Community Program Specialist

The Roanoke City Police Department is seeking a Community Program Specialist to perform administrative and public relations work involving the development and implementation of crime prevention programs, methods, and techniques for individuals, businesses and community groups. The successful candidate will be responsible for community initiatives and the exchange of information between the Department and the public. Associates degree, Bachelor's degree preferred, from a college or university with major course work in criminal justice, human services, communications or related field supplemented by two or more years of related experience and/or training in social programing, crime prevention, or law enforcement. Must have demonstrated experience in program and strategy development and public speaking. Must possess a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The City of Roanoke is an Equal Employment Opportunity/AA/M/F/Disability Employer.
 
To elevate the performance of the organization, we are committed to respecting, celebrating, and embracing the collective mixture of differences and similarities between our employees as a rich tapestry. Our behaviors will demonstrate open communication, and we will seek opportunities to learn, recognizing and rewarding actions that promote acceptance while suspending judgment. By doing this, we will foster an inclusive, open work environment that delivers excellent service and creates a more vibrant and inviting community.
 
This is an non-exempt position. 

SUMMARY 
Coordinates, plans, develops, promotes and delivers public information through community relations and organizational communications for the City of Roanoke. Performs administrative and public outreach work involving the development and implementation of community and crime prevention programs, methods, and techniques for individuals, businesses and community groups, particularly as relates to neighborhood safety and youth.  Responsible for community initiatives and the exchange of information between the Department and the public through the multiple methods.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Develops crime prevention plans and program to include prioritization of the focus of campaigns, strategies, and coordination with other entities. Researches and develops special projects that are intended to reduce neighborhood and youth crime

Works with community groups, business organizations, and stakeholder agencies in identifying and developing new or expanded educational, cultural, and recreational programs and services for neighborhoods and youth in a designated community area

Conducts workshops to educate community residents on issues and concerns specific to crime prevention, neighborhood safety, and youth

Serves as liaison to other departments, schools, and community agencies in sponsoring neighborhood and youth focused events

Represents the department at various conferences, community meetings, and interagency taskforce initiatives to discuss crime prevention, neighborhood safety and youth programming and services
 
Coordinates special projects as requested

Attends local and community events as needed
 
Creates video and creative (graphic) assets
 
Creates and distributes external and internal newsletters
 
Assist with designing and maintaining a comprehensive neighborhood based crime prevention program

Establishes strategies to build community relationships by ensuring the open exchange of accurate information
 
Develops and implements crime prevention and community policing programs to foster community involvement; encourages citizens to participate in crime prevention initiatives
 
Surveys residents and businesses to obtain and evaluate information regarding interest in and acceptance of existing and potential crime prevention programs
 
Serves as the liaison between the Neighborhood Watch associations and the department; assists with National Night Out activities
 
Conducts crime prevention training programs for department staff, neighborhood and community organizations
 
Consults with businesses regarding crime prevention and community involvement and provides recommendations to improve security and prevent losses by conducting security assessments or surveys using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design standards
 
Attends business association meetings to explain the crime prevention programs and solicit their cooperation and support
 
Applies crime prevention programs to meet the needs of the community and to enhance neighborhood and youth safety
 
Suggests improvements in department practices relevant to police community interaction
 
Maintains the department's calendar of community group events and interaction activities
 
Creates educational brochures and flyers that are used to inform the community about issues such as crime prevention and various services offered by the department

Researches new topics and legislation in crime prevention, neighborhood safety, and youth

Assist with maintaining the City of Roanoke Certified Crime Prevention Community designation

 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES 
 This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS  
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must possess a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.
 
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 
Associate’s degree, Bachelor's degree preferred, in human services, criminal justice, public relations, communications, public administration or related field; five or more years of related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
This position has no special requirements. 

LANGUAGE SKILLS 
Ability to analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write speeches and compose presentations using original or innovative techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management and public groups.
 
REASONING ABILITY 
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
 
WORK ENVIRONMENT  
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
 The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.
 
This is a job description and not an individualized position description.  A job description defines the general character and scope of duties and responsibilities of all positions in a job classification, but it is not intended to describe and does not necessarily list the essential job functions for a given position in a classification.

Salary : $44,325 - $50,974