Community Safety and Wellness Specialist

Under general supervision, this non-sworn civilian position is primarily focused on building positive relationships with businesses and members of the community, by addressing neighborhood concerns through outreach and education, engaging with residents through neighborhood meetings, community events, and door to door visits to understand local concerns and build trust. Provides support and resources to crime victims, connecting them with relevant services, identifying individuals in need of social services and connecting them with appropriate agencies.

Serves as a liaison between varying community resources to connect victims of domestic violence, individuals with mental health, and other special populations to services. Participates in recruiting efforts such as career fairs, expositions, and special events. Provides insight into best mental health practices to guide department programs and policies. Reports to the Commander/Community Safety Division.

• Building positive relationships with businesses and members of the community by addressing neighborhood concerns through outreach and education, engaging with residents through neighborhood meetings, community events, and door to door visits to understand local concerns and build trust.
• Working closely with sworn officers to share information, coordinate activities, and address community issues.
• Assisting with crowd management and safety planning at community events.
• Delivering presentations on crime prevention strategies, personal safety measures, and neighborhood watch programs to community groups, schools, and senior centers.
• Participating in police department recruiting efforts to include monitoring hiring and retention trends within and outside of the police department, attending career fairs, expositions, and special events. Assisting with application screenings, testing, interviewing, processing, hiring, and training new employees for the department. Recruiting event scheduling and social media outreach. Some travel may be required.
• Developing and implementing youth outreach programs (Police Explorer Program), organizing safety workshops, and mentoring young people. Assisting with the development of a Cadet program.
• Coordinating programs that encourage public participation (e.g., Citizens Police Academy, Police Explorers, and Kids Camp) and providing adjunct instructor support for the Public Safety Course at Foley High School.
• Serving as liaison between police department and community resources such as AltaPointe, Lighthouse, and drug dependence programs to connect individuals to services.
• Coordinating with supervisors to manage the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), Peer Support Team, Chaplains, mentorship program, and the fitness and nutrition program for the department.
• Coordinating and distributing wellness training, programs, and educational sources for department members.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree and two (2) years of experience in a job related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Valid Driver’s License required.

Experience in the following are preferred:
Psychological first aid, de-escalation training, crisis intervention training, and a certified peer support member.

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, or a related field is preferred.

Successful applicant must pass a psychological examination, drug test, a full driving and criminal background check, and polygraph examination.