This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Crime & Safety

City Jobs: Community Service Officer

Closes on Oct. 31, or when 60 applications have been received.

From the City of Sierra Madre

Join the Police Department in this non-sworn position working hands-on within in the community! Under general supervision, the Community Service Officer performs a variety of non-hazardous support duties as a non-sworn, non-peace officer within the Police Department; performs related clerical tasks; performs related duties as required.
 
Essential Functions
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.
    •    Operates an unmarked police vehicle directing traffic; performs traffic control; reports observed traffic hazards; initiates impound action on abandoned vehicles; assists stranded motorists; investigates minor traffic collisions.
    •    Investigates and writes crime reports when no suspect is present; investigates complaints and cites violators; investigates, collects evidence and writes reports on burglaries, thefts, malicious mischief and other crimes; appears in court as required.
    •    Creation and distribution of the Police Blotter, Crime Statistics, and Social Media updates i.e. Facebook, Twitter, and Nixle.
    •    Maintains inventory of department property and supplies; performs a variety of clerical duties as assigned.
    •    Assists with crime prevention and community relations programs for neighborhood, schools, and businesses; develops materials for presentations; writes articles, bulletins, educational booklets, and newsletters; responds to requests for information; assists with exhibits or station tours; makes presentations on crime prevention including bicycle safety, personal and home protection, and other areas.
    •    Collects and preserves evidence in accordance with established procedures; inventories, tags, and disposes of evidence and found property, and maintains security.
    •    Performs follow-up calls on reports to assist Investigators and acts as court liaison officer.
    •    Maintains records, prepares reports and performs a variety of clerical duties as assigned.
    •    Assist with Traffic Control and Parking Enforcement when needed, including, but not limited to, special events, parades, movie shoots, crime scenes, other emergencies, and the enforcement of parking violations as they relate to Overnight Parking, California Vehicle Code violations, and City Municipal Code Violations.
    •    Coordinates and presents Neighborhood Watch, Business Watch meetings, School Meetings and Presentations and other Community Safety Presentations as needed.

Qualifications Guidelines
Knowledge of:
    •    Related, laws, codes, and regulations;
    •    Report writing procedures;
    •    General office procedures.
    •    Current software programs, social media programs, and be skilled in the operation of a personal computer, tablets, and smart phones. Familiarization with Microsoft Publisher andor Adobe InDesign is highly desirable.
Ability to:
    •    Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
    •    Interpret, apply, and explain department policies, rules, laws, and regulations.
    •    Learn radio codes and how to operate a police radio.
    •    Meet the public in situations requiring diplomacy and tact.
    •    Deal constructively with conflict and develop effective resolutions.
    •    Represent the City in a variety of meetings.
    •    Write clear and accurate reports.
    •    Use correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
    •    Perform a variety of clerical duties.
    •    Understand and follow verbal and written directions.
    •    Observe and accurately recall names, faces, and details of incidents.
    •    Work independently.
    •    Learn state and local laws and apply to a given set of circumstances.
    •    Work shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and special events as required.

Education/Training/Experience:

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for satisfactory job performance. Example combinations include graduation from high school or equivalent, AA/AS degree and two years of varied specialized clerical experience and public contact work are desirable.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
Must possess a current American Red Cross certificate in First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community or obtain within three months of employment. Possession of or ability to obtain a Class “C” California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record and the ability to maintain insurability under the City’s Vehicle Insurance Policy. Must be 18 years of age at time of appointment and free of any felony convictions and pass the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) background and polygraph examination.
 
Compensation
    •    $18.79-22.84/hour
    •    A mandatory deferred compensation plan is offered in lieu of Social Security withholding. If currently enrolled in the CalPERS system, the City’s PERS Safety Plan for existing CalPERS Members is 3% at 55.
    •    This is a part-time/seasonal position and as such offers no sick leave or benefits.
    •    The City pays all employer taxes required under Federal, State and local laws
    •    Selected candidate(s) will be provided one set of uniforms.
 
Application Process
Application Deadline: Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 4:00 pm or after 60 applications received.
Interviews are currently scheduled for Friday, November 8, 2013.
The successful candidate(s) must pass:
    •    Pre-employment medical exam, including a drug/alcohol screening;
    •    Psychological exam;
    •    Criminal background check;
    •    California Driver License (CDL) Review Process; and
    •    Reference and background verification, including a credit screening. References will not be contacted until a mutual interest has been established.
 
Candidates should apply with a current resume online at www.cityofsierramadre.com. Applications must be completed and demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. The most qualified candidates will be selected to participate in an interview process. All candidates who meet the minimum qualifications will remain candidates until a final offer is accepted by the candidate who most closely meets the requirements of the City. The City may conclude that none of the candidates, even those who meet the minimum qualifications, are appropriate for the position.
 
Immigration and Reform Act of 1986
In compliance with the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, all new employees must demonstrate eligibility to legally work in the United States by providing required documentation.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City does not make employment decisions based on sex, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status or physical handicap, except when such qualifications are appropriate occupational qualifications. The City of Sierra Madre makes reasonable accommodations for disabled persons, considering each situation on an individual basis.  Please make direct requests for accommodation to the City of Sierra Madre Human Resources Department. The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
 
Questions
Questions may be directed to Dorothy Costello at dcostello@cityofsierramadre.com or at 626.355.7135. Applicants may wish to visit the City’s official website – www.cityofsierramadre.com – for further information.

To apply, click the link.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Sierra Madre