The Seattle Police Department’s (SPD) Community Service Officer (CSO) Unit is staffed by non-commissioned officers who are trained and work as liaison personnel between the community and the SPD. CSOs do not carry weapons nor enforce criminal laws. Instead, they serve to bridge the service gap on non-emergent calls for service and perform a variety of public safety-related community service and outreach work that does not require the enforcement authority of a sworn police officer.
Position Description:
Under the supervision of a Police Lieutenant, CSOs respond to and address public safety concerns that do not immediately require a police officer or other agency response. CSOs provide information and service referrals to individuals who have been contacted by the police. CSOs are responsible for maintaining an excellent working knowledge of available services and resources, which make them ideal community resource connectors. Unit staff receive training in police operations, social work, de-escalation, conflict resolution and mediation, crisis intervention, institutional racism, and cultural competency. They develop community partnerships to support increased collaboration between SPD and the community for the purpose of leveraging community strengths and identifying alternative strategies to various law enforcement and social issues.
CSOs typically work in partner pairs in assigned areas of the city on foot or in marked CSO vehicles without immediate supervision, responding to radio dispatched calls for service. CSOs may assist with mediating non-violent disputes (e.g., family, neighborhood, and landlord/tenant) and provide follow-up on calls for non-emergent services (e.g., food, housing, transportation, and social services). They work closely with dispatchers, police officers, parking enforcement officers, crime prevention personnel and various social service agencies to coordinate police and social services and exchange information.
CSOs serve as a face of SPD in the community and are expected to participate in various meetings and interviews. When given the opportunity CSOs speak with the public on behalf of the program. CSOs are also expected to share their images, identities, and information about their position as CSOs on any/all the SPD’s websites and social media platforms when requested. CSOs also work with the department’s Community and Directed Outreach personnel to advance the department’s goals related to relational policing. CSOs assist with community outreach and engagement efforts, with a special emphasis on youth engagement.Job Responsibilities:
Community Engagement and Education

• Assists with development and execution of outreach plans.
• Maintains relationships with community partners and cultivates new partnerships.
• Prepares outreach materials, including but not limited to brochures, pamphlets or other written and web-based materials. 
• Attends relevant community events and meetings.
• Coordinates special events, projects, or activities, as directed.
• Facilitates information sharing between the community and SPD. 

Community Resource Connectors

• Responds to non-emergent service calls that do not require the enforcement authority of a sworn police officer.
• Evaluates the needs of community members, including but not limited to at-risk youth, unsheltered individuals, chemically dependent, physically and mentally ill, and the elderly.
• Connects people with available City services and programs, including but not limited to diversion opportunities, youth programs, emergency services (e.g., housing, food or other), elder services, programs for the chemically dependent and mental health services. 
• Conducts follow-up on the well-being of at-risk individuals and reports to appropriate agencies on any hazards.
• Mediates conflict, such as family, landlord/tenant, and neighbor disputes, investigates the cause and identifies solutions or refers parties to appropriate services (e.g., counseling, or legal assistance). 

Youth Services and Diversion

• Assists with development and implementation of youth-focused programming.
• Facilitates opportunities for youth to interact with SPD Police Officers.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with community-based youth organizations and service providers. 
• Provides service referrals for youth and their families.
• Attends SPD, school and community-hosted events and activities.

Other

• Prepares routine reports on incidents involving the CSO Unit.
• Advise on special projects related to the CSO function (i.e., non-emergency services).
• Supports Patrol Officers in the field by communicating information (liaison), assisting in report completion, and providing emergency transportation.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, social work, social service, communications, or a related field, and one year of experience working in the criminal justice system, social work, a social service, or a closely related field OR a combination of education and/or training and/or experience, especially community service-related work, which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of the class.
Desired Qualifications:
Strong consideration will be given to applicants who have a proven history of community involvement as well as applicants who are multi-lingual. Competitive applicants will also possess one or more of the following: 

• Performing work in stressful and traumatic conditions.
• Training and/or experience working with at-risk individuals.
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills; ability to communicate effectively and respectfully.
• De-escalation skills.
• Knowledge of and/or existing relationships with Seattle social service providers and community-based organizations; familiarity with City community and support services.
• Cultural competency.

Position Requirements:

• Due to the Seattle Police Department being a 24/7 operation, this position is required to work varied shifts including evenings, weekdays and weekends, and holidays.
• Must pass a Seattle Police Department background investigation.
• Must have a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to being hired.

Work Environment/Physical Demands: 

• Requires frequent exposure to persons in crisis and challenging environments. 
• Requires frequent interaction with Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM), with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Works outdoors in all weather conditions when patrolling by foot.
• A considerable amount of automobile travel is required.
• Occasionally required to lift or carry heavy objects up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally required to crawl/climb to challenging locations.

About the Department:
The Seattle Police Department is comprised of approximately 1,600 dedicated law enforcement professionals all committed to creating and fostering a work environment that is collaborative, innovative, and leading the way in law enforcement principles and practices. Ours is a culture that encourages top performers to adhere to a standard of excellence in the identification of and resolution to complex challenges. At SPD we acknowledge and honor the fundamental value and dignity of all individuals and pledge ourselves to creating and maintaining an environment that respects diverse traditions, heritages, and experiences.
Additional Information:
The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.
The full salary range for this position is $41.84 - $48.80 per hour. New employees begin at Step 1 of the pay progression, which is $41.84 hourly. Current City employees’ starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE) regular position with full benefits. This is a Civil Service position eligible for overtime.

How to Apply:
Apply online at www.seattle.gov/jobs/. Job Number #: 2024-00565. If you have any questions, please contact Melissa Tunkara at melissa.tunkara@seattle.gov.