Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Outreach and Engagement Specialist

Salary

$58,428.00 - $74,568.00 Annually

Location

City of Hemet, 450 E. Latham Ave., Hemet, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

26/27-017

Department

Police Department

Opening Date

11/06/2026

Closing Date

11/30/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

THE CITY

THE CITY OF HEMET IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Are you passionate about building strong community connections and making a lasting impact? The City of Hemet is seeking a dynamic and motivated Outreach and Engagement Specialist to lead efforts in fostering meaningful relationships between the City and its residents, businesses, and community partners. This is a unique opportunity to be the voice and bridge of Hemet-bringing people together, amplifying community programs, and ensuring inclusive access to city services and initiatives. If youre a creative communicator with a heart for public service, we invite you to help shape the future of Hemet through active engagement and collaboration. Apply TODAY for consideration!

This position is not a standalone role and will function within a team-centered environment. The Outreach and Engagement Specialist will operate under of the Active Engagement Response Outreach (AERO) team of the Hemet Police Department. As part of this collaborative unit, the newly appointed Outreach Specialist will work closely with AERO to expand access to critical resources, strengthen inter-agency partnerships, and support the development of sustainable housing solutions for individuals experiencing homelessness.

Success in this role depends on the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team, participate in coordinated outreach efforts, and contribute to strategic planning discussions. The Specialist will be expected to maintain open communication, support team goals, and align efforts with department-wide initiatives aimed at reducing homelessness and improving community outcomes.

Summary Description

ESSENTIALFUNCTIONS

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act may include but are not limited to the following characteristics, duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics:

• Participates in the day-to-day operations of homeless outreach and engagement; visits communities and canvasses neighborhoods, parks riverbeds, businesses, and trails in search of homeless individuals; visits and confers with homeless individuals regarding obstacles preventing participation in program and means for overcoming those obstacles; promotes and encourages participation in programs and resources for homeless individuals that enable them to be housed and stable.
• Serves as liaison and advocates for homeless individuals as appropriate and as needed.
• Engages and mitigates crises through de-escalation, harm reduction, and conflict resolution.
• Identifies and provides recommendations to homeless and partnering agencies regarding ongoing support services to meet homeless needs and to ensure homeless are receiving the most appropriate forms of care and support.
• Develops and maintains relationships with various public and private service agencies, community groups, and faith-based communities to obtain services for homeless individuals.
• Establishes and maintains effective and positive working relationships with homeless individuals through site visits to foster support and encourage participation in programs, housing, counseling, and/or case management services.
• Participates in ensuring compliance with relevant health, safety, permitting, and licensing laws and guidelines; maintains and updates all records and assists in reporting required by Federal, State, and local regulatory agencies including ensuring compliance for insurance and liability coverage.
• Stays current with new trends, developments, and practices in the field of homelessness and community outreach and engagement.
• Maintains accurate records of services and activities, including homeless outreach and engagement schedules, program participation and analysis, revenues, expenditures, grants, contract programs, accidents, and vandalism.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of principles, practices, assessment alternatives, and service delivery needs related to homelessness; procedures for planning, implementing, and maintaining a variety of homeless outreach and engagement services and programs; principles and practices of homeless outreach and engagement program development, implementation, review, and evaluation; de-escalation techniques consistent with community-based enforcement; relevant and effective local and regional community resources including, but not limited to, public assistance programs and benefits; homeless outreach, cultural, age-specific, disability, and social needs of the community; characteristics of illness, injury, disabilities, emotional and mental disorders, and substance abuse disorders; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, codes, and guidelines related to the program area(s) and facilities to which assigned; safety principles and practices, including basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods; applicable safety precautions and procedures related to the program area(s) and facilities to which assigned; principles and practices of basic public relations techniques; business arithmetic and statistical techniques; modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and computer applications; English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation; techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with the public; techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, service providers, and City staff; techniques for dealing with and solving the problems presented by a variety of individuals from various backgrounds, in person, over the phone, and through written communication.

Ability to understand the organization and operation of homeless outreach and engagement programs and facilities necessary to assume assigned responsibilities; identify and assess individuals with disabilities when necessary to determine appropriate placement; assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards; interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations and departmental policies and procedures; analyze situations and identify pertinent problems and/or issues; collect relevant information to determine realistic options; recommend and implement appropriate course of action; Identify and handle medical emergencies and injuries in a calm and effective manner, including providing basic first aid and adult and/or child cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR); work with staff, officials, and the public in routine, emergency and emotional situations; stay current with changes, practices, and trends in the assigned field of work; adapt to necessary changes in operations; understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities; make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines; establish and maintain a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems; prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials; operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software application programs; maintain accurate logs, records, and basic written records of work performed; use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing; use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines; establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; maintain strict confidentiality, discretion, and professionalism in handling and processing critical and sensitive information, records, and reports; provide quality customer service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience:

Any combination of education or experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical combination includes:

• Education: Equivalent to graduation from twelfth (12th) grade. A Bachelor's Degree in social work, social/behavioral sciences, mental health, counseling, business or public administration, or a related field is highly desirable

AND

• Experience: Two (2) years of applicable work experience providing case management, social services, and/or working with the homeless in outreach and engagement services.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSE OR OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

PossessionofavalidCaliforniaClassCDriver'sLicense,andmaintainasatisfactory driving record.

