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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCommunity Outreach AssistantUpdated: August 2025 (Admin Review) CITY OF IOWA CITY – JOB DESCRIPTION Position Title: Community Outreach Assistant Department: Police Division: Support Services Supervisor: Sergeant – Community Outreach FLSA: Non-Exempt Civil Service: Yes Pay Grade: 8 Job Number: 0819 Job Summary Under general direction, establishes and maintains relationships within the community which foster positive communication and interactions between the Police Department and the public. Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. • Maintains a positive, active and visible presence throughout the community. • Attends various community events and outreach opportunities as a representative of the Police Department. • Promotes the mission of the Police Department and provides excellence in service. • Participates and assists the Neighborhood Response Officer, Community Relations Officer, and the Downtown Liaison Officers in planning, coordination, set up and presentation at community outreach events. • Provides community engagement, education, and public speaking. • Engages with under-represented groups within the community to create relationships, promote accessibility to police services and educate on police procedures. • Supports community outreach through creative partnerships with local organizations, agencies, businesses, educational institutions, faith communities and community partners. • Develops, implements and administers community outreach programs, materials and activities that support the mission and goals of the Police Department. • Responds to questions and suggestions from the public, City staff and other agencies regarding community outreach and the Police Department’s mission. • Assists the Public Information Officer with the Police Department’s social media sites and with the implementation of new digital communications initiatives. • Under the direction of the Public Information Officer, investigates, initiates, monitors and maintains existing and new opportunities likely to increase awareness of community outreach and accessibility to police services. • Conducts self in a professional manner which demonstrates courtesy and respect for all community members and coworkers. • Performs other duties as assigned. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) Minimum Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution; or two years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in customer service, marketing, communications, or working with youth. • Valid State of Iowa driver's license with satisfactory driving record. National Crime Information Center Certification required within 6 months of hire. Crisis Intervention Training required within twelve months of hire. Must be 18 years of age. Must pass criminal background check. Preferred Education, Experience, Certification/Licensure, Other • Associate’s degree from an accredited educational institution and one year of related experience; or three years of related experience and/or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in law enforcement or criminal justice. Bilingual proficiency. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities • Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, and percentages. • Ability to establish effective working relationships between department staff the public, and community partners. • Ability to identify program priorities, develop realistic work plans, and work on multiple tasks. • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. • Ability to maintain inter- and intra- department confidentiality. • Ability to prepare written materials including records, reports and PowerPoint presentations. • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. • Ability to reliably and predictably carry out duties. • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. • Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. • Ability to work effectively with a diverse population. • Ability to work in a team environment and independently. • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. • Knowledge and familiarity with website management and social media posts. • Knowledge of community and university resources. • Knowledge of the purpose of law enforcement and the criminal justice system. • Skill in listening, written and verbal communications, problem solving and time management. • Skill in marketing, public relations, and communication. Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review) • Skill in using computers and applicable software applications (Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, Outlook). Supervision No supervision of direct reports. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is not regularly exposed to adverse conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The stress level for this position may be elevated when handling upset customers. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Duties are generally performed in an office setting with a controlled environment. The job requires sitting for extended periods of time and the work may expose the employee to unpleasant social situations and significant work pace pressure. Reviewed/Approved by: Dustin Liston, Police Chief (4/2024) I have read and understand the duties and requirements of this job description, and I agree that I can perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. Employee Date ________________________________ __________________ Updated: August 2025 (Admin Review)