COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST LAW ENFORCEMENT

Code: 05543 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, implements and participates in a community relations program designed to advance understanding and harmony between the law enforcement agency and the community which it serves; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

• Implements and participates in a program of community relations designed to increase awareness of mutual problems between the community and the law enforcement agency.
• Interprets agency policies, practices, and goals to members of the community.
• Attempts to mediate conflicts between members of the community and law enforcement agency.
• Assists members of the community with their social problems
• Seeks to reduce prejudice through increased contacts between the law enforcement agency and members of the community.
• Speaks to private, civic, government, fraternal, and religious organizations to promote community harmony and increased understanding of the goals of the law enforcement agency.
• Acts as liaison between community groups and government officials on problems relevant to the agency.
• Conducts tours of law enforcement facilities for visiting groups.
• Participates in school sponsored activities designed to advance community harmony.
• Advises law enforcement and other government officials as to the needs, desires, and attitudes of the community.
• Prepares correspondence and reports.
• Serves as liaison between the law enforcement agency, other government units and groups, and the general public, on activities of the agency.
• Plans, coordinates, and implements activities such as workshops, seminars, and training sessions, in the interest of promoting services and interests of the law enforcement agency.
• Serves as a facilitator between the law enforcement agency, other government agencies, and the general public, in the interest of resolving problems, complaints, other issues.
• Prepares news releases on the services and activities of the agency.
• Interprets policies, practices, and goals of the agency to other agencies and the general public.
• Makes presentations to a variety of groups on the activities of the agency.
• Prepares correspondence and reports of an official nature.
• Maintains records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Experience

Two (2) years of experience in community relations or community organization work concerning intergroup relations and/or experience in field work 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 essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of policies, practices, and goals of law enforcement agencies.
• Knowledge of problems and difficulties experienced in implementing policies, practices, and goals of law enforcement agencies and the options available to address them properly.
• Knowledge of procedures for planning and implementing a program for the purpose of promoting cooperation, understanding, and harmony between law enforcement agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Knowledge of procedures for collecting, preparing, editing, and distributing information for the purpose of promoting services and activities of the organization.
• Knowledge of methods which will be effective in securing the active good will and cooperation of civic, business, and community groups, law enforcement agencies, and the public in general.
• Knowledge of procedures for preparing reports and official correspondence.
• Knowledge of procedures for maintaining records and files.
• Knowledge of attitudes of community groups and the general public with regard to law enforcement agencies.
• Ability to implement a community relations program to promote cooperation, understanding, and harmony between the law enforcement agency and the public it services.
• 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, varied groups of people and lead discussion.
• Ability to work harmoniously with associates, subordinates, and other groups and individuals.
• Ability to prepare reports and correspondence.
• Ability to maintain records and files.
• Ability 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, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform 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 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.

Note

The 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.