Community Engagement Officer

Under direction, the Community Engagement Specialist develops and coordinates outreach programs for the Hampton Sheriff's Office, while interacting with and engaging community partners. This salaried, full-time sworn deputy position operates under a standard work schedule (Monday-Friday, 8-4:30) but may be subject to alternative work schedules as needed to support programing, events, and services.

Responsible for maintaining the security, safety and control of inmates confined to the Hampton Correctional Facility and the Hampton Community Correctional Center. 

Pursuant to §53.1-29 of the Code of Virginia and Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) and the Hampton Sheriff's Office policy and procedures, the incumbent must qualify to carry and use firearms.

Pursuant to §15.2-1603 of the Code of Virginia incumbent is appointed at-will and serves at the pleasure of the Sheriff.  This position is non-exempt.

• Demonstrates positive attitude and progressive actions through the display of professionalism, courtesy and appropriate tact and discretion in all interactions with other employees and with the public

• Assists in the development, delivery, and implementation of small and large-scale community engagement activities

• Participates in agency recruitment activities

• Attends community events to spread information about Hampton Sheriff's Office services and provide resources

• Maintains contact with Project Lifesaver clients

• Conducts home visits to replace Project Lifesaver batteries

• Collects payment from Project Lifesaver clients

• Conducts search missions for missing Project Lifesaver clients

• Photographs Sheriff's Office events.

• Makes presentations on Sheriff's behalf to schools, churches and other organizations

• Meets with public and private groups to explain Sheriff's Office programs, procedures and operation of the department

• Participates in discussions, seminars and other related events designed to engage youth and adults, which may include making introductions and giving presentations

• Making meaningful connections with people from various backgrounds

• Greeting and directing guests at events, employing impeccable interpersonal and customer service skills

• Represents the Hampton Sheriff's Office when directed by Sheriff

• Adheres to all policies, procedures, guidelines and directives of the office on an ongoing basis

• Be dependable and meet acceptable attendance requirements at all times

• Protects confidential information by preventing unauthorized release, both verbal and/or writing

• Disseminates information as it is given by the Department's Administration

• Responsible for the security and safety of all inmates, visitors and staff within the correctional facilities

• Performs duties under the direct supervision of the Sergeant and is accountable for use of delegated authority

• Demonstrates positive attitude, professionalism, tact and discretion with staff, volunteers and the public

• Prevents access of unauthorized persons inside the premises

• Properly and efficiently checks all personnel and vehicles for identity prior to entry

• Conducts security rounds

• Supervises inmate activities

• Escorts inmates throughout the jail as required

• Maintains floor log of daily inmate activities

• Ensures that inmates are fed

• Responsible for overseeing inmate recreation as scheduled or authorized

• Responsible for observing the physical and mental condition of all inmates and documenting on the appropriate logs

• Responsible to report any behaviors (mental or physical) that may indicate suicidal attempt to supervisory staff and medical as well as mental health personnel

• Consults medical personnel concerning inmate's health to verify an inmate's illness and identify any necessary precautions

• Conduct thorough searches of all detainee/inmates and inventory all items

• Conduct security checks of all doors and windows for proper functioning

• Investigates injuries to inmates and report to supervisor

• Ensures all the proper checks prior to releasing any inmate

• Monitors camera, audio alarms, door alarms, fire alarms, etc.

• Monitors inmate movement and activity

• Inventories and issues facility keys, vehicle keys, radios, etc.

• Additional responsibilities as designated

All Employees are expected to follow all Federal, State and local laws; effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the organization through work behaviors demonstrating the expectations of the Hampton Sheriff's Office. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Thorough knowledge of the responsibilities of the Sheriff's Office

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city and state officials, as well as all media representatives

• Must have extensive writing skills to compose and edit letters, reports, proposals, etc

• Must have public speaking skills and ability to make formal presentations.

• Knowledge of use of force techniques and ability to use force when applicable

• Appropriate use of firearms and other facility issued or approved equipment

• Ability to skillfully and safely use firearms and other facility issued or approved equipment

• Ability to read and comprehend laws, ordinances and orders

• Maintain composure under adverse conditions such as public harassment, critical injuries, and death

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, officials and citizens from a variety of racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds

• Present evidence in court effectively; skillful in observation and remembering details

• Interpret and explain policies and procedures

• Act rationally and calm under stressful situations

• Utilize good public relations skills

• Use good leadership skills

• Prioritize tasks

• Properly operate authorized city vehicles and equipment

• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper cause of action

• Understand legal rights of inmates, maintain inmates safety and security

• Supervise emergency situations and maintain control of inmate population

• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals

• Appropriately subdue resisting individuals

• Perform life-saving and rescue procedures

• Make sound decisions

• Give and follow commands, following through when needed

• Corrections

• Knowledge of corrections including behavior observation techniques, principles, theories and practices; knowledge of institutional procedures, crisis intervention, and verbal and physical intervention skills

• Safety/Security

• Knowledge of common safety rules, regulations, procedures and practices to include effective restraint techniques, basic first aid and CPR

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Decision Making

• Evaluates and responds quickly to situations in a firm and tactful manner. Diffuses emotional situations and offers solutions

• Professionalism

• Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships with employees, managers, and representatives from other departments and organizations. Shares knowledge with staff for mutual and departmental benefit

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Time Management

• Plans and organizes daily work routine. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Implements work activities in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules

• Communication

• Ability to communicate ideas effectively, including the preparation of reports and logs. Ability to listen and understand directions, information and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of customer service issues with tact and diplomacy in a confidential manner

• Judgment

• Ability to anticipate, identify and evaluate potentially dangerous, unusual or deviating situations and to exercise appropriate judgment to establish priorities and make prompt problem-solving actions

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a high school diploma/GED. Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major coursework in English, journalism, public speaking or any related field. Extensive computer skills to include graphics layout and design.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires an acceptable background check to include a local and state criminal history check and sex offender registry check   Requires pre-employment medical evaluation, drug testing and is subject to random alcohol and controlled substance testing.    Must maintain a current & valid VA driver's license with an acceptable driving record (no greater than

• 2 driving points)   Must obtain certification through a Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (VDCJS) training academy at the Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy (HRCJTA)    Must obtain and maintain a Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services Firearms Certification upon successful completion of HRCJTA within the first year of employment

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS 

The job may risk exposure to extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, noise, fumes, odors, moving machinery, electrical shock, traffic and toxic or caustic chemicals. Risk of exposure to bio-hazard communicable diseases and bodily fluids  

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS 

Must have the capability to hear, speak and see to communicate with the general public. Must have the strength and ability to apprehend, subdue and restrain criminal offenders. Physical exertion may be required to climb stairs and over walls, run, bend, twist, reach, crawl through tight spaces, kneel in confined areas; sit for prolonged periods of time; move/push/pull or lift heavy objects exceeding 50 lbs; Subject to 24-hour call back for emergencies. An annual medical physical and physical agility test are conducted for this position. Requires operation of firearm and standard office equipment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS  

Click here to complete the required Authorization for Release of Information form.

Click here to complete the required Agility Test form.