Violence Intervention Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:
Under the supervision of the Department of Care Coordination and the Manager, the Break the Cycle Violence Intervention Specialist (VIS) provides direct, compassionate support to patients who have been victims of intentional, interpersonal violence, including gunshot wounds, stabbings, or assaults within the community.

The VIS is an integral member of the Break the Cycle Violence Intervention Program, working closely with the Violence Intervention Case Manager (VI-CM), who provides daily operational guidance, mentorship, advocacy, and motivation to patients navigating the aftermath of intentional violence.

The VIS draws on either personal lived experience with violence or a deep understanding of its impacts to build trust and rapport with patients. The VIS collaborates with patients to develop safety plans and transitional care plans and, alongside the VI-CM, connects patients to community resources to reduce the risk of re-injury or retaliation.

The VIS maintains ongoing engagement with patients through phone calls and in-person visits after hospital discharge, ensuring continued support and connection to care, services, and safety resources. The VIS is responsible for tracking and documenting all participant interactions in the electronic medical record (EMR). This role requires extensive travel throughout the community to build and maintain relationships with local service providers, agencies, and outreach organizations supporting at-risk individuals.

COMPETENCIES:

A. Education:

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  High school diploma or GED required.

  
  

B. Knowledge:

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  Firsthand experience with intentional violence or a strong understanding of the dynamics and impact of intentional violence.

  
  
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  Ability to engage and build trusting relationships with individuals who have experienced intentional violence.

  
  
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  Familiarity with communities served by The Johns Hopkins Hospital and other areas in Baltimore affected by violence.

  
  
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  Comfort interacting with high-risk individuals, gang-involved community members, and local community groups.

  
  
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  Knowledge of community healthcare, social services, educational, and vocational resources.

  
  
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  Training or knowledge in crisis intervention preferred.

  
  

C. Skills:

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  Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

  
  
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  Ability to establish supportive, trusting relationships.

  
  
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  Skilled in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.

  
  
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  Organized, with the ability to track, document, and report services provided.

  
  

D. Licensure/Certification:

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  Valid driver's license for the state in which the program operates, or reliable access to transportation to travel independently throughout the service area.

  
  

E. Work Experience:

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  Minimum of five (5) years of professional or volunteer experience in community outreach, healthcare, or related disciplines, specifically working with individuals who are at risk of or have experienced intentional violence.

  
  
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  Experience working with community-based organizations that provide services and resources to local communities.