About this role
Job Title: Street Outreach Specialist
Program: SOLVE (gun violence intervention and victim assistance)
Reports To: Chief Operations & Program Officer (COPO)
Classification: Full-time, nonexempt
Compensation: $20.00 per hour
Schedule: Flexible hours, including afternoons, evenings, and late nights, with a 24/7 on-call crisis rotation
Location: Peoria, IL; multi-site, community-based
About ART INC- ART INC is a community-based arts and culture nonprofit in Peoria, IL. Our mission is to INSPIRE and EMPOWER the community through arts, education and culture. ART INC serves young people and families through three main programs: ASALA (Arts, Science and Leadership Academy) for youth ages 6 to 14; Pathways to College or Careers, providing job training and job development for ages 15 to 24; and SOLVE, providing gun violence intervention and victim assistance. ART INC staff, board, volunteers, and teaching artists work to give every student the chance to imagine, create, and realize their full potential through the arts, regardless of ability to pay.
About the Position- The Street Outreach Specialist focuses on conflict mediation and violence prevention among individuals at high risk of firearm violence. Specialists serve as credible messengers, using lived experience and strong community ties to mediate conflicts and disrupt cycles of violence and retaliation.
The Specialist responds to critical incidents, builds peace through community engagement, and maintains a caseload of up to 15 participants.
Requirements- Applicants must meet the following to be considered:
• Proven experience as a credible messenger, with lived experience and strong community ties relevant to the role
• Excellent communication and mediation skills
• Ability to work flexible hours, including afternoons, evenings, and late nights, and to take on-call shifts
• Strong organizational skills to track outreach activities and participant interactions
• Commitment to inclusivity and community empowerment
Duties and Responsibilities- The duties below illustrate the types of work performed. Omitting a specific duty does not exclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the role.
• Mediate and resolve conflicts between street groups, organizations, and individuals harmed by violence
• Engage individuals and groups at high risk of committing or becoming victims of violence in parks, homes, street corners, community centers, schools, and hospitals
• Respond to critical incidents such as shootings and homicides to de-escalate tension and reduce threats of violence
• Maintain on-call availability to respond to shooting incidents 24/7, receiving notifications from police or through apps such as Citizen
• Document police notifications, response times, and incident outcomes
• Confer with the Convener group after mass shooting incidents to coordinate immediate response and services
• Refer victims and families to additional non-emergency services and support
• Lead peace-building activities such as restorative justice practices, outings, and peace circles
• Manage a caseload of up to 15 participants with tailored support and intervention
• Keep detailed activity logs of outreach, participant engagement, and services provided, such as resource connections and safety planning
• Follow all ART INC policies, procedures, and program expectations
• Other duties as assigned
Supervisor Relationship- The Street Outreach Specialist takes direction from the COPO in all matters related to the duties and responsibilities of this position. Hiring, onboarding, and personnel questions are handled by the HR Manager.
Work Environment- This position is multi-site. Work takes place in multiple community locations and requires independent travel.
Mental and Physical Requirements- Physical effort is light, with intermittent lifting or carrying of up to 25 pounds and walking up and down stairs. The Specialist works in high-stress situations and may experience pressure tied to crisis response and documentation deadlines.
Compensation and Benefits- $20.00 per hour. Full-time employees are eligible for ART INC's benefits package, including a choice of three medical plans, dental and vision coverage, paid time off, and paid holidays.
How to Apply- Apply through this posting. Please upload your resume with your application.
Equal Opportunity Statement- ART INC is committed to providing a fair and welcoming environment for everyone who enters our building, works with us, or participates in our programs, within the parameters of the law. 20.00