JOB POSTING IS EXPIRED
Community Diversion and Prevention Coordinator

Job Overview

GENERAL SUMMARY: Designed for a compassionate, energetic, people-focused individual, interested in reducing or lessening the negative impacts of participation in the criminal justice system, and providing individual and family stabilization programming and support, this position is responsible for creating and implementing long-term systems change and diversion plans that include consistent and effective communication, engagement, and participation in local government and community building processes and supporting an inclusive community; and performing other duties as assigned. This valuable team member will be an integral part of supporting efforts to become a high-performance organization – data-driven and outcome-focused - with the ultimate goal of creating an equitable community of choice, through planning, partnerships, and people.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: Work in this class involves responsibility for creating and implementing systems and programs to engage community partners, neighborhoods, and individuals in the areas of diversion, community service, personal and family stability, among other activities to address complex community issues; requires the exercise of independent judgment and is performed with considerable independence. This position will work closely with the Community Service and Outreach Coordinator to achieve division goals and outcomes. The employee in this position reports to the Community Impact Director and work is reviewed through reports, conferences, and results achieved.

JOB DUTIES:

• Research national and global best practices for the development and implementation of projects and programs designed to support individuals and families that have been financially impacted by the criminal justice system.
• Develop and implement community strategies to divert individuals from being arrested and held in jail, with the intent to prevent negative impacts on employment, education, familial responsibilities, and other personal needs that may result in poverty.
• Coordinate, develop, and implement strategies to provide options for adjudicated people to avoid long-term incarceration or reintegrate into the community, via options other than jail or fines.
• Build and maintain relationships with the Dubuque Police Department, Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Corrections, Dubuque County Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s office, Clerk of Courts, and local judges and magistrates on the development and implementation of strategies and programs to avoid negative impacts of both short term and long-term incarceration, fines, fees, or other penalties.
• Strategize, plan, and coordinate with the Dubuque Police Department and other departments in identifying individuals or families in need of services to benefit employment, education, housing, financial, health, safety, or other personal needs, and to guide and direct individuals to these services.
• Facilitate collaborative linkages between City government, neighborhood and community organizations, human services agencies, and other local institutions involved in programs to strengthen families, neighborhoods, and the community.
• Perform administrative work and provide strategies, planning, facilitation, and development services to City management and departments.
• Collect, analyze, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data related to programs and grants for progress reports and to identify and remove barriers to improve equitable and inclusive community service opportunities across the organization and community.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

This position requires a broad skill set centered around cultural awareness, human development, collaboration, and group dynamics such as:

• Criminal Justice System, Pre/Post Arrest Diversion and Prevention: Knowledge of the criminal justice system and it’s impacts on low-income and marginalized communities. Experience and knowledge of Pre/Post Arrest Diversion and Prevention practices. Willingness to build relationships and collaborate with others in the community. Skill at facilitating dialogue across differences in personal values and beliefs. Ability to build trust and assist people in managing change; and to foster an environment where culturally diverse people can work together cooperatively and effectively to meet community goals.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Knowledge of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Skilled at working with culturally diverse populations. Attentive to the needs of traditionally marginalized communities. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships across cultural differences; Knowledge of social identity development and other theories of individual and organizational change as it relates to intercultural competency and creating an inclusive and equitable environment for participation.
• Community Engagement: Knowledge of community collaboration, and community programming. Ability to build relationships and collaborate with others in the community. Ability to make public presentations and engage with community members. Customer service, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to relate well to participants, volunteers, families, and community partners. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to meet the public courteously and to obtain and give information.
• Data Collection and Analysis and Clerical: Strong organizational and record-keeping abilities. High-level ability to work with computers and tech, software programs, and maintain and prepare reports. Working knowledge of computer hardware and software, including MS Windows, Word Excel, and Teams. Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, designing forms, and other office procedures.
• Administration and Management: Knowledge of management principles involved in strategic planning, leadership technique, supervision, training, performance evaluation, and coordination of people and resources.
• Critical Thinking, Judgment, Decision Making, Complex Problem Solving, and Negotiation: Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways or options to solve a problem and picking the best one. Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to bring people together to solve the problem and any differences. Ability to use resourcefulness and tact in solving problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate’s degree or college-level coursework in a relevant field; and
• Experience in data analytics and customer service; and
• At least 2 years of experience related to the criminal justice system and/or related field; OR
• Any combination of relevant education and experience equivalent to 5 years.
• Possession of valid driver’s license at the time of hire.
• Experience using computer systems and applications.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with a diverse workforce.
• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, public administration, or a related field.
• At least three years of professional experience in developing and implementing diversion programs.
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills and abilities.

SUPERVISORY STATUS: None

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Duties require working irregular hours; and nights, weekends, and holidays as necessary to complete assigned duties and responsibilities. Work is performed in a variety of settings including offices, community meetings, businesses, classrooms, and homes in the community. Frequent independent travel throughout the city is required. May occasionally be exposed to wet and humid conditions or other outdoor weather conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, run, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Noise level in the work area is typically moderate.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Employees shall establish their principal place of residence within thirty (30) miles of the corporate limits of the city of Dubuque as soon as practicable after appointment but within two years of appointment.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

The City of Dubuque provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, or results of genetic testing or military service.