Community Engagement Specialist I-Ii

Position Summary

HELP US BUILD A STRONG LA MESA COMMUNITY!!!!

Excellent Career Opportunity

City of La Mesa

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST I - $25.10 - $32.84/hour
• COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST II- $29.38- $38.45 monthly

The La Mesa Police Department is looking for a Community Engagement Specialist to build and maintain positive relationships through various engaging activities and events we have related to crime prevention in the La Mesa Community.

Community Engagement Specialists develop, coordinate, and implement community engagement programs that strengthen the relationship between the police department and the community; to make public presentations to community groups and facilitate community crime prevention efforts by responding appropriately to concerns and questions of citizens and involving them in the resolution; and to perform various public relations and administrative tasks related to engaging the community in safety efforts. This position works closely with Police officers, community members, local organizations, and government agencies to promote public safety, build trust, and enhance transparency.

Community Engagement Specialist I* - This is the entry level class in the Community Engagement Specialist series. After a relatively short training period, employees are expected to perform the full range of duties specified. Work in this class is distinguished from that of the Community Engagement Specialist II by the complexity of assignments received. Under the flexible staffing concept, individuals assigned to this class may reasonably expect to progress to the II level with the completion of two years' training, experience, and satisfactory job performance at the I level.

Community Engagement Specialist II* - This is the journey level in the Community Engagement Specialist series. Positions in this class are flexibly staffed and are normally filled by advancement from the Community Engagement Specialist I class. When filled from the outside positions require proper experience in applying principles and practices of crime prevention. Appointment to the higher class requires that the employee be performing substantially the full range of duties for the class, assume the responsibility of developing new programs and improving the effectiveness of existing programs. All positions assigned to this class must meet the qualification standards for the class, including the ability to work independently, exercising judgment and initiative.

• NOTE - The La Mesa Police Department may fill this position as either a Community Engagement Specialist I or II depending on the selected candidate's qualifications and experience.

Key Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Organize and administer a variety of community engagement programs and events, including but not limited to Kidzwatch, Neighborhood Watch, Safety Fair, Youth Leadership Camp, Coffee with a Cop, Faith & Blue, Emergency Preparedness, Life on the Beat and Citizen Academy; make telephone and mail contacts; schedule speakers and venues; design and produce materials.
• Manage the Department's social media platforms, including content creation of videos, graphics, photos, and language that aligns with the Department's Vision and Mission for promoting community involvement and working in partnership with the community. Ensuring effective messaging, tone, and engagement by posting content that reflects the highest professional standards of the Department and City. Monitoring those platforms for input from the community and responding via platforms to engage with the community when appropriate. Working closely with the City's Communication Manager and the Department's Public Information Officer for timely delivery of pertinent safety information and public awareness to further the Department's mission. Serving as part of the Public Information Officer's team during emergency situations within the ICS structure.
• Develop and present crime prevention programs to the public on a variety of topics including check and credit card fraud, shoplifting, rape awareness, auto theft, residential and commercial burglaries, burglary alarm systems and other subjects.
• Perform residential security inspections; provide information to property owners as to the types of doors, locks, and lighting required to best secure their properties.
• Perform commercial security inspections; provide recommendations and training to business owners and their employees on methods of loss prevention. Review plans and make recommendations to the Development Advisory Board (DAB) related to Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles and in accordance with laws governing facilities such as commercial marijuana facilities.
• Attend various meetings and give reports.
• Provide support to citizen groups; assist groups with recognition, organization, delegation and follow-up to specific issues and concerns.
• Present community engagement programs to pre-school, elementary, junior high and high schools in coordination with the School Resource Officers; give station tours to various groups.
• Collect and analyze statistical data to support community engagement and crime prevention efforts; prepare reports on community engagement unit activities.
• Perform related duties as required.

For more information, see the job description(s) below:

Community Engagement Specialist I-II

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Community Engagement Specialist I/II

Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by college level course work in criminal justice, police science, business administration, public administration or a related field.

Community Engagement Specialist I Experience:

Some work experience in a law enforcement environment involving substantial public contact.

Community Engagement Specialist IIExperience:

Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the development and implementation of crime prevention programs.

License or Certificate:

Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Examination Process

Interested applicants must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire. Candidates whose qualifications must closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position. The examination process may consist of any or all of the following components: written exam, practical skills assessment, writing assignment and appraisal interview. Eligible candidates will be notified when testing/interview dates have been established.

NOTE: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation, including drug screen, and a thorough Police background investigation.

• SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, March 3, 2025 -Recruitment Closes

Week of March 17, 2025 -Initial Interview Panel

• Please note, all dates and/or timeframes are subject to change.

The City of La Mesa is an Equal Opportunity and ADA compliant employers. All qualified candidates and veterans are welcome to apply!