JOB TITLE: PUBLIC SAFETY EDUCATION AND OUTREACH SPECIALIST

JOB CODE: 05750

DEFINITION: This is professional work in public safety education and outreach at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.

An employee in this job plans, implements, evaluates, and promotes statewide public safety education and outreach programs in 9-1-1 with emphasis on the use of next generation devices and technologies and special needs capabilities; emergency preparedness; or recovery. Work involves conducting studies and surveys of public safety education needs to identify target audiences; determining education and outreach methods and strategies and developing plans to disseminate education and outreach materials to identified audiences; collaborating with community organizations to gain local support and provide technical assistance in the development and implementation of 9-1-1 systems and capabilities, emergency preparedness, or recovery programs and initiatives; developing and delivering public safety education and outreach programs to promote awareness and understanding of the capabilities and limitations of 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery; and reviewing and evaluating 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery education and outreach initiatives, programs, and materials to determine effectiveness and implement improvements. An important aspect of this work involves conducting research and developing and implementing program policies to ensure consistency and effectiveness in the promotion of public safety as it relates to 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery. Work is performed independently in accordance with accepted outreach and marketing methods under the supervision of a professional or administrative supervisor. Work is reviewed through periodic conferences, reports, and the evaluation of completed assignments.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

• Plans, implements, promotes, and evaluates public safety education and outreach programs related to 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery including workshops, institutes, forums, discussion groups, and group trainings for special needs groups.

• Plans, coordinates, and implements public safety initiatives and programs related to 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery.

• Determines education and outreach methods and strategies and develops plans to disseminate education and outreach materials to identified audiences which may include school aged children, the deaf and hard of hearing community, senior citizens, etc.

• Researches and evaluates public safety education and outreach procedures and methods.

• Develops, recommends, maintains, and implements policies, procedures, and methods necessary to ensure consistency and effectiveness in the promotion and delivery of public safety education and outreach efforts related to 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery.

• Develops, prepares, and produces, in collaboration with the agency’s Communications Office, 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery education and outreach materials, such as pamphlets, videos, posters, newsletters, and other resource materials for distribution to the public through Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), elected officials, and other venues.

• Provides technical assistance and guidance to public safety agencies, school personnel, state and local authorities, and citizen groups to promote and improve public safety related to 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery.

• Conducts studies and surveys of public safety education and outreach needs related to 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery to identify education and outreach needs and determine the best strategies to respond to identified needs and meet program objectives.

• Forms partnerships to provide technical assistance to community organizations and gain local support for public safety initiatives related to 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery.

• Uses appropriate evaluation methods and models to determine the effectiveness of public safety initiatives and programs related to 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery and develops and implements program improvement strategies.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• An employee in this job may participate in subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of public safety programs and techniques that include 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery.

• Knowledge of the methods, techniques, and procedures used to develop outreach programs.

• Knowledge of public speaking and presentation techniques.

• Knowledge of the methods and procedures used to prepare, present, and disseminate information to groups and individuals.

• Knowledge of the methods and procedures used to evaluate the effectiveness of outreach programs or activities.

• Knowledge of the methods, procedures, and techniques used to educate groups and individuals.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written material.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: (NOTE: These are expected of an employee performing the work of this job at the full performance level. These may not be evaluated by the State Civil Service Commission or used for Civil Service examination purposes and are not position-specific performance standards.):

• Knowledge of agency mission, programs, and future initiatives.

• Ability to develop and present effective public safety education and outreach programs and materials.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

• Two years of public safety experience in 9-1-1, emergency preparedness, or recovery including or supplemented by one year of public outreach experience, and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• Two years of nonprofit organization experience in emergency preparedness or recovery including or supplemented by one year of public outreach experience, and a bachelor’s degree;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.