COMMUNITY RELATIONS ASSISTANT 3708

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under direct supervision, an employee in this class assists in the development and implementation of a community relations program for a municipal department. The incumbent assists in conducting a program to publicize the services of a municipal department and to involve community agencies and groups in an effort to provide more effective services to the public. The work involves considerable contact with representatives of other agencies, community organizations and the general public. The incumbent receives close supervision and guidance from an administrative or professional supervisor, while learning the operations and goals of the program. Once experience is gained, the incumbent would be expected to exercise independent judgment and initiative in carrying out assigned duties. Performance is subject to review through frequent consultation, conferences and written reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Contacts other departments, private agencies and community organizations to explain the services provided by the department and to obtain information on related programs offered by these groups;

Attends meetings with representatives of community organizations to discuss problems in providing needed services to the community;

Performs research to develop information on resources available to the community and to identify areas where resources are lacking;

Receives and investigates complaints from the general public concerning activities of the department;

Assists in the preparation of publicity material concerning departmental activities;

Compiles information on available community services into manuals or other forms of information retrieval for use in making referrals;

May coordinate the activities of volunteers engaged in outreach work or the delivery of auxiliary services.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Ability to establish effective working relationships with representatives of other departments, private agencies, community groups and the general public; ability to communicate with and explain agency services and policies to people of varied ages and educational and socio-economic levels; ability to learn the programs and services offered by the department; ability to plan innovative and effective approaches to the community relations problems of a public service organization; ability to analyze and organize data, and to prepare reports; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Either:

a) Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree; or,

b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and four (4) years of technical experience in a program which provided services for particular human needs such as: education (elementary or high school), youth services, drug and alcohol services, social work or counseling; or,

c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of a) and b).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

Depending on the nature of the assignment, at the time of appointment and during employment in this title, candidates may be required to possess a valid New York State driver's license.

R04/12/2024

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive