CCIP Advocate

PROGRAM SUMMARY:

The Community Crisis Intervention Team concept is based on the work of PAAN's predecessor, Philadelphia’s Crisis Intervention Network. This nationally-recognized agency, founded in the mid-1970s by James Mills and Bennie Swans, effectively addressed gang violence, drug abuse and drug trafficking and was credited with dramatically decreasing gang-related deaths in Philadelphia for over a decade. The Community Crisis Intervention Program (CCIP) aims to replicate Crisis Intervention Network's approach to combat today's community violence. The Model will use credible messengers who are indigenous to Philadelphia’s most violent neighborhoods as outreach workers with the mission of fostering meaningful relationships in these communities, steering those involved in criminal activities into alternative positive choices, mediating neighborhood conflicts, and responding to neighborhood crises.

The Community Crisis Intervention Program Advocate reports to the CCIP Coordinator, and is responsible for serving Philadelphia’s most violent communities. Each member is assigned to a team which serves different geographic areas of Philadelphia to prevent neighborhood shootings, killings, and other violent acts. Team members work to safely resolve and or prevent neighborhood conflicts and aim to reduce and prevent violence through rapport building and conflict mediation services

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Work to intervene in circumstances in which violence is likely, including possible retaliation
• Identify individuals who are high-risk for being involved in violent activities and assist them
• assist in mediating situations and preventing retaliation between individuals and groups
• Form relationships with the residents in the community, as well as the highest risk individuals
• Conduct outreach to the community (as a team) to build strong relationships with residents, businesses, and community groups
• Talk to residents in the area about potential conflicts and assist in preventing them
• Document all contacts with high-risk individuals
• Document shootings and other acts of violence that are prevented
• Respond to shootings in the community (including the families of victims and perpetrators) and other communities when necessary
• Distribute information about community events and important resources
• Attend weekly staff meetings about community hot-spots and other team meetings as required
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the CCIP Coordinator.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED) is required; pursuit of formal education once hired is strongly encouraged
• Experience in outreach, violence prevention or community relations work with a diverse population strongly preferred
• the ability to work in crisis and traumatic situations, which may include: gun violence, domestic violence; gang related assaults and violent acts; sexual assault and drug and alcohol issues
• In-depth knowledge of the community in particular, targeted area
• Experience working with high-risk populations and their families
• Reside within the target area (preferred)
• Knowledge of the street sets, crews, gangs and/or groups
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Able to walk 30 blocks or more on a regular basis
• Ability to work a late evenings and overnight schedule, including, weekends and some holidays
• Committed to working toward positive community change in Philadelphia
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, and have a good driving record. Must be willing to drive company-owned vehicles when required;
• Ability to speak and read Spanish is a plus

UAC/PAAN is an Equal Opportunity Employer