COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST                                                       3709

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general supervision, an employee in this class coordinates the activities and programs undertak­en by a municipal agency or department.  The work involves consulting with public and private agencies as well as community organizations and groups in order to plan and develop the activities and programs for the agencies.  Duties include working in cooperation with local groups, identifying gaps in services and establishing priorities as well as community planning, development and administration of the overall activities and programs.  Other duties may include public relations, fund raising and referral services.  Duties are performed under the direction of the head of the department or agency and work is reviewed in progress and upon completion for effectiveness.  Supervision is exercised over employees who are responsible for individual activities within the overall community program.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

            Plans and develops activities and programs to be undertaken by a municipal agency or department;

            Contacts public and private agencies in order to explain services provided by the department and to obtain information on related programs offered by these groups;

            Consults with community organizations and groups in order to establish community needs and priorities;

            Coordinates various activities of paid and volunteer personnel who are engaged in the functions of department programs;

            Acts as a liaison between agencies, community groups and the department in order to coordinate services offered by the agency and to identify gaps in services;

            May represent the department at various meetings and activities when delegated, either as a public speaker or as a committee member;

            May prepare material for use in publicizing the activities of the department.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the principles and procedures in coordinating activities and programs for the agency; good knowledge of the area services by the departments and the needs and problems of the residents of the area; knowledge of the programs, activities and services offered by public and private agencies, community groups and the general public; ability to communicate with, and explain agency services and policies to, people of varied ages, educational and socio-eco­nomic levels; ability to supervise and review the work of a staff in a manner conducive to efficiency and high morale; 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 Master's Degree in Social Work or a related field; or,

            (b) Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree, and two (2) 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) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and six (6) 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,

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

 

            PROMOTIONAL

            One (1) year of permanent competitive status as a Community Relations Assistant or Community Relations Assistant (Spanish Speaking).

 

 

R08/03/09

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive