Public Safety Outreach Specialist

Public Safety Outreach Specialist

Salary

$28.93 - $36.92 Hourly

Location

Police Department - 600 10th Street Modesto, CA

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

04750

Department

Modesto Police Department

Opening Date

11/03/2026

Closing Date

11/17/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

MPNSA

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

Looking for a career where you can make meaningful difference every day? The Modesto Police Department is seeking highly qualified candidates for Public Safety Outreach Specialist. Apply today!

Salary Incentives:

2.5% Education Incentive (bachelors degree)

5% Education Incentive (masters degree)

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

To augment public safety by proactively providing outreach services for a broad range of non-criminal crises, including homelessness, intoxication, disorientation, substance abuse, mental illness, and dispute resolution; providing alternatives to law enforcement whenever possible; engagement, case management, data collection, and connection to emergency health and mental health services and transportation; reporting conditions that warrant police, social services, and public service intervention; and assisting with educating the homeless population and the public on laws and City ordinances.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants will be assessed on the application submitted. It is the applicants responsibility to fill out the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application with complete information and adequate detail. Applications will be screened to the most qualified. Please do not substitute any part of the application with the words "see resume".

The following information is provided for use as a reference and as a planning tool. Human Resources is unable to schedule make-up examinations. Applicants considered to be the most qualified will be invited to continue in the testing process. The Human Resources Department reserves the right to revise the testing process to best meet the needs of the City.

Tentative Testing Schedule

Online Test:

November 18, 2026- November 25, 2026

The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of inclusion. A City application is required, including Supplemental Questionnaire. The City of Modesto does not sponsor H-1B Visas. Salary offered depends on candidate's experience

Essential and Marginal Function Statements

Essential and other important responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Essential Functions:

Locate, identify and build relationships with unsheltered homeless population and engage them for the purposes of providing immediate support, intervention and connection with homeless assistance programs and/or mainstream social services and housing programs.

Participate in prevention activities by working with various departments, groups, and individuals on addressing issues, concerns, and complaints.

Administer public information programs and education programs to educate unsheltered homeless individuals, families and the public of the social service programs and outreach efforts occurring in the City and County.

Prepare and present information regarding social service and unsheltered homeless individuals and families at administrative meetings as needed.

Coordinate and facilitate with other agencies and City and County departments regarding the needs and conditions of unsheltered homeless individuals and families.

Confer with departments on initiatives, programs, and projects; provide input regarding strategic planning and implementation.

Collaborate with staff to identify and seek co-sponsorship community outreach opportunities.

Monitor conditions of identified unsheltered homeless individuals and families and notify city staff of any health, safety, and maintenance issues.

Provide information to City management on emerging and urgent issues related to the unsheltered homeless community.

Maintain records and statistics related to the unsheltered homeless community.

Drive City vehicles in a safe and knowledgeable manner.

Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.

Marginal Functions:

Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Correct English usage, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Basic customer service principles and practices.

Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.

Ability to:

Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships.

Maintain cultural sensitivity and respect diversity.

Develop and implement systems and programs related to assigned responsibilities.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Learn applicable laws related to homelessness, public camping, and health and safety.

Learn available social services, including mental health, job training, financial/housing assistance, counseling, alcohol/drug addiction recovery, behavioral health, faith-based organizations, and food/clothing.

Develop favorable public relations and maintain an appearance that projects a positive image.

Assess situations for health and safety needs.

Learn de-escalation techniques.

Work irregular hours, as required.

Learn procedures, processes, and forms related to assigned area.

Learn pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.

Maintain accurate records and files.

Maintain confidentiality.

Perform procedures in an organized and accurate manner.

Maintain attention to detail despite interruptions.

Communicate tactfully and effectively with the public while remaining calm; follow designated protocols in stressful and/or emergency situations.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting software applications.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two years of experience in homeless outreach, community development, public health efforts or public safety.

Training:

Equivalent to an Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in social work, social services, public health, health and human services, or a related field.

License or Certificate:

Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver's license.

Physical and Mental Requirements

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Mobility: frequent standing for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: verbal communication including projecting a voice that can be heard in a noisy environment, hearing and distinguishing various sounds; explain the law and ordinances to the public. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical outdoor environment on a year-round basis subject to street or field noise and year-round weather conditions. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Position may require working a variety of shifts, holidays, evenings, or weekends on a rotating basis and travel is rare.

MODESTO POLICE AND FIRE NON-SWORN ASSOCIATION (MPNSA)

Employee benefits are subject to change and are not guaranteed. For a detailed explanation of benefits currently in effect please see the Memoranda of Understanding.

PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM: CalPERS enrollment in either the 2% @ 60 or the 2% @ 62 formula is dependent on eligibility, as per AB 340. Employee pays the full member contribution. Retirement benefit is based on the employees three year final compensation average. The City does not participate in Social Security except for the required 1.45% Medicare contribution by both the City and the employee (applies to employees hired after 4-1-86).

HOLIDAYS: 12 paid holidays per year plus 8 hours of holiday credit.

VACATION: Accrual normally begins at a rate of two weeks per year, with incremental increases to five weeks at 21 years of service. Employees may accumulate up to twice their annual accrual.

SICK LEAVE: Accumulated at 8 hours per month, 96 hours per year. Employees may accumulate up to 2,100 hours.

LONGEVITY PAY: Two and a half percent (2.5%) at 10 years of service

EDUCATION INCENTIVE PAY: Two and a half percent (2.5%) for possesion of a Bachelors Degree and five percent (5%) for possesion of a Masters Degree.

SPECIAL ASSGINMENT PAY: Five percent (5%) for being on a Special Assignment

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Health, dental and vision coverage is provided. The Citys monthly contribution to health, dental and vision benefits is based on a three-tier system as follows:

$ 2,110.00 Employee + Family

$ 1,494.00 Employee + 1 Dependent

$ 748.00 Employee Only

$ 450.00 Opt Out

The employee pays the balance. An employee who opts out of health coverage receives the amount noted above minus dental and vision premium on their paycheck and treated as taxable income. Dental and vision coverage continuation is available upon retirement.

LIFE INSURANCE Provided in the amount of $20,000 by the City. Supplemental coverage is available at employee cost.

LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE Coverage is provided by the City, at City cost. This benefit pays 66 2/3% of the first $9,000 per month in salary.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION: With a matching contribution by the employee, the City will contribute 1% of salary, (increasing to 2% after 15 years of service) to a voluntary 457 Plan.

RETIREE HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (RHS): $2,880 initial deposit provided upon completion of a two (2) year vesting period. After initial contribution, the City shall contribute $120 per month.

UNIFORM ALLOWANCE: Depending upon assignment - Uniform allowance of $70 to $125 per month.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Available to employees and dependents. Plan provides up to 3 counseling visits per incident, at City expense.

BILINGUAL INCENTIVE LEAVE: Employees who pass the review panel and are needed in this capacity by the department shall receive $50.00 (fifty dollars) per pay period.

SECTION 125 PLAN: Providing for pre-tax deductions for employee-paid health premium and dependent care costs.

01

I understand that in order for my application to receive every consideration in the selection process, I must complete the following Supplemental Questions. I understand these responses must match the information I provide in the Work Experience and Education sections of my application. I certify that all information provided on this application and the Supplemental Questions is true to the best of my knowledge.

• Yes

Required Question

Employer City of Modesto

Address 1010 10th Street, Suite 2200

P.O. Box 642

Modesto, California, 95353

Phone (209) 577-5402

Website http://www.modestogov.com