Community Safety Workers trainees giving a group presentation during class, the group presenting, “This too shall pass”

The innovative POIC Community Safety Worker training model has been launched, and the initial cohort dove deep into its coursework this spring. In a recent class, trainees gave group presentations on grant proposals addressing community violence, offering valuable insights into community safety practices and showcasing their vital role in shaping safer neighborhoods.

The Community Safety Worker (CSW) model is a comprehensive, groundbreaking two-year program spearheaded by POIC and Portland State University, designed to equip individuals with specialized skills and knowledge in trauma-informed care and community safety practices. While these individuals are passionate and possess valuable lived experience, they often lack the advanced training needed to excel in their roles and progress in their careers. To address this, POIC developed the CSW model, similar to that of an apprenticeship. Outreach workers attend courses at PSU while continuing their work in the community. This combination of academic and practical training ensures they are well-prepared to support and improve our community.

CSW trainees giving their group presentation

The goal is to professionalize this field, transforming it from a minimum wage job to a viable career path with a livable wage. Those closest to the problem are closest to the solution, and equipping passionate individuals with the necessary skills can significantly enhance public safety. This model not only prepares Community Safety Workers to be more effective in their current roles but also provides them with opportunities for future growth and development.

The Work and its Benefits

The CSW career offers three primary benefits, each crucial to enhancing public safety and community well-being.

First, let's start with the Community Safety Workers themselves. These staff members often come from challenging backgrounds, giving them a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the communities they serve. This role provides them with an opportunity to build their confidence, give back, and acquire valuable skills. These skills not only make them effective in their current roles but also enhance their employability in other future professions, thereby making them integral and marketable members of the economy.

Second, the individuals or small groups directly impacted by community violence benefit significantly from the support provided by Community Safety Workers. These workers help break the cycle of violence by offering comprehensive support services, including housing, healthcare, and employment assistance. By providing these alternatives, Community Safety Workers help individuals transition to safer, more productive lifestyles.

Third, this work has a profound impact on families and the broader community. As more individuals are guided away from violent paths and towards positive contributions, the entire community thrives. The ripple effect of one person making better decisions can lead to a safer, more prosperous environment for everyone.

CSW trainees presenting their group project

POIC has been committed to this mission for a long time. Unofficially, we have been engaged in violence prevention and intervention work since the mid-1980s through our alternative high school, Rosemary Anderson High School, which focused on students affected by community violence. Formally, we began our community outreach efforts in 2000 when we secured our first contract with the City of Portland to hire our initial Outreach worker. Over the past 25 years, our team has grown to 45 Outreach workers, and POIC has become a leader in this field. Our organization’s extensive experience highlights our commitment to transforming lives and communities through the Community Safety Worker model.

Valuing Expertise and Dedication

CSW trainees presenting their group project to class, Portland State University instructor, and POIC leadership staff panel

The CSW model was conceived as a visionary idea by POIC three years ago. Since then, our team and various community members have collaborated to bring this vision to life, resulting in the launch of our first cohort.

The Community Safety Workers undergoing training at Portland State University are now in their ninth week of the first quarter. To earn their certificate, each trainee must complete six quarters of coursework, all while actively working in the community—like a true apprenticeship program. As an incentive to complete the program, CSWs receive salary increases upon the completion of each quarter of training. By the end of the program, their wages will be comparable to those of a teacher.

Recognizing and rewarding the tireless efforts of our Community Safety Workers matters, especially for a population that has been historically marginalized and taken advantage of. POIC values what these professionals bring to the table; the program offers this competitive salary structure to reflect the importance and demands of their role. Professionalizing this essential field and providing our workers with a sustainable, rewarding career path is key to sustaining this innovative program.

POIC + RAHS President and CEO Joe McFerrin II meeting with Capitol Hill staffers in Washington, D.C.

Advocating for Change Beyond Oregon

Community Care team at a neighborhood safety panel at the New Columbia neighborhood

While celebrating the current successes of the CSW first cohort, our sights are set on broader horizons. POIC aspires to scale the Community Safety Worker Model nationally. POIC is actively seeking additional funding and partnerships to expand this transformative program, aiming to address public safety challenges across various communities.

To achieve this, POIC will demonstrate the effectiveness of this program through performance metrics and present our model at key violence prevention and intervention conferences across the country. Additionally, POIC leaders are working to secure the endorsement and support of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, intending to obtain federal funding. This growth is essential to bringing effective and sustainable public safety solutions to a wider audience and making a meaningful impact on a national level.

POIC + RAHS President and CEO Joe McFerrin II after a meeting in Washington, D.C.

Oregon is the fifth state to obtain a Medicare code for violence prevention, a milestone now reached by approximately 12 states. Our vision is for all states to eventually have a Medicaid code for violence prevention. As part of this funding framework, we advocate for services to be provided by outreach workers certified through the Community Safety Worker model. This certification will standardize, enhance, and measure the effectiveness of our efforts, helping to replicate our success in Oregon throughout the US.

In addition to the aspirations of the program, we have high expectations for the individuals completing the training and doing the hard work. Our commitment to the trainees completing the CSW Model extends beyond the initial training phase. We collaborate with a network of partner organizations to facilitate job placements and career advancement opportunities for our graduates. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to transition into sustainable careers aligned with their skills and goals, further solidifying their role as community leaders and advocates.

Community Care and Healing Hurt People Co-Director Roy Moore at a conference

How You Can Help

POIC + RAHS is deeply committed to the future success of our participants and the broader community. The Community Safety Worker model plays a critical role in enhancing public safety. By providing outreach workers with a comprehensive two-year certified training program, we empower them to serve their communities in unprecedented ways.

As we continue to recover from the spike in gun violence during the pandemic, the need for effective and sustainable community safety measures is more urgent than ever. The Community Safety Worker model represents a small investment with a profound impact. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of many and contribute to a safer, thriving community for all.

POIC + RAHS COO Julia addressing the CSW trainees after their presentations

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