives of your neighbors. Working for local government is more than a job, it's a chance to contribute to community success and to help enhance the Gainesville way of life.

Department:

GG_Police: BOLD Programming

Salary Range Minimum:

$17.89

Salary Range Maximum:

$26.31

Closing Date:

03/27/2024

Job Details:

The City of Gainesville's initiative to reduce and eliminate gun violence is a top priority for the Chief of Police, City Commissioners and the community. To combat violence, the City will use public health strategies. Focusing on high-violence target areas, the initiatives will work to prevent gun violence by:

• Mediating conflicts that may result in gun violence

• Changing the thinking of individuals who are most at risk of being victims or perpetrators of violence

• Working closely with a broad coalition of local partners to promote a visible community-wide message that shooting is unacceptable behavior.

The Violence Interrupter operates in areas where violence and poverty are frequent. An interrupter leverages their individual reputation and street credibility to disrupt the cycle of violence in Gainesville communities.

Interrupters are connected to the streets and neighborhoods with the unique ability to identify and intervene in individual, group, and gang-related conflicts before they escalate and intensify to violent activities. The Violence Interrupter will be assigned primarily to targeted geographic areas (Duval, Pineridge, McPherson Center and the Clarence R. Kelly Center) or Citywide.

In addition, the violence interrupter will receive general supervision from law enforcement and the Outreach Services Program Coordinator. Some work is performed in an office environment while the majority of work will be performed in the community.

The positions allocated to this class report to a designated supervisor and works under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its non-administrative duties and emphasis on community engagement.

Skilled violence interrupters committed to positive change will be the key to the success of eliminating violence in Gainesville and surrounding areas.

Job Description:

SUMMARY

The City of Gainesville's initiative to reduce and eliminate gun violence is a top priority for the Chief of Police, City Commissioners and the community. To combat violence, the City will use public health strategies. Focusing on high-violence target areas, the initiatives will work to prevent gun violence by:

• Mediating conflicts that may result in gun violence

• Changing the thinking of individuals who are most at risk of being victims or perpetrators of violence

• Working closely with a broad coalition of local partners to promote a visible community-wide message that shooting is unacceptable behavior.

The Violence Interrupter operates in areas where violence and poverty are frequent. An interrupter leverages their individual reputation and street credibility to disrupt the cycle of violence in Gainesville communities.

Interrupters are connected to the streets and neighborhoods with the unique ability to identify and intervene in individual, group, and gang-related conflicts before they escalate and intensify to violent activities. The Violence Interrupter will be assigned primarily to targeted geographic areas (Duval, Pineridge, McPherson Center and the Clarence R. Kelly Center) or Citywide.

In addition, the violence interrupter will receive general supervision from law enforcement and the Outreach Services Program Coordinator. Some work is performed in an office environment while the majority of work will be performed in the community.

The positions allocated to this class report to a designated supervisor and works under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from other classes by its non-administrative duties and emphasis on community engagement.

Skilled violence interrupters committed to positive change will be the key to the success of eliminating violence in Gainesville and surrounding areas.

EXAMPLES OF WORK*

• This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Work to intervene in circumstances in which gun violence is likely, including possible retaliation.

Engage with high risk individuals to rethink the impulse to act violently and to invest in redirecting positive results.

Attend and participate in all program trainings.

Attend weekly check-in meetings and other team meetings as required.

Document and maintain accurate records.

Document shootings and other acts of violence that are prevented.

Work with community partners to identify and diffuse hot spots for shootings and violence, including attending community events.

Talk to residents about potential conflicts and assist in preventing them when possible.

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).

Identify youth who are at-risk for being involved in violent activities and assist them.

Conduct outreach to the community (both individually and as a team member) to build strong relationships with youth, residents, businesses, and community groups.

NON ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Individuals who were formerly incarcerated or have other experience in the criminal justice system are particularly invited to apply.

Experience and knowledge of at-risk-youth and gang involvement with a commitment to stopping violence and working towards positive community change.

Strong team skills and ability to work in a fast paced environment.

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including 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.

An in-depth knowledge of Gainesville and the surrounding areas.

Ability to use Microsoft Office required.

Ability to pass drug screening.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High School Diploma or GED. Bachelor degree in Family, Youth and Community Sciences or related field preferred.

Experience working with high-risk youth and gang members.

Experience or training in Crisis Intervention.

CERTIFICATION OR LICENSES

Licenses

Valid Florida driver's license is required upon hire.

Certifications

American Red Cross certification (or equivalent) in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and First Aid is required upon hire.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of community in particular targeted area.

Street sets, crews, gangs and/or groups.

Problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

Strong communication skills both oral and writing.

Time management with a demonstrated ability to multitask.

Attention to details.

Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Converse with gang members, at risk populations, community activists, law enforcement personnel, public official, partners and other stakeholders in various settings.

Ability to facilitate workshops and make presentations to schools, non-secure and secure detention centers as needed.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described within this job description must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

In this position, the employee will continuously stand, walk, and sit. The position will frequently require the employee to drive a personal vehicle. Speaking and listening are constant essential functions of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The employee is continuously outdoors and may be working during inclement weather. Occasionally, this employee will work indoors. At times, this position will require extended work hours.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans' Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process.

However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans' Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans' Preference.

Note:

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

All 'regular' employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also offer great things like on-site fitness centers, tuition reimbursement, interest free loans for purchase of fitness equipment, on-site medical staff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD/TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans' Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process.

However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans' Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans' Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at HR@cityofgainesville.org or by calling 352-334-5077.