SENIOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Code: 03265@ 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, takes the lead and/or performs the more difficult and responsible field and office work in the organization and development of a community relations program to promote unity in a community; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Assigns and supervises the work of a small staff and/or performs the more difficult and responsible work involved in organizing an effective work program of community relations.
• Plans, develops, and executes an approved program of survey and research relating to community problems.
• Creates a two-way flow of information by organizing community groups and meetings to ascertain how the jurisdiction can best serve the needs of the public.
• Elicits community support to modify existing programs and develop new programs that are relevant to the needs of the community.
• Obtains feedback from the community concerning the jurisdiction's services, facilities, programs, usage, and policies, and prepares reports and recommendations to the governing body based on same.
• Develops and maintains a harmonious liaison between the community and various government or private agencies to discuss all matters related to the reduction of prejudice and elimination of discrimination in the area.
• Encourages community groups to organize and negotiate with private organizations and government agencies to promote acceptance of program objectives to advance community harmony.
• Assists in the formation of block and neighborhood associations and prepares residents for acceptance of new neighbors, programs, or ideas designed to promote community harmony.
• Speaks to private, civic, government, fraternal, and religious organizations to promote peaceful neighborhood and school integration as it relates to community harmony.
• Keeps current of the latest sociological materials and journals concerning residence, race, relocation, education, and inter-group relations.
• Prepares newspaper releases and copy for journals and trade papers.
• Compiles statistical data pertaining to changes in neighborhoods and to project anticipated problems.
• Prepares reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Assigns and supervises the work of a small staff.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Three (3) years of experience in community relations or community organization work concerning inter-group relations and/or experience in fieldwork in any social welfare program.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of the planning and implementation of a program to promote cooperation, understanding, and harmony between government agencies, community groups, and the general public. Knowledge of the collection, preparation, editing, and distribution of information to promote the services and activities of the organization. Knowledge of methods effective in securing the active good will and cooperation of civic, business, and community groups, government agencies, and the general public. Knowledge of methods and procedures used to prepare reports and official correspondence. Knowledge of methods and procedures used to maintain essential records and files. Knowledge of attitudes of community groups and the general public with regard to government agencies. Ability to plan, develop, organize, establish, and supervise community relations functions. Ability to implement a community relations program to promote cooperation, understanding, and harmony between the government 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 provide assignments and instructions to employees. Ability to speak before large and varied groups of people, and lead discussions. Ability to prepare reports and correspondence. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. 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. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range

Note

The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. NOTE: Appointments may be made to positions requiring bilingual skills. @ - Bilingual in Spanish and English SPECIAL SKILL Applicants must be able to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in Spanish and English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. @LC N/A08-@Bilingual In Spanish And EnglishLC N/A08- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 12/11/1996