Possession and maintenance of an American Red Cross First Aid Certificate and CPR Certificate for infant, child, and adult within three (3) months of hire.

Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish is highly desirable.

Supplemental Information

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Pass a background investigation including polygraph and psychological exam and a medical exam which may include drug testing, an audio test and vision exam; work rotating shifts including weekends and holidays. Employees must be able to work a varying schedule including weekends, weekdays, evenings, and holidays (hours and days are adjusted as needed by the department).

PHYSICAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Employees must be able to communicate in person, in 4 writing, and by telephone with management, co-workers, vendors, consultants, and with the public in face-to-face, one-on-one, and group settings.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Selection Process:

All properly completed applications will be reviewed and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. The process may include any combination of a written exam, oral board interview, and/or skills assessment to further evaluate job-related qualifications. Candidates who successfully complete the selection process will be placed on an eligibility list which will remain valid for a minimum of six months.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required.

RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION PACKAGE.

THE PROVISIONS IN THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.

Hemet Non-Sworn Police Employees Association

Benefits Summary

(Updated October 2026)

The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the Hemet Non-Sworn Police Employees unit. For further information, please refer to the Hemet Non-Sworn Police Employees Association MOU.

Retirement: The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS).

• Classic Members: 2.5% at 55 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on single highest year; employee contributes 8% (no Social Security deduction).
• PEPRA (New) Members: 2% at 62 Formula; 1959 survivor benefit; final compensation based on a three-year average; employee contributes 50% of total normal cost, currently 8% (no Social Security deduction).

Medical Coverage:

• The City contributes 100% of premium for employee only coverage on the Citys Kaiser plans.

Plan Year 2026/2027

(September 2026 - August 2027)

Dental & Vision Coverage:

• The City pays 100% of the premium for dental & vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance:

• The City pays 100% of the premium for a term-life insurance policy of $50,000.
• The City pays 100% of the premium for long-term disability insurance.

Deferred Compensation:

• The City will match voluntary employee contributions up to $125 per month.
• The City contributes $75 per month in lieu of retiree medical benefits.

Educational Reimbursement:

• The City will provide up to $2,500 per calendar year, subject to terms set forth in the Confidential Personnel Resolution.

Leave Accruals:

• Employees earn up to the following amounts of leave:
• 120 hours annual Vacation Leave
• 8 hours per month Sick Leave
• 10 paid Holidays & 1 floating holiday per year

Bilingual Pay:

• The City will provide $150 per month for eligible assignments based on the City's needs for bilingual skill and successful completion of a test.

Uniform Allowance:

• The City will provide a uniform allowance up to $1,500.00 per year based on eligible positions.

Special Compensation:

• Field Training Pay: Community Service Officers will receive an additional 10% base salary increase for actual time worked training other personnel.
• Stand-by Pay: Crime Scene Technicians will receive an additional $150 per month when assigned to stand-by.
• On-Call Pay: Public Safety Dispatchers will receive an additional $250 per month when designated as on-call.
• Dispatcher Training Duty: Public Safety Dispatchers will receive an additional 10% base salary increase for actual time worked training probationary personnel.
• Lead Dispatcher Duty: Public Safety Dispatchers will receive an additional 5% base salary increase for actual time worked as Lead Dispatcher.

Work Schedule:

• The City participates in flexible work scheduling based on providing appropriate coverage and adequate service to the public.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Hemet.

01

Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Please do not indicate "see resume". The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and/or rank on the eligibility list. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

• Yes
• No

02

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School
• Associate Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate/Doctoral Degree

03

Please describe your experience as it relates to this position. Provide specific details, dates, agency name and title of the position held.

04

Give examples of reports you have prepared or independent projects you have worked on.

05

Describe your experience dealing with difficult customers.

06

Do you have any personal, professional, or financial interests that could present a conflict of interest in working with individuals experiencing homelessness? If yes, please explain. If no, please type N/A.

07

CERTIFICATE OF APPLICANT: I certify that all statements and information provided in this application and any attachments are true, and I understand that any false or misleading statements or omissions of material facts may forfeit right to employment considerations by the City of Hemet.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Hemet

Address 445 E. Florida Ave

Hemet, California, 92543

Phone 951.765.2315

Website http://www.hemetca.gov