Community Engagement Specialist

Community Engagement Specialist - Program Specialist III 

This position may qualify for part-time telework (after mandatory training period)

 

The Highway Safety Office (HSO) is hiring a Program Specialist III as the Community Engagement Specialist.  
 

This position is a senior position that promotes national and state highway safety priorities through the state’s highway safety program. This position requires the incumbent to work under general direction and perform various duties related to the coordination and supervision of the HSO’s community traffic safety grant program and the coordination and supervision of the division’s public participation and engagement efforts (PP&E). This position will also supervise a part-time rural traffic safety coordinator.  

Principal Duties:

As the Community Engagement Specialist, you will:

Lead the public participation and engagement efforts between the Highway Safety Office and the public to better understand local communities' traffic safety needs and work closely with the HSO program managers to initiate projects and programs that will serve those needs. 

Plan and facilitate public participation and engagement meetings with the public and traffic safety partners.

Work closely with communities across the state on their traffic safety needs; create surveys, forms and documents to track PP&E efforts; analyze and summarize the results of all PP&E efforts.

Develop procedures for tracking and reporting PP&E efforts.

Serve on task forces, committees, and boards to coordinate agency activities, and facilitate agency goals and initiatives regarding PP&E efforts.

Research best practices, analyze and assess programs, and provide recommendations concerning PP&E initiatives.

Actively participate in the highway safety planning process including the development and implementation of the Utah Highway Safety Plan.

Work closely with the UHSO program management staff, to conduct strategic planning, develop budgets, perform needs assessments, disburse funds, and establish priorities using data-driven methods.

Provide technical assistance to communities, including data and problem identification, best practice strategies, and development and submission of grant applications.

Manage assigned state and federal grant funds and oversee grant development and implementation by subgrantees.

Implement program evaluation activities to measure the effectiveness of programs and outreach efforts.

Ensure sub-grantees meet their deadlines as the program manager over assigned grants.

Supervise subordinate personnel.

Manage special projects and other tasks as assigned.

An ideal candidate has:

Experience with traffic safety

Experience working with law enforcement

Experience working with local agencies, non-profits, and local communities

Comprehensive knowledge and experience in grants management including budget prep, evaluation, strategic planning, goal setting, report writing, etc.

Knowledge and experience with state and federal regulations and policies

Strong facilitation and presentation skills that demonstrate the ability to work with community and advisory groups

Ability and skill in developing, maintaining and strengthening relationships with others inside and outside of the organization

Ability and willingness to address the needs of diverse stakeholders and understand and respond in a culturally responsive manner

Demonstrated ability to present information accurately, effectively, and concisely, both verbally and in writing

Excellent communication and innovative problem solving skills

Experience leading new initiatives and working with specific guidelines with little supervision.

Fluency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) Google applications

Preference may be given for the following:

Experience with presenting to groups, leading discussions, and facilitating meetings

Experience related to community engagement and inclusion

Knowledge about injury prevention strategies, traffic safety-based countermeasures, and positive behavioral change strategies

Supplemental Information

This position may qualify for part-time telework (after training period)

About DPS
The Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS) is comprised of 11 divisions and bureaus that include the Utah Highway Patrol, the Division of Emergency Management, Driver License division, Statewide Information and Analysis Center (SIAC), State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), State Fire Marshal, Highway Safety Office, Communications, State Crime Lab, Bureau of Criminal Identification, and Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST).  The DPS dive team, aero bureau, CERT team and Public Protection Unit (PPU) also fall under the Department of Public Safety. DPS is made up of more than 1,500 state employees who are stationed across Utah.

The Department of Public Safety offers a unique and rewarding employment opportunity. More information about our agency can be found here.

Benefits
The State of Utah offers a total compensation package that consists of much more than your paycheck. Some of the generous benefits that the State of Utah provides are: 3 medical plans, 3 dental plans, 4 vision plans, 401K match, 104 hours of annual leave, 104 hours of sick leave, 12 paid holidays, free counseling & wellness benefits and much more. Competitive benefits that begin on DAY ONE OF EMPLOYMENT! https://dhrm.utah.gov/why-utah/benefits/