Faith-Based & Community Engagement Specialist
About The Position
The Faith-Based & Community Engagement Specialist performs complex consultative services and technical assistance work. Work involves coordinating, developing, implementing, and analyzing specialized projects and programs. The role aims to increase the number of faith-based and community groups involved in Child Protective Services and Investigations (CPS/CPI) programs at the local, regional, and state level. This involves developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships between DFPS and local faith-based and community groups to ensure client needs are met and to support CPS and CPI goals and objectives. The specialist will provide consultation and assistance to governmental agencies, community organizations, faith-based and community leaders, and the public. They will also develop and maintain collaborative intra-agency relationships and manage local and/or regional volunteer and intern programs. Additionally, the role includes conducting a community relations program through media outlets and personal speaking engagements, and developing educational and training materials and programs. The position may involve training, mentoring, or supervising the work of others and operates under limited supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Minimum of four years’ experience in community engagement, faith-based partnerships, volunteer management and/or Child Protective Investigations and/or Child Protective Services work.
- Skilled in dealing with the general public both virtually and in person.
- Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the public, faith-based and community organizations.
- Skilled in public speaking and developing presentations.
- Skilled in effective written and verbal communication.
- Skilled in the use of a computer and applicable software such as Microsoft suite.
- Ability to work with diverse populations including DFPS staff and leadership, media, community partners, faith communities and the general public.
- Ability to develop, coordinate, and promote volunteer programs.
- Ability to develop training.
- Ability to identify resources conducive to volunteer programs.
- Ability to explain policies and procedures.
- Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
- Ability to organize, plan and set priorities in a timely manner.
- Must pass a background check.
- Must pass a driver's record check (if applicable).
- Must complete training and abide by agency cybersecurity and communications system usage policies.
- Must be familiar with WCAG 2.1 AA and Section 508 to create accessible content.
- Must provide documentation to show identity and authorization to work in the US.
Nice To Haves
- Education and experience may be substituted on a year for year basis.
Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain partnerships with faith-based and community partners to ensure client needs are met and to support CPS and CPI goals and objectives.
- Identify and forecast service needs.
- Meet with individual faith and community leaders.
- Coordinate and facilitate internal and external meetings and work groups.
- Serve as the liaison to and collaborate with community and faith-based organizations, professional groups, and local public officials.
- Provide technical assistance, training, and policy guidance to agency staff and external stakeholders.
- Develops and maintains collaborative intra-agency relationships.
- Develops and manages local and/or regional volunteer and intern programs.
- Manages volunteer and intern opportunities in an on-line volunteer platform.
- Processes volunteer and intern applications and background checks.
- Matches agency needs with volunteer and intern skills.
- Monitors and evaluates volunteer and intern performance.
- Coordinates a community relations program through media outlets and personal speaking engagements.
- Coordinates the preparation of educational and training materials and programs that educate the community about the work of DFPS.
- Make presentations at faith-based events and community gatherings.
- Promote agency public awareness campaigns.
- Tracks any donations and/or contributions that are received or distributed.
- Ensures that contributions and donations are acknowledged in a proper manner.
- Prepares monthly and annual reports for the Faith-Based and Community Engagement Division.
- Attends internal staff meetings.
- Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- 100% paid health insurance for you, and 50% paid for eligible family members
- Retirement plans with lifetime monthly payments after five years of state service
- 401(k) and 457 plans
- Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
- Optional dental, vision, and life insurance
- Flexible spending accounts for added tax savings on health and dependent care
- Employee discounts on things like gym memberships, electronics, and entertainment
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
