Position Summary

The Violence Prevention Specialist is responsible for reducing violence and improving public safety through proactive community engagement, intervention strategies, outreach initiatives, and collaborative partnerships within Pittsburgh neighborhoods. This position serves as a trusted liaison between community members, local organizations, schools, faith-based groups, healthcare providers, and public safety agencies to identify individuals and groups at elevated risk for violence to help mediate and intervene in problematic behavior and connect them with supportive resources and services where possible. The Specialist works directly within the community to build trust, de-escalate conflicts, promote positive relationships, and support violence prevention initiatives designed to improve neighborhood safety and community well-being.

The Violence Prevention Specialist plays a critical role in fostering safer communities by addressing the root causes of violence, strengthening community trust, supporting vulnerable populations, and promoting long-term neighborhood stability through outreach, intervention, and collaboration.

Department: Public Safety Administration

Posting Type: Announcement

Salary: $82,742 per year.

Union: None, this is a non-union position.

Civil Service Classification: Non-Competitive

Requirements

General Requirements :

You must submit or show proof of all the following at the time of application (unless otherwise indicated below), or your application will be disqualified.

Disqualifications based on any of these General Application Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal.

Applicants must submit a complete application, including education, work experience, a resume (if applicable), and completed supplemental questions
Applicants must become residents of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment and remain a resident throughout employment.
- Click here to view a map of City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

NOTE : The City of Pittsburgh, as a matter of policy, conducts pre-employment and promotional background investigations on all candidates being considered for positions. The background investigation includes, but is not limited to, criminal background, driver's license, and City of Pittsburgh real estate tax payments. Candidates may be disqualified from consideration based on the results of their background investigation, as it relates to the job for which the applicant is being considered.

NOTE: Candidates being considered for employment must submit official transcripts verifying post-secondary education (college/university, trade school, etc.) prior to hire.

QUALIFYING REQUIREMENTS : Your work experience and education/training will be evaluated to determine if you meet the qualifying eligibility requirements listed below for this position. You will receive notice of your eligibility status.

WORK EXPERIENCE : The application must clearly show three (3) years of full-time experience in community outreach, violence prevention, crisis intervention, case management, youth engagement, or a related human service. (Less than full-time experience will be calculated on a pro-rated basis.)
EDUCATION/TRAINING : The application must clearly show an Associate's Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Criminal Justice or a related field. (See NOTE under General Application Requirements regarding education/training verification.)
EQUIVALENCY : Education/training and/or work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis if the application clearly shows the required number of years to meet the Total Qualifying Requirement for this position, based on the sum of work experience and education/training listed above. The Total Qualifying Requirement is five (5) years. (NOTE under General Application Requirements regarding education/training verification.)

CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS

If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will receive a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s). You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position. Candidates receiving job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) before the date of hire.

Written : None required for this position.
Performance : None required for this position.
Medical : None required for this position.

POSITION DUTIES

Conducts consistent street-level and community-based outreach in various Pittsburgh neighborhoods.
Develops and maintains positive relationships with residents, community leaders, youth, local businesses, schools, and service providers.
Identifies individuals at risk of involvement in violence and provides intervention, mentorship, advocacy, and referrals to supportive services.
Mediates and de-escalates interpersonal conflicts and potentially violent situations using trauma-informed and evidence-based practices.
Organizes and participates in community meetings, neighborhood events, workshops, and violence prevention initiatives.
Collaborates with public safety agencies, healthcare systems, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and social service providers to coordinate prevention strategies.
Assists individuals and families in accessing resources such as housing assistance, employment services, behavioral health treatment, educational programs, and crisis intervention services.
Maintains accurate records, outreach logs, case notes, referrals, and program documentation in accordance with organizational policies and confidentiality standards.
Monitors community trends and emerging issues related to violence, gang activity, retaliation, trauma exposure, and public safety concerns.
Participates in training related to conflict mediation, crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, cultural competency, and violence prevention best practices.
Supports emergency response efforts and community stabilization activities following violent incidents.
Promotes community trust, relationship-building, and long-term violence reduction efforts through consistent engagement and visibility.
Performs other related tasks and duties as assigned or required.

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Violence Prevention Specialist