Neighborhood Services Specialist

Summary of Duties: This position is responsible for the development, implementation and administration of community-based crime prevention programs designed to reduce fear of crime, reduction of criminal activity, increase safety, and reduce the likelihood of crime victimization. Additionally, this role facilitates and represents the department as The Woodlands Township Program Specialist in assigned village(s) to provide comprehensive community educational services and support focused on crime prevention, public safety, communication and community spirit.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Administers, helps establish and promotes Neighborhood Watch program, to include maintenance of current groups and organizing new groups and communication of the groups.
• Recruit, train, and supervise new volunteer Neighborhood Watch coordinators.
• Maintain communication with established volunteer Neighborhood Watch coordinators in assigned village(s).
• Assist with other Neighborhood Watch programs (Senior Watch, Apartment Watch, and Campus Watch).
• Prepare written materials and correspondence for neighborhood activities to include presentations regarding educational or outreach programs.
• Provide planning, coordination, project management, research, development, and marketing for educational/outreach programming and special events designed with Crime Prevention Mission and Strategic Plan.
• Maintain information and data related to for assigned village(s).
• Keep Neighborhood Services Manager well informed of neighborhood, village and community issues with timely information as well as the status of assigned programs and events and generate reports as required.
• Works with Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Hospital District, Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4, The Woodlands Fire Department and other agencies as needed.
• Acts as the lead in Crime Prevention but actively involves law enforcement in all aspects of crime prevention including trainings, meetings and events.
• Represent The Woodlands Township at assigned monthly Village Association meetings by gathering and presenting pertinent information serving as the link for two-way communication between the Association and Township.
• Prepare reports summarizing the topics and issues of the village association and other meetings and events.
• Build and foster good relationships and communications with Village Associations, neighborhood groups and other organizations.
• Respond to resident requests and assist in the resolution of issues or concerns from residents which may include coordinating with other agencies or departments.
• Maintain knowledge of community services, governing bodies, and public safety agencies serving The Woodlands Township.
• Identify outside funding sources to enhance programming.
• Participate in outreach efforts with other Township Departments.
• Markets new and improved evidence-based crime prevention strategies.
• Facilitates, manages, coordinates and plans meetings.
• Communicate and coordinate with outside agencies regarding participation in department events. Secure services needed and work with agencies or vendors to insure deadlines are met.
• Represent department on community committees and task force initiatives as they relate to assigned village(s).
• Assist in writing or updating procedures for Department events and programs.
• Assist in preparing information for media releases.
• Assist in the development of articles and pictures of programs and events to submit for the Community Magazine and other media outlets.
• Communicate with Community Relations department regarding advertisement purchases and department media coverage for photo opportunities and event coverage.
• Assist in research, writing and layout of department publications and marketing items.
• Use of personal vehicle for work related duties is required. (Mileage reimbursement)
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must work well with people and be comfortable with public speaking and handling media relations;
• Must be independent, organized and self-motivated and have the ability to work without supervision;
• Must have skills in adaptability, flexibility, problem solving and decision making;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing;
• Ability to plan, develop and implement programs;
• Ability to work in a team environment as a team player;
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and communicate and deal with the public and co-workers in a professional manner;
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive attitude of cooperation and effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors and the general public;
• Ability to work and deal with a wide range of individuals from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds;
• Integrity, in the performance of assigned tasks.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities: Seasonal or Temporary: Supervise interns, volunteers and/or students.

Minimum Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) from a college or university.

Experience: One (1) year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Must understand dynamics and problem solving in Crime Prevention and Community Policing. Prior experience in Crime Prevention or with Community Policing programs is preferred.

Licenses And Certifications

• Must possess a Texas driver’s license within the first ninety (90) days of employment and meet the driver safety policy requirements.
• Completion of a 40-hour Crime Prevention course within the first year of employment is required.
  
  

Computer Skills: To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of MS Publisher preferred. Development software; Must be proficient in MS Office (i.e. Word, Excel and Outlook) and Office 365/Teams.

The Woodlands Township is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce.