About the Role
POSITION TITLE: SC2 Life Coach
REPORTS TO: Associate Director of Reentry & Support Services
About the SC2 Collaborative
The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago is serving as the hub for the Scaling Up (SC2) initiative in the Austin community. The SC2 Austin Collaborative came together to begin scaling their promising programs throughout Austin to achieve community-level violence reduction by scaling up services to individuals at highest risk of violence. This unprecedented level of coordination, alignment, and investment in direct service provision to the highest risk individuals will not only provide lessons for local replication but may also serve as a model that can be deployed in other cities across the nation.
POSITION OVERVIEW: Reporting to the Associate Director of Reentry & Support Services, the SC2 Life Coach works directly with high-risk individuals in the community and accompanies them as they navigate the challenges associated to current or past involvement with the criminal justice system, work to establish a healthy and stable lifestyle, and overcome barriers to accomplishing their professional goals. This position not only provides services and resources to help achieve established goals, but also uses first-hand knowledge of the community to develop and maintain meaningful and effective relationships with participants, responds in the community as crises arise and draws out participant motivation to reach his/her potential. The SC2 Life Coach models prosocial behaviors and successful interpersonal relationships, provides the accountability necessary to achieving established goals, and mentors participants as they receive supportive services and attend court dates. As such, this role is a critical component of the long-term success of the SC2 Austin Collaborative.
This position may also be a member of a Violence Prevention-Community Support Team (VP-CST), an innovative effort to provide trauma-informed therapeutic interventions to individuals who have experienced chronic exposure to firearm violence. VP-CST teams are comprised of an outreach worker, life coach and clinician.
Requirements
EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
The following educational qualifications are required for all life coaches to be a part of a VP-CST team:
An individual possessing a bachelor's degree in counseling and guidance, rehabilitation counseling, social work, education, vocational counseling, psychology, pastoral counseling, family therapy, or related human service field OR
An individual possessing a bachelor's degree in any field with two years of documented clinical experience in a mental health setting under the supervision of a QMHP OR
An individual with a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of five years documented clinical experience in mental health or human services
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
At least five years (5) experience working with high-risk individuals, preferably in Community Violence Intervention (CVI) field
Willingness and flexibility to respond to crises around the clock
Demonstrated commitment to professional development and to bettering yourself
Knowledge of Chicago neighborhoods, the fundamental drivers of violence and the history of street groups in the city
Knowledge of the criminal justice system in Cook County, court processes, restorative justice practices and alternatives to incarceration
Knowledge of basic cognitive behavioral intervention (CBI) principles
Ability to work with a team and respond well to supervisor direction
Ability to take initiative, work as a self-starter, lead by example, and model exemplary conduct
Ability and commitment to maintain a high level of confidentiality
Excellent verbal communication skills and ability to communicate effectively in writing
Knowledge of Microsoft Office and ability to complete basic data entry and word processing tasks
No pending criminal cases or prior convictions for sexual assault, child abuse or domestic violence
Valid Illinois driver’s license, insurance, and good driving record
Ability to meet prescribed deadlines, collaborate as part of a team and respond well to supervisor direction and follow up
Possess a strong sense of compassion and patience for serving an underserved population
Salary & Benefits
Compensation is commensurate with years of related experience, position requirements, and candidate qualifications. The average salary for the position is $50,000.
The Institute puts our people first with a top-of-the-line benefits package.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) of IL Medical Coverage options that support all levels of staff (including Part-Time): HMO, PPO, and HSA (PPO).
• ZERO: A free benefit for BCBS PPO members that helps find the least expensive option for medical
• MFS will contribute $2,000 to individual and $4,000 to family HSA Accounts through our HSA coverage, all front-loaded at the start of the year, or the start of your HSA enrollment.
• Teladoc services provided to all employees: A no-cost benefit providing general medicine and behavioral health services, no insurance
• Dental HMO and PPO options through Guardian
• VSP vision insurance with one of the largest networks in the Chicago-land
• Company-paid individual life insurance policy of $100,000, with a wide range of additional, employee-cost
• Company-paid individual Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Five Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options ranging from Health to Contribute your pre-tax dollars where you need them the most.
• Ascensus 401K Plan with up to a 4% Match, vested at 100% on day one of
• 12 paid holidays
• Starting with 15 days of PTO, maxing at 30 days after 3 years of service.
• Training and Professional Development Plan
• Pet Insurance options for your furry (or non-furry) friends.
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Free Will preparation services.
• On-staff notary available to
• ALEX, AI-powered assistance that will make your benefit decisions
About Institute for Nonviolence Chicago
The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago’s mission is to end the cycle of violence using Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principles and teachings of nonviolence. Informed by a philosophy of nonviolence, Nonviolence Chicago will establish caring and sustained relationships with participants engaged in the cycle of violence. We will emphasize partnerships with community members, leaders, social service providers, and local law enforcement to reduce community levels of violence. We will help create a safer, healthier environment for young adults, youth, and their families. These general approaches will be specifically addressed using for major methods: Community Violence Intervention (CVI) / Street Outreach, Individualized Service Provision, Victim Support Services, and Nonviolence Training.
To apply, please send a cover letter along with your resume to hiring@nonviolencechicago.org.
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago -- EEO Statement
Institute for Nonviolence Chicago provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, the Institute for Nonviolence Chicago complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.