Youth Prevention and Intervention Coordinator

Youth Prevention Coordinator

Develops, coordinates, and evaluates youth prevention and intervention initiatives to support the Police Department's efforts to reduce youth involvement in the criminal justice system. Assesses existing programs and services, identifies service gaps and duplication, and strengthens collaboration among law enforcement, schools, community-based organizations, and social service providers.

Work is done primarily in a standard office environment and various locations and facilities, where occasional hazards may exist to include exposure to all types of traffic and weather conditions.

Light physical demands; primarily sedentary work with frequent use of a computer and occasional movement between locations.

Position involves competing demands, performing multiple tasks, working to deadlines, occasional work beyond normal business hours, and responding to customer issues. Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity of services. Position is subject to drug testing in accordance with applicable State and Federal regulations and City of Las Cruces policies.

FIRST CONSIDERATION MAY BE GIVEN TO CURRENT CITY OF LAS CRUCES EMPLOYEES WHO MEET ALL THE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.

Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. Full-time grant funded, exempt position. This position is graded at GX13.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assesses and inventories existing youth prevention and intervention programs and services across the community; identifies service gaps, duplication of services, and opportunities for coordination and improvement.
• Coordinates and facilitates collaboration between the Police Department, schools, juvenile justice agencies, City departments, and community-based organizations to support youth intervention efforts.
• Develops and maintains partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including School Resource Officers (SROs), community outreach staff, juvenile probation, CYFD, behavioral health providers, and nonprofit organizations.
• Establishes and supports referral pathways between law enforcement and community service providers to ensure appropriate diversion and intervention resources are accessible to youth and families.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data related to youth incidents, service utilization, and program outcomes; prepares reports and provides recommendations to support program and policy improvements.
• Facilitates interagency meetings, workgroups, and collaborative initiatives focused on youth prevention and intervention strategies.
• Researches emerging trends, best practices, and evidence-based approaches in youth development, diversion, and violence prevention; incorporates findings into program recommendations.
• Assists with identifying grant opportunities and supports grant development, reporting, and compliance activities related to youth programs and initiatives.
• Provides training, guidance, and informational briefings to Police Department personnel and community partners regarding youth prevention and intervention resources and processes.
• Maintains records, documentation, and reporting materials in accordance with City policies, grant requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Responds to inquiries, issues, and requests for information related to youth services and coordination efforts in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Social Work, Public Administration, Sociology, Psychology, or related field AND two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in youth services, juvenile justice, diversion programs, social services, or community-based program coordination. Experience working collaboratively with law enforcement and community partners preferred. A combination of education, experience, and training may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Valid driver's license is required. Position requires an acceptable driving record in accordance with City of Las Cruces policies. Must pass a thorough background check.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of: juvenile justice systems and diversion models; trauma-informed practices and youth development principles; interagency collaboration and partnership-building principles; public speaking; confidentiality laws (FERPA, HIPAA where applicable); principles, practices, techniques, activities, rules, and regulations related to the operations and functions of the position and services provided; current principles of record keeping and records management; principles and practices of effective research methods and data analysis, customer service, and problem resolution techniques; occupational and environmental safety and health hazards, and safety practices; safe and effective use and maintenance of related tools, materials, and equipment; current methods and standards for preparing effective business correspondence; correct English usage, grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; business and personal computers and related software applications; City organization, operations, policies, and procedures to effectively perform the required functions and duties of the position.

Ability to: perform a variety of duties and responsibilities and assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands to meet deadlines; ensure appropriate levels of customer service to achieve expectations and meet objectives; read, understand, and assure compliance with a variety of policies, procedures, rules, standards, and regulations governing related activities and functions; collect applicable information and maintain accurate and timely records; maintain confidentiality of information and data; communicate effectively orally and in writing and use interpersonal skills to sufficiently exchange or convey information and receive work direction; prepare and present accurate and reliable information and reports; establish and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public; safely and effectively operate relevant tools, equipment, and motorized vehicles; navigate across even and uneven surfaces; timely and accurately enter data and update records using various mediums and formats; take initiative and exercise sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines and carry out primary responsibilities in accordance with all governing regulations, statutes, and procedures to ensure achievement of goals and objectives.

Skills in: program assessment and evaluation; identifying service gaps and developing solutions; facilitating discussions and coordinating across multiple agencies reading, understanding, and applying relevant rules, ordinances, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures; effectively managing assignments; responding to inquiries timely and within the scope of delegated authority; responding appropriately, maintaining objectivity and freedom from prejudice, and exercising sound judgment and understanding in all interactions; effectively working independently, or as a team member, in various environments with changing priorities; preparing and presenting various reports, documents, forms, and correspondence; researching information, analyzing data, maintaining accurate records, and updating information in various mediums and formats; operating a personal computer with installed generic and specialized software; preparing and presenting information in a clear and concise manner; demonstrating appropriate and effective interpersonal communication and conflict resolution skills; performing highly effective support in assigned areas.