Minimum Qualifications

Acceptable Experience and Education
High School Diploma or GED with two (2) years of community engagement experience and one (1) year working with youth.
Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
Must have a telephone and report residence.
Minimum Requirements: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: requirements and safety considerations of community service initiatives; community providers and resources; English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; techniques for effective interpersonal communications; modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment to include Windows and Microsoft based products;
Ability to: possess a high degree of maturity coupled with interest in working with children/adolescents; ability to work effectively with maladjusted youth; possess excellent interpersonal skills to interact effectively with troubled youth and families, co-workers, and the general public; have excellent communication skills; maintain frequent communication with co-workers, other County employees, government agencies, outside organizations, and the general public; possess public speaking skills; to foster and maintain working relationships with contracted and community providers; work independently and collaboratively with others and organize, implement, and oversee initiatives and community projects; possess excellent writing skills; have strong planning and organizational skills; be detail-oriented, and accurate; process grant contracts; be self-driven and possess the initiative to complete work assignments with little oversight; be flexible to the needs of the department and program and make required changes to fulfill those needs; pass a Criminal Background Check;
Each and every county position requires the following professional skills and abilities as key and necessary elements of performance:

• Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance;
• Work well with others and participate fully in a team oriented environment;
• Interface with other employees and customers in a courteous and respectful manner;
• Maintain strict confidentiality;
• Project positive support of their department and all county organizations at all times;
• Maintain and enhance the County’s commitment to customer service excellence.

Typical Duties

Essential Duties
Coordinates activities related to community service referrals, follow-up and supervision of juvenile offenders ordered by the court to perform community service;
Screens referrals with the probation officer assigned to the case;
Refers offenders to the appropriate community service work sites;
Monitors and keeps records on community service participants;
Reports participant’s progress to the probation officers on an as needed basis;
Researches, outreaches and secures additional non-profit, educational or governmental institutions, which may be used, as community service work sites;
Ensures that that selected agencies are proper and safe work environments that adhere to departmental policies;
Develops and nurtures strong relationships with other agencies through visits, phone calls, and referrals in order to ensure youth access to programs;
Develops outreach and informational material;
Plans and implements special projects through collaborative efforts with community agencies;
Works with probation officers to ensure participation of youth and family members for these special projects;
Participates in a community projects and/or committees as necessary;
Prepares statistical reports on the number of community service hours completed and the fiscal impact the community service initiative provides to the county;
Coordinates with Juvenile Probation Units all community engagements initiatives (ie, schools, civic organizations etc.);
Participates in community activities and assist in the distribution of community education/public relations materials;
Attends meetings and training sessions as scheduled;
Must be able and willing to provide presentations regarding community service efforts and resources available through the Juvenile Probation Department;
Responsible for complying with all TJJD JSO certification training requirements;
Responsible for compliance with policies and requirements to include the Juvenile Justice Professional Code of Ethics;
Substitutes, if assigned, during temporary absences by performing delegated duties sufficient to maintain continuity of normal operations;
Commits self to providing excellent customer service and demonstrate commitment through cooperative team and individual efforts;
Creates a high-quality work culture through participation in and emphasis on training and mentoring to develop leadership, management, and technical skills in self and all employees, including safety related training and skills;
Other Important Duties*
Performs all other duties as assigned.
Must be available to work non-traditional hours and be on call as necessary on official business.
As members of the County of El Paso Emergency Response System, all El Paso County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to train on emergency response and/or perform certain emergency services at the direction of their supervisor.

Job Summary

The Community Service Specialist oversees the Community Improvement Program, which is structured to promote the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders by holding them accountable for their behavior through the performance of community service.

Additional Information

Physical Demands
While working in the office, the incumbent will sit for long periods of time in front of a computer terminal using a keyboard and mouse, requiring hand and finger dexterity, the ability to see well enough to read documents and computer screens.
Work Environment
Office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions and should take appropriate precautions with regard to skin protection. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
While conducting CIP projects, the incumbent will stand, bend, lift and work along with youth completing community service projects for the Department; lifting or carrying up to 50 pounds. The position requires the employee to be out in the physical elements of weather, including possible prolonged exposure to the sun, rain, etc. In addition, the position requires the transport of youth via vehicle, train or airplane to appointments and/or placement.
Organizational Relationships
Reports to: Field Compliance and Community Improvement Supervisor
Directs: This is a non-supervisory position
Other: Other Department personnel
The above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by this position. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.