Community Outreach Assistant

Salary: $4,391.00 - $5,603.00 Monthly
Location : Various, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 23-00377
Department: Various
Opening Date: 04/26/2023
The Salinas Community Development Department has a vacancy for a regular, full-time Community Outreach Assistant. This position is part of a team of Permit Center employees and would report directly to the Permit Center Coordinator. The Community Outreach Assistant would assist with customer interface at the Permit Center including training frontline reception staff, conducting improvement surveys, assisting in the creation of workshops and information about permitting and housing services, developing user friendly forms, assisting with management of the the Permit Center website, and tracking progress on the Permit Center Improvement Action Plan. The Community Outreach Assistant will be the key liaison in helping improve customer service and access to all services at the Permit Center with a focus on residents who are unfamiliar with City processes or have language barriers.
In addition, the Salinas Police Department and Community Development Department have vacancies for Community Outreach Assistants for a limited term not to exceed two years. These limited term, at-will positions are full-time and benefitted; however, appointments are for special programs and do not provide for attainment of regular status.
The positions in the Police Department will support Community Outreach and youth diversion programs through a California Violence Intervention and Prevention (Cal VIP) grant. The goal of these new programs is to reduce violence, prevent crime, improve community safety, and support intervention activities and services. Any prospective candidate will need to pass a thorough background investigation before being hired by the Salinas Police Department. This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time.
The position in Advanced Planning and Project Implementation (APPI) will focus on community engagement for the General Plan Update, coordinate various stakeholder meetings, draft marketing and meeting materials, conduct research and support other division activities.
The position in the Salinas Outreach and Response Team (SORT) will provide street-based outreach to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the City of Salinas and Continuum of Care (Coc) in areas including homeless encampments, parks, shelters, health centers etc. Emphasis on engagement and rapport building to connect persons to essential services and emergency shelter or other housing pathways.
The position in the Housing Navigation Program will provide housing navigation and rapid rehousing support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness in conjunction with the Salinas Outreach and Response Team. In addition, will coordinate with the local Continuum of Care and Housing Authority of Monterey County. Responsibilities include conducting housing assessments, landlord engagement and stabilization services.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly desired.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS: All applicants must provide proof of the required education at the time of application or submit to the Human Resources Department by the filing date. Applications are incomplete without the required document and will be disqualified. Late applications will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all documents are received by the deadline. This recruitment will be used to establish an eligibility list for current and future Community Outreach Assistant vacancies.
Summary of Duties: Performs a variety of field, community engagement, public outreach and administrative support duties related to operation and service programs and/or major planning initiatives of the Community Development Department.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This is a single level job classification in the Community Development Department. Work is clearly defined and supervised. Performs basic paraprofessional and technical assistance with defined goals, objectives, and procedures.
Supervision Received and Exercised:Receives general supervision from the Department Director designee. May serve as lead and exercise functional supervision of lower-level temporary staff and/or volunteers.
Essential Job Functions

1. Assists in the implementation of department operation and service programs or planning initiatives/community engagement efforts
2. Assists with planning and conducting Community Outreach events, workshops, trainings and other meetings
3. Assists with the coordination of meeting logistics including securing venues, obtaining supplies and materials, arranging for childcare, refreshments and meeting/event set-up and clean-up
4. Prepares and distributes meeting notices, flyers, surveys, and outreach materials
5. Responds to letters, public inquires, e-mails, and other communications
6. Maintains contact lists in both written and/or electronic formats
7. Utilizes social media platforms to engage and inform members of the community
8. Prepares and/or gives presentations (i.e. PowerPoint) to the general public, community organizations and others
9. Facilitates small group and other community engagement activities
10. Prepares meeting agendas and follow-up notes; records community input
11. Performs basic research to assist the preparation of reports, surveys, studies or other documents
12. Coordinates, interacts and confers with other City Departments
13. Serves as liaison between other government agencies, non-profit organizations and ad hoc committees for special community service projects, etc.
14. Interprets and conveys applicable City policies, rules and regulations
15. Promotes and maintains safety in the workplace
16. Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of effective organization, program development and implementation
• English usage, grammar, spelling and punctuation
• Appropriate writing techniques for writing reports and correspondence
• Research methods and procedures
• Record keeping principles and procedures
• Principles of local government practices
• Principles of volunteerism and marketing
• Basic clerical and computer skills, including word processing and basic software applications (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Outlook 365); filing; familiarity with learning materials and effective training techniques
• Other desktop publishing software related to preparing leaflets, brochures and similar materials (such as Adobe Illustrator, InDesign or MS Publisher) is desired

Skill in:

• Understanding the organization and operation of the City, community stakeholders and other outside organizations necessary to assume assigned responsibilities
• Promoting the mission, values and standards of an effective public organization, particularly in the area of customer service
• Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Preparing outreach materials and assisting with meeting logistics
• Utilizing social media and email
• Reading, understanding, applying and explaining City programs, regulations and planning initiatives/efforts
• Giving public presentations to a wide range of large and small audiences
• Guiding small group activities and discussions
• Conducting web/online research
• Working cooperatively with other City departments and outside agencies
• Working independently
• Analyzing situations and adopting effective courses of action
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City staff, elected officials, the community and volunteers

Education: High School Diploma or GED
Experience: Two years of work experience involving increased responsibility and customer service, public outreach, community development or planning experience.
An Associate Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field may be substituted for one year of experience; or
A Bachelor's Degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Political Science, or a closely related field may be substituted for six months of the required experience.
Licenses and Certifications: A valid State of California Driver's License.
Supplemental Information
Physical Demands and Working Conditions: Physical, mental and emotional stamina to perform the duties and responsibilities of the position; manual dexterity sufficient to write, use telephone, computers, business machines and related equipment; vision sufficient to read printed materials, visual display terminals; hearing sufficient to conduct in person and telephone conversations; speaking ability in an understandable voice with sufficient volume to be heard in a normal conversational distance on the telephone or in person, and to project with sufficient volume when addressing large groups or facilitating community engagement activities; physical agility to push/pull, squat, twist, turn, bend, stoop and reach overhead; physical mobility sufficient to move about the work environment, physical strength to lift up to 30 lbs.; physical stamina sufficient to sit, stand or walk for prolonged periods of time; mental acuity to collect and interpret data, evaluate, reason, define problems, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, make valid judgments and decisions
A combination of field work traveling to community events or meetings throughout the City, and a business office working environment subject to sitting at a desk or standing at a counter, booth or display station for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods of time working at a computer station. Work conditions will include attending out-of-office meetings and events and interacting with the public, walking and standing for long periods of time, at times in an outdoor environment, in all weather conditions. May work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required.
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE: A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254.
Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.
SELECTION PROCESS: Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, panel interview, and/or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION. Finalist interview/assessment will be held with the City of Salinas. Any prospective candidate not currently working for the Salinas Police Department will need to pass a thorough background investigation before being hired into the position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Salinas does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Salinas makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability. Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Director in writing no later than the final filing date stated in this job announcement. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process and/or to perform the duties of the job for which they have applied. EEO Utilization Report is available for candidate review upon request.
SALARY STEPS: Appointments are normally made at the first step. Consideration is given for increase to the second step after successful completion of a six-month probationary period. (Employees appointed at a higher step will be eligible for consideration for the next step after one year, providing they successfully complete a six-month probationary period.)
For questions, please contact Patricia Peñaloza, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 758-7416 or
Veteran's Preference: A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254.
Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.
Selection Process: Applicants' qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, and/or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION RE...