Community Outreach Specialist presso City of Petersburg, VA

About the Department

General Description

The Community Outreach Specialist plays a pivotal role in the Petersburg Bureau of Police's mission to build trust, reduce fear, and engage the public in meaningful ways. This civilian position serves as a liaison between the Bureau and the diverse communities of Petersburg, particularly during periods of staffing shortages and high service demands. The specialist will help lead proactive outreach efforts, support nonenforcement engagement initiatives, and develop relationships that reduce reliance on sworn staff for nonemergency matters.

Position Duties

Essential Functions

Community Engagement & Liaison:

Serves as a trusted liaison between the police department and neighborhoods schools, civic groups churches, businesses, and underserved populations.

Program Development & Implementation

Create and manage outreach programs that address public safety education, youth development, reentry support, and community empowerment.

Event Coordination:

Organize and support police-led public engagement events such as forums, listening sessions, neighborhood walks, and informational workshops.

Resource Navigation:

Connect community members with appropriate city, county, and nonprofit resources related to housing, mental health, substance use, or violence prevention.

Data Collection & Reporting:

Track engagement efforts, gather feedback from residents, and provide reports to leadership to inform decision-making and measure impact.

Public Education:

Assist in the creation of materials and campaigns that promote safety, highlight positive police community interactions, and encourage civic participation.

Support Strategic Partnerships:

Collaborate with schools, social services, local nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to enhance public safety efforts and maximize the use of shared resources.

Additional Duties:

Preferred Skills and Qualities:

Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills

Ability to work independently in dynamic, high-need urban settings

Conflict resolution, mediation, or restorative practices experience

Creative thinking in resource-limited environments

Experience working with underserved, marginalized, or vulnerable populations

Strong public speaking and presentation skills

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Human Services, Communications, or a related field

(An equivalent combination of education and relevant community-based experience may be considered.)

2+ years of experience in community outreach, advocacy, or nonprofit/public sector service

Demonstrated commitment to community empowerment and public service 

Valid Virginia driver's license and ability to travel locally

Desirable Perspectives & Experiences:

Given the department's resource limitations, candidates with the following experience will be particularly valuable:

Lived experience in under-resourced communities or personal understanding of trauma, poverty, or justice-system involvement

Bilingual or multilingual skills, particularly Spanish

Knowledge of Petersburg's history, neighborhoods, and social dynamics

Background working with youth, seniors, returning citizens, or individuals experiencing homelessness

Working Conditions:

May require evening and weekend work to attend community events

Frequent travel within city neighborhoods

Collaborative work environment within a law enforcement setting

Special Certifications and Licenses:

None.