Public Safety Outreach Specialist

City of Modesto; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Modesto’s Police Department is seeking a Public Safety Outreach Specialist to augment public safety by proactively providing outreach for non‑criminal crises, including homelessness, mental health, and substance use. The role involves outreach, data collection, and connection to emergency health services and housing programs.

The position requires two years of homeless outreach experience, an Associate’s degree, and a California driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Two years of homeless outreach or related public safety work.
• Associate's degree in a relevant field.
• Valid California driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Locate and engage unsheltered homeless individuals for immediate support and housing referrals.
• Coordinate with City departments and community partners on outreach initiatives.
• Educate the public on available social services, laws, and City ordinances.
• Maintain records and statistics related to outreach efforts and client contacts.
• Drive City vehicles in a safe and responsible manner.

Skills

Public outreach

Community engagement

Crisis intervention

Education

Associate’s degree or equivalent in social work/related field

Job description

Looking for a career where you can make meaningful difference every day? The Modesto Police Department is seeking highly qualified candidates for Public Safety Outreach Specialist.

Salary Incentives

• 2.5% Education Incentive (bachelor's degree)
• 5% Education Incentive (master's degree)

Class specifications

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To augment public safety by proactively providing outreach services for a broad range of non‑criminal crises, including homelessness, intoxication, disorientation, substance abuse, mental illness, and dispute resolution; providing alternatives to law enforcement whenever possible; engagement, case management, data collection, and connection to emergency health and mental health services and transportation; reporting conditions that warrant police, social services, and public service intervention; and assisting with educating the homeless population and the public on laws and City ordinances.

The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H‑1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate’s experience.

Essential and other important responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions

• Locate, identify and build relationships with unsheltered homeless population and engage them for the purposes of providing immediate support, intervention and connection with homeless assistance programs and/or mainstream social services and housing programs.
• Participate in prevention activities by working with various departments, groups, and individuals on addressing issues, concerns, and complaints.
• Administer public information programs and education programs to educate unsheltered homeless individuals, families and the public of the social service programs and outreach efforts occurring in the City and County.
• Prepare and present information regarding social service and unsheltered homeless individuals and families at administrative meetings as needed.
• Coordinate and facilitate with other agencies and City and County departments regarding the needs and conditions of unsheltered homeless individuals and families.
• Confer with departments on initiatives, programs, and projects; provide input regarding strategic planning and implementation.
• Collaborate with staff to identify and seek co‑sponsorship community outreach opportunities.
• Monitor conditions of identified unsheltered homeless individuals and families and notify city staff of any health, safety, and maintenance issues.
• Provide information to City management on emerging and urgent issues related to the unsheltered homeless community.
• Maintain records and statistics related to the unsheltered homeless community.
• Drive City vehicles in a safe and knowledgeable manner.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co‑workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

Marginal Functions

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of

• Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Basic customer service principles and practices.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.

Ability to

• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships.
• Maintain cultural sensitivity and respect diversity.
• Develop and implement systems and programs related to assigned responsibilities.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Learn applicable laws related to homelessness, public camping, and health and safety.
• Learn available social services, including mental health, job training, financial/housing assistance, counseling, alcohol/drug addiction recovery, behavioral health, faith‑based organizations, and food/clothing.
• Develop favorable public relations and maintain an appearance that projects a positive image.
• Assess situations for health and safety needs.
• Learn de‑escalation techniques.
• Work irregular hours, as required.
• Learn procedures, processes, and forms related to assigned area.
• Learn pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Perform procedures in an organized and accurate manner.
• Maintain attention to detail despite interruptions.
• Communicate tactfully and effectively with the public while remaining calm; follow designated protocols in stressful and/or emergency situations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines

• Experience: Two years of experience in homeless outreach, community development, public health efforts or public safety.
• Training: Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, social services, public health, health and human services, or a related field.
• License or Certificate: Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Mobility: frequent standing for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting.
• Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• Vision: constant use of overall vision; occasional color and depth vision.
• Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching.
• Hearing/Talking: verbal communication including projecting a voice that can be heard in a noisy environment, hearing and distinguishing various sounds; explain the law and ordinances to the public.
• Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision‑making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone.
• Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year‑round basis subject to street or field noise and year‑round weather conditions. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Position may require working a variety of shifts, holidays, evenings, or weekends on a rotating basis and travel is rare.