Community Outreach Specialist (Unclassified)

JOB CODE: 3614

PAY GRADE: 2210

SALARY RANGE: $41,114 - $69,994

LOCATION OF WORK
Police Department

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Under the administrative direction of an employee of a higher classification, performs responsible work to engage local residents of a diverse community with neighborhood revitalization efforts to create place-based approaches to help neighborhoods in distress transform themselves into neighborhoods of opportunity. Successful planning efforts of the program rely upon the meaningful involvement of residents, civic leaders and other stakeholders representing public, non-profit, and private participants. Neighborhoods of focus include Greenville Extension, Eden Park, Midtown, Istrouma, Melrose East, Smiley Heights, and Ardenwood Village. This employee will be responsible for engaging the community, empowering residents during the planning and implementation process, conducting community engagement activities, and functioning as the link between the target community and the Steering Committee. Work also involves raising awareness about community issues, providing technical assistance and capacity building to existing community organizations, and may involve the development of local community development corporations. Work on weekends, evenings, or out-of-town travel will occasionally be required. Performs other work as requested.

ESSENTIAL WORK TASKS
Participates in the development and implementation of a strategic community-driven plan to define goals and objectives for neighborhood revitalization. Coordinates the efforts of residents, community organizations, developers, and other stakeholders to address community needs, such as creation of or staffing a multi-agency committee or task force. Works with a cohesive project team/steering committee where community organizing is one of several integrated strategies used to advance changes in community standards and norms; reports to an employee of a higher classification on all activities related to program goals and objectives. Oversees the development and implementation of work plans, including collaborative efforts to identify priority needs and implement specific interventions by community stakeholders. Mobilizes residents and businesses to participate in program activities through community organizing and other efforts to build more active communication lines between partners, residents, and community stakeholders. Cultivates collaborative partnerships among community residents, neighborhood associations, civic groups, or other community service agencies, developers, stakeholders, and informal community leaders to develop support of efforts to revitalize the neighborhoods. Organizes regular meetings and/or training sessions with residents and community stakeholders to explain goals and objectives and solicit participation in project activities. Organizes and helps facilitate meetings and/or trainings focused on the components of place-based neighborhood transformation models; speaks before groups, schools, and the community to promote the program. Assists in conducting door-to-door surveys and other community outreach activities. Creates and distributes information regarding the neighborhood revitalization program. Coordinates events and activities sponsored by the Mayor's Office, the Steering Committee, and other city partners as needed for community engagement. Documents and publicizes achievements of the program to build confidence and buy-in among stakeholders. Participates in regular meetings with cross-sector partners, represents the program at appropriate meetings, presentations, and public events; reports on project activities and the next sequence of action. Schedules, tracks, documents, and reports on the project planning process and implementation of its activities. Compiles and maintains a calendar of events, database of participants, and administrative records. Assists in securing additional funding consistent with the neighborhood transformation plan developed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of community organizing and group facilitation. Knowledge of program funding guidelines and standards. Knowledge of the structure and operation of local government. Skill in group facilitation and communication. Skill in analysis, negotiation, and problem solving. Skill in the use of a computer to interpret and analyze technical and statistical information and to prepare technical, oral, and written reports. Ability to use a computer for word processing, database operation, spreadsheet applications, or other software systems. Ability to work well in a fast-paced environment and to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. Ability to evaluate community resources and make appropriate recommendations. Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to groups and to individuals, and to gather, objectively analyze, present, and apply information and data. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with communities possessing a wide variety of community norms and standards, as well as cultural diversity. Ability to apply good work habits such as punctuality, reliability, preciseness, and dependability in order to effectively complete assigned tasks and contribute to the smooth operation of the department and division.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS