Washington University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

This position is part-time and works approximately 20 hours per week.  This position is time-limited for up to two years.

This position requires frequent evening and weekend hours. 

This position is in the Institute for Public Health.  The position is located at the School of Medicine. 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The St. Louis Area Hospital-Based Violence Intervention Program (STL-HVIP), better known as Life Outside of Violence (LOV) is a partnership between two hospital systems (BJC HealthCare, SSM Health,) four Level 1 trauma centers (Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, and SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital), and three universities (Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis). The mission of the LOV program is to promote positive alternatives among individuals injured by violence in order to reduce retaliation, criminal involvement, re-injury, and death. The Community Outreach Worker will serve as the first responder when an individual eligible for the LOV program arrives at the Emergency Department of one of the four partnering Level 1 Trauma Centers. The person in this position will provide outreach and information about the LOV program to potential participants while they are in the hospital or in the community. This position requires some work performed in an office environment, but most activities will be performed in the Emergency Department or Trauma Unit or in the community.  This position is grant funded and housed under the Institute for Public Health at Washington University in St. Louis.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide on-call availability as directed by program supervisors to respond to alerts or calls to meet with violently injured patients and/or their families while they are in the Emergency Department, admitted shortly thereafter, or in the community soon after discharge. Explain the LOV program and refer potential clients/participants to LOV case managers.
2. Provide regular reports on progress of work to supervisors. Document all activity in a consistent, accurate and timely manner as required. Documentation includes, but is not limited to, tracking hours worked and mileage, keeping a daily log of all contacts and details of interaction, submitting required paperwork for invoicing, and entering data in the LOV program database. Comply with the approved scope of work and all policies and procedures required.
3. Conduct outreach in the community to build strong relationships with youth, residents, businesses, and community groups. Work with community partners to identify potential interpersonal violence. Distribute public education materials to targeted audiences. Distribute information about community events and important resources. Attend and help facilitate community events. Plan and lead small community events and LOV participant events. Represent the LOV program with media, public officials, community leaders, etc. and participate in other violence prevention efforts as assigned.
4. Attend and participate in all required LOV staff trainings, meetings and conferences.
5. Perform other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or equivalent (Note: Applicants actively working toward completion of GED/diploma will be considered.)
• Three years of relevant experience in effectively fostering strong relationships with people in neighborhoods that are affected by violence and trauma, such as:
  • Ability to effectively communicate, connect and motivate youth.
  • Ability to stay calm in response to emergencies and de-escalate situations.
  • Experience working with at risk, gang involved or youth and/or adults impacted by violence.
  • Personal experience in overcoming violence/incarceration/violence-related injuries/gang involvement/the criminal justice system.

• Associate degree or vocation/technical training.
• Five years of relevant experience in effectively fostering strong relationships with people in neighborhoods that are affected by violence and trauma.
• Training in crisis intervention.
• Ability to perform basic computer functions, such as data entry, word processing and internet searching.
• No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for violent activity (within 10 years) and no prior convictions for sexual assault or child abuse.
• Reliable car, valid insurance and DMV clearance throughout entire time of employment.
• Strong and effective communication.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work well on a team.
• Strong ability to follow directions and adhere to required protocols.
• Ability to work well with diverse populations.
• Proactive, flexibility and willingness to try new approaches.
• Excellent punctuality, reliability and dependability.
• Ability to present self and perform job responsibilities in a professional manner.
• Flexibility to work evenings & weekends.
• Ability to work in stressful situations.

The hiring range for this position is $14.44 - $20.95 per hour.

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. Current employees applying for a new position within the university may be subject to this requirement. The screenings will include a criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

This position is eligible for part-time benefits.  Please click the following link to view a summary of benefits:  https://wustl.box.com/s/8wkhs25yssf0775x9d6nd6vqa7obpth7.

Please attach a copy of your most current signed performance evaluation (completed within the last 18 months) to your online account.  If you have not received a performance evaluation, you may provide two current signed letters of recommendation (written within the last 18 months), preferably to include one letter from either a current or recent former supervisor.  To attach these documents, go to:  My Career Tools, Add Attachment, Attachment Type – Performance Reviews or Letters of Recommendation.