Community Risk Reduction and Public Outreach Specialist

Charlotte, County of•26571 Airport Road Punta Gorda FL 33982, FL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of building a safer, stronger, and more resilient community. By leading innovative Community Risk Reduction programs, empowering residents through education, and forging meaningful partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, and local organizations, you help reduce preventable emergencies before they happen. Whether you’re guiding public outreach efforts, shaping data-driven safety initiatives, or supporting communication during critical incidents, your work ensures that individuals and families have the knowledge, resources, and support they need to thrive. Every interaction becomes an opportunity to educate, uplift, and create lasting impact—one connection at a time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree Preferred: Public Safety Emergency Management Communications/Public Relations Education Social Work Public Health
Two (2) year of progressively responsible experience in community risk reduction, public education, outreach, fire/EMS, emergency management, or public information.
Knowledge of fire and EMS services, emergency preparedness, and public safety education principles.
Knowledge of media resources, and communication platforms used in public safety outreach.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and group facilitation with diverse audiences.
Strong organizational, prioritization, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
Skill in the use of standard office equipment and computer applications.
Ability to analyze and interpret policies, procedures, and guidelines and apply sound judgment.
Ability to exercise tact, professionalism, and problem-solving skills in public-facing situations.
Ability to maintain accurate records, reports, and program documentation.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to provide internal and external customer assistance and maintain positive community relationships.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions and operate a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading programs, initiatives, or projects with measurable outcomes.
Experience working within a Fire & EMS or public safety agency.
Familiarity with Community Risk Reduction (CRR) principles and public safety education programs.
Fire & Life Safety Educator (FLSE)
CPR/AED Instructor

Responsibilities

Serves as a departmental representative and leads engagement efforts at community meetings, school events, safety fairs, open houses, and outreach activities.
Cultivates and maintains partnerships with schools, civic organizations, nonprofits, and community leaders to support public education and resiliency goals.
Coordinates with community partners to engage individuals, promote resiliency, and reduce reliance on emergency services when appropriate.
Assesses community needs and connects individuals with appropriate local resources and services as alternatives to emergency response.
Serves as a subject matter expert on community resources and maintains relationships with service providers and partner agencies.
Leads and is accountable for the design, implementation, management, and evaluation of Community Risk Reduction (CRR) programs.
Leads development and delivery of CRR initiatives such as fall prevention, fire safety, drowning prevention, smoke detector programs, and CPR training.
Plans, coordinates, and conducts public education programs, presentations, and training for community groups, schools, healthcare facilities, and partner agencies.
Leads and facilitates fire station, EMS, and facility tours to provide safe and engaging educational experiences.
Supports and coordinates social media and public communication efforts, including content development aligned with departmental objectives.
Gathers and analyzes community feedback and program data to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.
Ensures consistent public education and safety messaging across Fire & EMS programs and communication strategies.
Develops and monitors budgets and grant-funded initiatives, including identifying and pursuing grant opportunities.
Prepares reports, presentations, correspondence, and program documentation, including tracking metrics and outcomes.
Uses data analysis to identify community risk trends, service gaps, and target populations, and adjusts programming accordingly.
Provides lead worker coordination over outreach activities, volunteers, and program participants.
Participates in Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activations and supports emergency management functions as needed.
Provides professional customer assistance and problem-solving related to public education and community risk reduction services.
Serves as an alternate/backup Public Information Officer (PIO) and may lead communication efforts during incidents or activations when assigned.
May operate a motor vehicle and work evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call shifts, and during emergency activations.