Community Resource Specialist

Community Resource Specialist

The 2026 starting rate of pay is $28.74 - $31.54 per hour with advancement to $40.29 per hour. Grade: STA3 FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt Safety Sensitive Position:
Yes Supervisor

Title:

Public Safety Commander

Minimum Qualifications of

Education and Experience:

Must possess an Associate's degree in a field related to the job duties. Degrees may be in Human Services, Psychology, Social Work, Education, Criminal Justice, or related field. Candidates must possess two (2) years of outreach/advocacy work, code enforcement, public safety or community development experience. OR Any satisfactory equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the job proficiently may be substituted for the above requirements.

Nature of Work:
Under the direct supervision of the Public Safety Commander, the Community Resource Specialist is a civilian public safety professional who serves as a bridge between the Department of Public Safety, individuals and families in need, community organizations, and local and regional service providers. The position provides proactive outreach, resource navigation, referral coordination, follow-up, and community engagement for individuals impacted by crime, homelessness or housing instability, mental health concerns, substance use, family or personal crisis, and other circumstances that may contribute to repeated interaction with public safety services.

The Community Resource Specialist works collaboratively with Police, Fire, Community Development – Housing, other City departments, Blue Earth County, victim advocacy organizations, behavioral health providers, housing and homelessness service providers, schools, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners to connect individuals with appropriate services and reduce barriers to receiving assistance.

About Us:

Our employees are committed to working in an environment that fosters the core values of the City of Mankato – positive attitude, accountability, respect, teamwork, and integrity. We care about making a positive difference in the lives of others. Our work is challenging and has purpose. We listen and engage with each other and our community. We are empowered and trusted to make good decisions that align with the public service principles and core values.

Our organization is committed to investing and developing each other. We will recognize and celebrate our collective achievements and individual accomplishments. We take pride in investing in our employees. Our team enjoys a supportive work environment that encourages not only success for the community we serve, but for you as well. Come grow your career with us!

Primary Essential Work Functions:
Victim and Family Outreach Provides proactive follow-up, resource coordination, and support for victims of crime, vulnerable adults, youth, and families affected by crisis or traumatic events. Connects individuals with appropriate victim advocacy, legal, housing, behavioral health, financial, and other community resources. Coordinates with victim service providers, county agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other partners to improve access to services and identify gaps in available resources.

Homelessness and Housing Outreach Conducts proactive outreach and ongoing engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Assists individuals with navigating shelter, housing, benefits, transportation, employment, food, healthcare, and other basic-needs resources. Collaborate with City departments, Blue Earth County, housing providers, shelters, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners to promote housing stability and reduce repeated public safety contacts.

Mental Health, Substance Use, and Crisis Resource Coordination Provides outreach, referrals, and resource navigation for individuals experiencing mental health, substance-use, behavioral-health, or other personal crises. Supports Public Safety personnel during and following appropriate calls for service by assisting with de-escalation, service connections, and follow-up. Coordinates with crisis teams, treatment providers, recovery organizations, and other community partners and supports diversion or alternative-response efforts when appropriate.

Community Outreach and Engagement Serves as a primary liaison between Public Safety and residents, neighborhood associations, businesses,…