This position is located in the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE) which is responsible for fostering community-based strategies to help prevent violence and increase public safety. Our strategy is rooted in a public health approach to violence prevention, recognizing that reducing crime is not accomplished through law enforcement alone. ONSE develops positive relationships with youth and adults using best practices associated with the intervention and prevention of violence while using positive behavioral reinforcement activities.

ONSE also coordinates with District agencies and community-based organizations to develop violence prevention programs for individuals residing in priority neighborhoods or who are most at risk of participating in or being a victim of violent crime. ONSE collaborates with other District government agencies and nonprofit organizations to provide immediate wraparound services to victims and families affected by violent crimes.

The Community Outreach Specialist will be responsible for supporting ONSE in the advancement of goals and objectives that contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of the operations and improving the quality of life for residents of the District of Columbia.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Provides guidance and direction over all programs related to external communications. Develops and administers the Agency’s public information and visual information campaigns and activities. Ensures the establishment and maintenance of a close relationship with the media as a means of providing information to the public on departmental programs and also serves as the Agency’s official spokesperson. Responds to media and constituent requests, complaints, and questions. Coordinates with the Agency’s Strategy and Innovation Officer to establish and implement the Agency's public affairs program. Seek opportunities to increase the Agency's outreach, visibility, and engagement throughout the District.

Works to reduce violence by establishing strong presence in communities with high levels of violence and partners with residents, government agencies, and community-based organizations to reduce violence by building relationships with individuals and families most at risk of being directly affected by violence. Works alongside the Agency’s Violence Prevention contractors to support community events and planned retreats. Represents the Agency at public safety meetings, ANC meetings, and community walks to connect individuals and their families to services, and foster community-oriented public safety by supporting community-building activities in neighborhoods most at risk of violence. Coordinates and/or participates in task force meetings and other internal and external meetings to obtain information, provide assistance or to present information concerning violence intervention and prevention.