Crisis Response Specialist

Job Type


Full-time

Description

Crisis Response Specialist (CRS) (40 hours, Full-time) Non-exempt

BUILD, Inc. (Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development) is presently seeking a committed, self-motivated, and innovative individual to join our team. BUILD is a nationally respected gang intervention, violence prevention, and youth development organization based on Chicago's West Side. Since 1969, BUILD has worked to save lives and mentor young people who live in the city's most challenged neighborhoods. When you work at BUILD you make an important difference to the thousands of youth and families we serve.

Our Core values: Empathy, Passion, Persistence and Innovation.

The Crisis Response Specialist will act as a first responder to provide immediate support to youth and their families after a shooting or other act of violence, including emotional support, initial advocacy, and support in navigating the criminal justice system, including police departments, legal services and the courts. Services take place within targeted communities and area hospitals as needed. R esponsibilities call for the Crisis Response Specialist to be available on-call at any time of day or night, including weekends and Holidays. The Crisis Response Specialist reports directly to the Crisis Response Unit Manager.

Responsibilities includes but not limited to:

Youth Development:

• Works collaboratively with targeted communities, other departments and other stakeholders to identify and support youth and their families that are victims of or witnesses to crime or those exposed to violence-related traumas who are in need of services
• Connect violence-exposed youth and their families with comprehensive services that promote healing, foster life-skills, and prevent high-risk/consequence behaviors that make them vulnerable to violence and other negative outcomes

Documentation and Competencies:

• Contributes to client related data systems for record keeping and reporting purposes
• Contributes to reports as per grant requirements
• Ensure program achieves expected performance milestones in accordance with contracts and expectations of funding sources making necessary adjustments as needed
• Utilizes BUILD Universal Referral form to document and connect families to BUILD services
• Operates professionally in the field on a flexible schedule, which may include holidays, late evenings and weekends
• Responds to crisis calls within a reasonable, pre-established timeframe
• Communicates with Crisis Response Unit Manager in advance and/or with the Crisis Response team within a timely manner if unable to respond to a crisis call

Communication and relationship management:

• In partnership with Community Wellness Advocates, helps to identify positive adult/youth influences to create a stronger support network for the participant
• Represents BUILD to broaden community awareness and support, interpreting the agency's programs and services at program-related community, coalition and committee meetings as needed
• Attends departmental and agency-wide staff meetings, as scheduled and agency-wide events, as required
• Maintains knowledge current in the field in way of participation of coursework, seminars and/or workshops

Other:

• Participate in agency-wide fundraising events
• Participate in agency outreach and recruitment events, including evenings and weekends
• Participate in civic engagement activities that advance the mission of BUILD, Inc.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• An automobile is required along with current insurance and a valid driver's license
• Maintain respectful and appropriate relationships with program participants, all levels of agency staff and the various publics of the agency, demonstrating sensitivity to all ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds
• Must be willing to travel as needed
• Must be passionate about the work and helping people during a sensitive time in life
• Must successfully pass extensive background check
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred
• Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Ability to work in a variety of environments, including office settings, community locations, schools, and outdoor spaces.
• Ability to respond to crisis situations in real time, which may require rapid movement, standing, walking, or traveling between locations.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods while providing support, documentation, or attending meetings.

Benefits:

• 401(k) + 2% match
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Vacation
• Wellness Days
• Flexible Spending Account

BUILD, Inc., does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, citizenship, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, medical status, military status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, ancestry, or any legally protected status. This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically prohibit employment. Rather, BUILD Inc., considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled, must be able to perform the essential job specific functions (listed within each job responsibility) either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.


Salary Description


$22.38 - $23.08/hourly