CHIEF COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Code: 01107 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, supervises and works with a group of community relations specialists who assist in the organization and development of a community relations program to advance community harmony and perform the necessary fieldwork to carry out the objectives of the program; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Supervises and works with a group of Community Relations Specialists engaged in organizing an effective work program of community relations.
• Supervises the planning, development, and execution of an approved program of survey and research relating to community problems.
• Supervises the work involved in developing and maintaining a harmonious liaison between the community and various governmental or private agencies in order to discuss all matters r elated to the reduction of prejudice and the elimination of discrimination in the area.
• Encourages community groups to organize and negotiate with private organizations and governmental agencies to promote acceptance of the objectives of a program to advance community harmony.
• Supervises the work involved in assisting in the formulation of block and neighborhood associations and preparing the residents for acceptance of new neighbors, new programs, or new ideas designed to promote community harmony.
• Speaks to private, civic, governmental, fraternal and religious organizations in order to promote peaceful neighborhood and school integration as it relates to community harmony.
• Keeps abreast of the latest sociological materials and journals concerning residence, race, relocation, education and intergroup relations.
• Supervises the preparation of newspaper releases and prepares copy for journals and trade papers.
• Supervises the gathering and compiling of statistical data pertaining to changes in neighborhood and to project anticipated problems.
• Prepares necessary reports.

Experience

Five years of varied experience in community relations work concerning intergroup relations and/or experience in fieldwork in any social welfare program.

<b>KNOWLEDGE</b>

Thorough knowledge of the approved methods used in community relations functions in a large community and of all laws, rules, and regulations pertaining thereto.

Thorough knowledge of the planning and implementation of a program for the purpose of promoting cooperation, understanding, and harmony between governmental agencies, community groups, and the general public.

Thorough knowledge of the collection, preparation, editing, and distribution of information for the purpose of promoting the services and activities of the given organization.

Thorough knowledge of the methods effective in securing the active good will and cooperation of civic, business, and community groups, governmental agencies, and the public in general.

Thorough knowledge of preparing reports and official correspondence, and the maintenance of suitable records and files.

Thorough knowledge of the attitudes of community groups and the general public with regard to governmental agencies.

<b>ABILITY</b>

Ability to read, write, speak, understand or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of the position. Communication may include such forms as American Sign Language or braille.

Ability to implement a community relations program to promote cooperation, understanding, and harmony between the governmental agency and the public it serves.

Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret significant information.

Ability to serve as a facilitator between groups and individuals in the interest of resolving problems, promoting cooperation, and implementing a community relations program.

Ability to speak before large and varied groups of people and lead discussions.

Ability to work harmoniously with associates, subordinates, other groups and individuals.

Ability to direct the preparation of reports and correspondence and the establishment and maintenance of records and files.

Ability to supervise the work of others, provide them with needed advice, guidance and training, review and evaluate their work performance and take appropriate disciplinary action as needed.

Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.