Convener Project Coordinator (Two Locations)

Position Title: Convener Project Coordinator

Department: Violence Intervention and Prevention Services (VIPS)

Reports to: Convener Program Director  

This postion has two locations Riverdale & Sinai Hospital 

Position Objective and Summary:

The Program Coordinator will support the Project Director (RPSA Convener) in facilitating the North Lawndale RPSA Community Group, composed of RPSA-funded providers and other community stakeholders. This role involves coordinating meetings, managing communications, supporting emergency responses, and assisting in community engagement initiatives aimed at addressing firearm violence and enhancing public safety.

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.