Community Response Specialist

Pay Range: $51,355.20-$59,701.20 annually, depending on knowledge and experience.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Education or other closely related fields.
• Three (3) years of previous experience in working with community outreach initiatives, case management and social service programs.

Or

• Combination of education, training, and/or work experience equal to or higher than the requirements listed above as determined by Human Resources.

• Possession of an appropriate driver license for equipment operated and any license, training or certification required by law or regulation to complete assigned tasks.

This is a non-supervisory support position in the area of social work that focuses heavily on the needs of and available resources to address the homelessness issues within the City of Pensacola. Work is performed in accordance with department rules and regulations. The Community Response Specialist may work on special assignments requiring specialized abilities, usually obtained through experience as a social worker.

Work assignments and special instructions are received from a supervisor who reviews work methods and results through examination of reports, on‑job supervision, personal inspections, and discussion of work problems. Performance is evaluated through observed and attained results.

• Depending on area of assignment, visits communities and canvasses neighborhoods to assist with identifying and connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with services that are available.
• Communicates with staff, outreach organizations and facilitates meetings.
• Tracks outreach activities, including any expanded grant funds, as assigned.
• Coordinates public service work with other city departments and the public.
• Provides transportation services when needed and provides information to receiving facilities.
• Gathers and processes information obtained from citizens, complaints, and outreach committees.
• May attend neighborhood and committee meetings.
• Performs required administrative work such as, creation of written reports related to any case that has been serviced or investigated in order for project completions.
• Acts as liaison with Federal, State, and local agencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge in the principles and practices of public relations work, as related to outreach or educational activities by means of verbal, written or visual presentation, including the marketing and promotion of municipal activities.
• Knowledge in the methods, principles and practice of department targeted community agencies and organizations.
• Skilled in public speaking and Ability to establish contacts with other city departments and collectively work to resolve ongoing issues.
• Ability to identify service and maintenance needs within the community.
• Ability to meet, physical, mental, and medical requirements for this position.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing, including public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to effectively handle difficult interaction with citizens in person and via telephone or electronic communication.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and to prepare clear and concise reports.
• Ability to deal courteously and tactfully with the public.
• Ability to analyze situations and to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action.
• Possess a combination of skills and attributes such as compassion, communication skills, determination, effective networking, patience, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community agencies, other employees, businesses, and the general public.
• Ability to conduct efficient and effective meetings.

The mental and physical demands and the work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the…