Community Risk Reduction and Public Outreach Specialist

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.

Education and Experience:

An equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience:

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. Preferred Qualifications 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. Licenses and/or

Certificates:

N/A Preferred:

Fire & Life Safety Educator (FLSE) CPR/AED Instructor

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

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.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stooping, walking, talking, sitting, pulling, grasping, hearing, seeing up close, seeing far away, kneeling, reaching, pushing, talking, standing, finger movement, repetitive motions, depth perception. Frequent lifting up to 25 pounds and occasional lifting up to 40 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.

Work is primarily performed indoors but requires some exposure to environmental changes (e.g., outdoor weather and/or field conditions, warehouses, covered loading docks, garages, etc.) or irate customers, extreme noise, odors, heights and/or dust.

RISK/SAFETY CONDITIONS

The position requires no exposure or risk related to physical and/or mental health and safety.

IMPORTANT NOTICES

Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor . All positions are subject to emergency activation. As such, the terms and conditions of the specification, as outlined below, are subject to modification based on the needs of any emergency activation. In addition, some positions may require a special license, screening clearance, or other credential that may not be specifically listed in the class specification. The employee's inability to obtain, or the loss of, any credential reasonably required to fulfill the essential job functions may disqualify an employee from continued employment. Charlotte County reserves the right to change class specifications, to meet operational needs, without prior notice. All positions with Charlotte County may be subject to drug testing in accordance with the Drug-Free Workplace Program and/or County policy.