Convener Project Coordinator

Brief Description
Position Title: Convener Project Coordinator
Department: Violence Intervention and Prevention Services (VIPS)
Reports to: Convener Program Director
Position Objective And Summary
Candidates with established partnerships and a strong knowledge of local resources in both North Lawndale and Riverdale are strongly encouraged to apply. The Convener Coordinator will support both communities by building relationships with local organizations, elected officials, law enforcement and establishing memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to connect families in each community with services and resources."
Essential Functions And Responsibilities
Community Engagement and Coordination
Assist in organizing and facilitating monthly RPSA Community Group meetings, ensuring agendas are prepared and meeting records are maintained.
Coordinate communication among community stakeholders, including violence prevention organizations, youth development agencies, and high-risk youth intervention programs.
Support the development and maintenance of reciprocal referral processes and formalized service linkage agreements among RPSA-funded providers and community groups.
Aid in organizing community events, forums, and panel discussions to elevate community voices and disseminate information on gun violence prevention efforts.
Emergency and Crisis Response Support
Assist in convening emergency response meetings with Community Group members and stakeholders during elevated firearm violence threats.
Support hospital-based interventions in collaboration with local hospitals to provide immediate support to victims of violence and their families.
Ensure trauma-informed care and crisis response protocols are followed during critical incidents, offering timely support to affected individuals and communities.
Administrative and Reporting Duties
Maintain accurate records of meetings, priorities, and action steps.
Provide written updates to the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) on key discussion areas, events, and community needs.
Participate in monthly Reimagine Conveners meetings with the OFVP, sharing local firearm violence prevention efforts, lessons learned, and successes.
Community Relations
Establish and maintain relationships with local service providers, government and law representatives, community leaders, and faith institutions to enhance community relations and strengthen referral sources.
Attend community meetings (e.g., elected officials’ meetings, beat meetings, community discussions) and represent UCAN as required.
Participate in a minimum of two community events per week to maintain active engagement with the community.
Professionalism and Work Conduct
Demonstrate integrity, high ethical standards, and a positive image of UCAN.
Adhere to UCAN's dress code and maintain appropriate boundaries with participants and their family members.
Exhibit accountability for results and uphold commitments to others.
Arrive prepared and on time for work, meetings, training, and job-related activities.
Respect cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of participants and coworkers.
Accept and provide constructive feedback and ideas to and from team members and supervisors.
Engage in alternative problem-solving and remain open to new ideas and methods.
Adhere to VIPS department values.
Professional Development
Attend regular supervision, team meetings, required training, and professional workshops to enhance job skills.
Set annual developmental goals with the supervisor to meet learning needs and interests, enhancing job performance and skills.
Perform other related tasks as required or assigned.
Education/ Job Experience/ Certifications
Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
Strong interpersonal skills to interact with diverse individuals and engage effectively during crises.
Proficiency in computer applications for documentation and reporting purposes.
Experience working in high-risk communities and with populations affected by gun and street violence.
Knowledge of local community resources and service providers.
Flexibility to work a dynamic schedule, including evening hours.
Valid driver's license, auto insurance, and access to a registered vehicle.
Respect for cultural and socioeconomic diversity, with the ability to work with a diverse participant population.
Understanding of trauma-informed practices and Positive Youth Development principles.
No pending criminal cases.
Work Environment: This position requires work off-site and in the community, including the transportation of participants and/or their families. This position requires work off-site and in the community. This position may require the transportation of participants and/or their families.
Work Conditions: This position will require work on weekends and evenings.
Summary
At UCAN, we prioritize the health and well-being of our team, as it is essential to our mission of serving the community. Our competitive benefits package is designed to help you and your family thrive. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of the benefits we offer.
Benefits You Can Choose From
Medical
Dental
Vision
Voluntary Life Insurance
Voluntary Short-Term Disability
Voluntary Critical Illness Insurance
Voluntary Accident Coverage
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
Retirement Plan (401k)
Tuition Reimbursement
Benefits Provided At No Cost To You
Group Life and AD&D Insurance
Group Long-Term Disability
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
UCAN Chicago is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Skills
Documentation

Work arrangement
Yes