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Job Description
Community Engagement Liaison City of Urbana - 3.9 Urbana, IL Job Details Full-time $70,188.90 - $91,245.57 a year 1 day ago Qualifications Confidential information handling De-escalation techniques Conflict de-escalation High school diploma or GED Working with survivors of violence Class D Emotional safety support Working with individuals from underserved communities
Full Job Description JOB Position Summary:
The City of Urbana is seeking qualified applicants for an exciting opportunity to serves as a trusted liaison between Urbana residents - particularly those from underserved and marginalized communities - and City resources, community organizations, and violence prevention initiatives. Working as a valuable member of the Urbana Police Department's Community Engagement Team, this non-sworn, civilian position combines proactive community engagement with targeted conflict mediation and violence interruption strategies. The Community Engagement Liaison works to reduce harm, prevent retaliation, strengthen neighborhood relationships, and increase equitable access to services and opportunities. The successful candidate will collaborate with law enforcement and with other City departments, public safety partners, schools, hospitals, and community-based organizations to promote safety, wellness, and community resilience. This is a limited-term position with an anticipated duration of three (3) years, dependent upon continued funding.
Our Ideal Candidate:
Is passionate about serving their community,provingand supporting trauma-informed care, and making a lasting impact in marginalized communities.
Has a demonstrated understanding of the issues affecting the Urbana-Champaign community as well as those affecting our community membersimpactedby violence, underrepresentation, and/or limited resource availability.
Actively listens and responds with empathy, especially when dealing with sensitive or emotionally charged situations;demonstratesstrong personal resilience during highly charged public hearings,maintainingcomposure and professionalism in challenging situations.
Demonstrates consistency between words and actions, reinforcing the City'svalues.
Maintains professionalism and focus even amid frequent interruptions or shifting demandsIs highly organized andmaintainsaccuracy and consistency in documents, maps, and reports.
Consistently adheres to rules, policies, and ethical standards - even when no one is watching.
Strengthens team culture by being open, respectful, and generous with knowledge.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Actively supports and upholds the City's mission and values.
Builds andmaintainstrong relationships with residents, neighborhood leaders, schools, faith-based groups, and local organizations.
Conducts proactive outreach to individuals and communities at elevated risk of violence.
Works with residents and community members toidentifyand mediate conflicts to prevent escalation and retaliation.
Provides trauma-informed support andmaintainsconsistent engagement with members of at-risk populations.
Connects residents to community resources including mental health, employment, education, housing, and victim services.
Develops andfacilitatesworkshops, events, and outreach initiatives focused on safety, wellness, and civic engagement.
Documents outreach, mediations, and referralsin accordance withCity and department requirements and established procedures.
Assistsin developing andmaintainingthe Urbana Police Department's community engagement programs, particularly those focused on outreach to at-risk populations in the community. Assistsin developing mechanisms and strategies tofacilitatecommunication between the Police Department and citizensregardingprogress toward organizational goals,changesand achievements.
Assistsinrepresentingthe City of Urbana, as assigned, through networking and participation in a variety of meetings, public forums and social and civic functions with elected officials, external agencies, and community,neighborhoodand business organizations. Creates, cultivates, and deepens strategic partnerships with key community members and groups. Attends meetings, seminars and forums of interest to keep informed of changing trends or legislative initiatives. Monitors publications and networks for relevant informationpertaining toagendas assigned area of work. Reports significant information to Supervisor and members of Urbana Police Administration asrequired.
Maintains various records of activities and programs. Prepares general correspondence and summary reports; makes reports on community engagement activities.
Monitors social and community trends and issues.
Maintains a database of community contacts.
Assistswith researching, writing, and designing internal and external communication such as press releases and annual reports for the public.
Maintains strict confidentiality when in contact with or working with sensitive information requiring considerable use of tact, discretion, and judgment.
Gathers community feedback and provides recommendations to supportequitablepolicies and resource allocation.
Performs other related duties as assigned. Required /
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
At least five (5) years of professional experience developing, facilitating, and/or supporting targeted community engagement efforts, violence prevention, community outreach, advocacy, social services, or similar work in a closely related fieldwhich provides an understanding of human relations issues, programs, and problems; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated experience working with individuals of varied backgrounds, (e.g., ethnic, cultural, racial, and socioeconomic).Demonstrated experience working effectively with underserved or at-risk populations. Mustpossessa valid State of Illinois Class D driver's license within 15 days of employment andmaintaina safe driving record.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to the needs of the various socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of the community.
Trauma-informed care. Conflict resolution and de-escalation skills. Ability tomaintainconfidentiality of sensitive information. For a complete list of duties and qualifications, please refer to the job description.
Background Check Information:
Due to the sensitive nature of information encountered by this position, which is employed within the Urbana Police Department, a conditional offer of employment extended to the selected candidate will include a check of professional references, a motor vehicle records check, a background investigation including fingerprinting, and a psychological evaluation. In compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Illinois Human Rights Act, and the City of Urbana Human Rights Ordinance, information obtained in criminal background checks will be considered in the context of the nature of the job, the nature of the offense, and the time that has passed since the offense. A criminal conviction does not automatically exclude an applicant from consideration, and no inquiries into criminal history will be made until a conditional offer of employment is extended to a qualified candidate.