Street Outreach Specialist

About Us

Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc (ART INC), established in 2018 by Jonathon and Nikki Romain, stands as Peoria’s leading arts and culture non-profit. Each year, ART INC offers arts education to nearly 500 students, supported by a dedicated team of staff, board members, volunteers, and teaching artists. They work tirelessly to develop programs that empower all students to imagine, create, and reach their full potential through the arts, regardless of financial means.

Join our mission-driven team committed to creating safer communities by mediating conflicts and preventing violence. We prioritize inclusivity, empowerment, and personal growth, providing a supportive environment where you can make a meaningful impact.

Position Overview

Are you passionate about creating safer communities and reducing violence? We are seeking dedicated Street Outreach Workers to join our team, focusing on conflict mediation and violence prevention among individuals at high risk of firearm violence. This role is crucial in fostering peace and safety through community engagement and mediation efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Mediation and Conflict Resolution:

• "Credible messengers" with lived experience and strong community ties to mediate conflicts and disrupt cycles of violence/retaliation between street groups, organizations, and individuals.

• Mediate and resolve conflicts between street groups or individuals harmed by violence.

• Engagement and Support:

• Proactively engage with individuals and groups at high risk of committing or becoming victims of violence in various settings such as parks, homes, street corners, community centers, schools, and hospitals.

• Respond to critical incidents like shootings and homicides to de-escalate tension and reduce/address threats of violence.

• Make referrals for additional, non-emergency services and support for victims and families.

• Crisis Response and Documentation:

• Maintain on-call crisis staff availability to respond to shooting incidents 24/7, receiving notifications from police departments or through apps like Citizen.

• Document police department notifications, response times, and incident outcomes.

• Confer with Convener group after mass shooting incidents for immediate response and service coordination.

• Proactive Peace Building:

• Conduct peace-building activities such as restorative justice practices, event outings, and peace circles where applicable.

• Case Management:

• Manage a caseload of up to 15 participants, ensuring tailored support and intervention.

• Maintain detailed activity logs, tracking outreach activities, participant engagements, and services provided such as resource connections and safety planning.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience as a "credible messenger" with strong community ties and lived experience relevant to the role.

• Excellent communication and mediation skills.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including afternoons, evenings, and late nights.

• Strong organizational skills to track outreach activities and participant interactions.

• Commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment within the community.

• Join us in making a tangible impact and helping to reclaim public spaces for safe activities. If you are dedicated to community empowerment and personal growth in a supportive environment, we would love to hear from you.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement: 

At ART Inc we are committed to providing a fair and welcoming environment for everyone that enters our building, works in our employment, or participates in our programs within the parameters of the law.

Work Environment:

This position is multi-site, meaning that work generally takes place in multiple locations and requires independent travel.

Mental and Physical Requirements:

Physical effort is light, with lifting or carrying limited to 25 pounds intermittently as well as walking up and down stairs. Occasionally, there is pressure associated with project or activity deadlines. If you are committed to using your experiences to support and empower communities, we encourage you to apply. Help us create a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone.