Job Description
Victim Services Advocate & Street Outreach Worker (Dual-Role Position) Black Expo Community Development Association, Inc. Chicago, IL Job Details Full-time | Contract Up to $51,840 a year 17 hours ago Benefits Mileage reimbursement Health insurance Dental insurance Paid time off Vision insurance 401(k) matching Professional development assistance Loan forgiveness Life insurance Retirement plan Qualifications Bilingual Teamwork Family advocate experience Interpersonal skills De-escalation techniques Driver's License Driving Restorative justice disciplinary approach Full Job Description Building Better Futures /
Black Expo Community Development Violence Prevention & Youth Engagement Division Location:
Auburn Gresham & Surrounding Communities - Chicago, IL Employment Type:
Full-Time POSITION SUMMARY
Building Better Futures (BBF), a program of Black Expo Community Development, is seeking a passionate, trauma-informed, and community-driven professional to serve in a dual-role capacity as a Victim Services Advocate & Street Outreach Worker. This position combines violence prevention outreach, crisis response, victim advocacy, mentorship, and resource coordination to support individuals, families, and communities impacted by violence. The ideal candidate will have strong ties to the community, experience working with high-risk populations, and the ability to respond compassionately during crisis situations while maintaining a visible and positive presence throughout the neighborhood. This role works closely with outreach workers, case managers, hospitals, community organizations, and law enforcement partners to reduce violence, interrupt retaliation cycles, and connect participants to meaningful support services. KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES 1. STREET OUTREACH & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Conduct daily outreach in violence-impacted communities, parks, schools, hospitals, and community corridors. Build healthy and trusting relationships with at-risk youth, young adults, victims, and families impacted by violence. Maintain a visible community presence to help deter violence and support peace-building efforts. Encourage participation in mentoring, case management, workforce development, and supportive services. Foster partnerships with community-based organizations, churches, businesses, and local stakeholders. 2. VIOLENCE PREVENTION & CRISIS RESPONSE
Respond to incidents of community violence including non-fatal shootings, fatal shootings, and other violent events. Provide on-scene crisis intervention and emotional support at hospitals, crime scenes, homes, funerals, and medical examiner offices. Monitor neighborhood tensions, retaliation risks, and emerging conflicts. Assist with conflict mediation, de-escalation, and violence interruption strategies. Coordinate with Street Outreach teams and CPIC notifications to begin immediate engagement with victims and survivors. 3. VICTIM ADVOCACY & SUPPORT SERVICES
Provide trauma-informed advocacy and support to victims and families impacted by violence. Conduct needs assessments and develop individualized service plans. Assist participants with navigating victim compensation, emergency assistance, transportation, counseling, medical care, housing, relocation, and public benefits. Connect participants to mental health services, legal assistance, educational opportunities, and other community resources. Provide ongoing follow-up support and crisis management services. 4. MENTORSHIP & CASE SUPPORT
Meet regularly with participants to provide guidance, mentorship, accountability, and emotional support. Support participants in setting goals related to education, employment, personal development, and long-term stability. Maintain weekly contact with assigned participants and provide crisis support as needed. Coordinate services with internal case management teams to avoid duplication and ensure continuity of care. 5. DOCUMENTATION & COLLABORATION
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of outreach efforts, incident responses, participant interactions, referrals, and case notes. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, case reviews, and community safety planning initiatives. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with residents, hospitals, law enforcement agencies, schools, and community partners. Assist in supporting local violence reduction strategies and community engagement initiatives. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum of two (2) years of experience in victim services, street outreach, violence prevention, case management, or related human services work. Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and the impact of violence on individuals and communities. Passion for violence prevention, youth development, and community empowerment. Ability to manage a significant caseload while maintaining professionalism and compassion. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong conflict resolution, de-escalation, and problem-solving abilities. Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of Chicago community resources and neighborhood dynamics preferred. Ability to travel locally throughout the Chicago area for outreach, home visits, hospital visits, and program activities. REQUIREMENTS
Valid driver's license with a clean driving record. Reliable personal vehicle for outreach and transportation needs. Proof of automobile insurance. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency response situations when necessary. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries. RESPONSE AVAILABILITY & COMMUNITY PROXIMITY REQUIREMENT
Due to the crisis-response nature of this position, employees must be able to respond to critical incidents, community violence events, hospital calls, and emergency situations in a timely and professional manner while on duty or designated on-call status. Staff are expected to maintain the ability to respond to incidents within approximately two (2) hours of notification whenever scheduled or assigned for response coverage. Preference may be given to candidates who reside within or near the organization's designated service areas or who can consistently demonstrate the ability to respond within the required timeframe. This position may require evening, weekend, holiday, and emergency response availability as part of scheduled violence prevention operations and outreach activities, in accordance with organizational needs and applicable labor laws. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Lived experience and/or deep community ties within Chicago communities impacted by violence. Experience working with high-risk youth and individuals exposed to trauma. Certification or training in crisis intervention, restorative justice, mediation, or violence interruption preferred. Bilingual abilities are a plus Pay:
Up to $51,840.00 per year Benefits:
401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Loan forgiveness Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Vision insurance Work Location:
In person
