Community Engagement Liaison

Community Engagement Liaison

The City of Urbana is seeking qualified applicants for an exciting opportunity to serve as a trusted liaison between Urbana residents - particularly those from underserved and marginalized communities - and City resources, community organizations, and violence prevention initiatives. Working as a valuable member of the Urbana Police Department's Community Engagement Team, this non-sworn, civilian position combines proactive community engagement with targeted conflict mediation and violence interruption strategies.

The Community Engagement Liaison works to reduce harm, prevent retaliation, strengthen neighborhood relationships, and increase equitable access to services and opportunities. The successful candidate will collaborate with law enforcement and with other City departments, public safety partners, schools, hospitals, and community-based organizations to promote safety, wellness, and community resilience. This is a limited-term position with an anticipated duration of three (3) years.

The Community Engagement Liaison is distinguished from the Community Services and Liaisons Supervisor by the scope of work and supervisory responsibility within the Police Department. The former maintains a scope of work that is primarily focused on working directly with residents and community partners and coordinates specific projects and partnerships with and for the department's Community Engagement Sections, while the latter has both an internal and external focus, with a narrower external scope than the former and responsibility for internal supervision of non-sworn Police Services representatives and administrative support functions.

• Actively supports and upholds the City's mission and values.
• Builds and maintain strong relationships with residents, neighborhood leaders, schools, faith-based groups, and local organizations.
• Conducts proactive outreach to individuals and communities at elevated risk of violence. Works with residents and community members to identify and mediate conflicts to prevent escalation and retaliation.
• Provides trauma-informed support and maintains consistent engagement with members of at-risk populations.
• Connects residents to community resources including mental health, employment, education, housing, and victim services.
• Develops and facilitates workshops, events, and outreach initiatives focused on safety, wellness, and civic engagement.
• Documents outreach, mediations, and referrals in accordance with City and department requirements and established procedures. Assists in developing and maintaining the Urbana Police Department's community engagement programs, particularly those focused on outreach to at-risk populations in the community.
• Assists in developing mechanisms and strategies to facilitate communication between the Police Department and citizens regarding progress toward organizational goals, changes and achievements.
• Assists in representing the City of Urbana, as assigned, through networking and participation in a variety of meetings, public forums and social and civic functions with elected officials, external agencies, and community, neighborhood and business organizations.
• Creates, cultivates, and deepens strategic partnerships with key community members and groups. Attends meetings, seminars and forums of interest to keep informed of changing trends or legislative initiatives. Monitors publications and networks for relevant information pertaining to agendas assigned area of work. Reports significant information to Supervisor and members of Urbana Police Administration as required. Maintains various records of activities and programs.
  
  Prepares general correspondence and summary reports; makes reports on community engagement activities.
• Monitors social and community trends and issues.
• Maintains a database of community contacts. Assists with researching, writing, and designing internal and external communication such as press releases and annual reports for the public. Maintains strict confidentiality when in contact with or working with sensitive information requiring considerable use of tact, discretion, and judgment. Gathers community feedback and provides recommendations to support equitable policies and resource allocation. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education & Experience 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…