Description

Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.

DEFINITION:

Under general supervision, performs specialized para-professional office and field work, including preparation of nonemergency reports involving burglaries, thefts, injury and noninjury accidents, robberies, and other crimes; interviews witnesses and victims; performs preliminary crime scene investigations; performs other related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

The Community Services Officer is the journey level class responsible for performing a wide variety of para-professional law enforcement duties, which frees the time available to sworn personnel. Incumbents are responsible for assisting citizens by answering nonemergency calls for service, and the nature of the duties require rotating shifts, weekends, and holiday work.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:

Receives general supervision from a Police Sergeant or higher classification. Incumbents in this classification do not routinely exercise supervision.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)

Performs specialized para-professional office and field work, including preparation of nonemergency reports involving burglaries, thefts, injury and noninjury accidents, robberies, and other crimes; interviews witnesses and victims; performs preliminary crime scene investigations

Prepares nonemergency reports involving burglaries, thefts, injury and noninjury accidents, robberies, missing persons, and other crimes; interviews witnesses and victims; preserves crime scenes; collects and preserves evidence and property; photographs crime scenes; collects latent fingerprints; responds to radio and phone dispatches of nonemergency calls; responds to and handles injured, vicious and loud animal complaints.

Investigates incidents and prepares reports, including injury and noninjury traffic accidents; conducts traffic collision investigations; directs traffic as required; enforces parking regulations; impounds vehicles; signs-off on mechanical citations; ensures adherence to safe work methods, procedures, and practices.

Responds to questions and concerns from the general public, departmental staff, and other agencies; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.

Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, State/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.

OTHER DUTIES: (include but are not limited to the following)

May be required to appear and testify in Court when subpoenaed.

May be exposed to confidential and privileged information during the course of duties, which should be maintained as such.

Performs other related duties as required.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily work activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement, and fine coordination in preparing reports and retrieving and entering data using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading work related documents and using the computer, and acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The need to lift, drag, and push files, paper, documents, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Incumbents may work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot, and cold. The nature of the work also requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles, operate a variety of law enforcement equipment, work in heavy vehicle traffic conditions, and often work with constant interruptions.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

The City of Whittier encourages applications from qualified individuals with disabilities as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Fair Employment and Housing Act. Individuals who require accommodation in the application or testing process should contact the Human Resources staff at least 5 days prior to the application deadline or 5 days prior to the testing process so that a reasonable accommodation may be made. Persons requesting a reasonable accommodation will be required to provide documentation of such need. Seeking or receiving an accommodation by the City will have no negative impact on an individual's application or employment.

Typical Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the classification.)

Education and/or Experience: Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for a Community Services Officer. A typical way of obtaining the required qualifications is to possess a high school diploma or equivalent and be 18 years of age by the time of appointment.

License/Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California drivers license. Possession of, or ability to obtain a PC 832 within one year of appointment to this class.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform essential duties of the position.)

Knowledge of: Modern office administrative practices and procedures; interviewing victims and witnesses; fingerprinting techniques and procedures; operations and standard operating procedures of a Police Department; basic principles of mathematics; applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations; standard office procedures, practices, and equipment; modern office practices, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing; proper English, spelling, and grammar; and occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Ability to: Perform a variety of complex work with speed and accuracy; direct traffic; remain calm under stressful situations; learn to operate specialized law enforcement equipment and communication systems; obtain and report information through interview and observation; work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and rotating shifts; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and regulations; read, interpret and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Skill to: Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; effectively operate specialized law enforcement equipment and communication systems.

Supplemental Information

Prior to hiring, candidates will be required to submit proof of U.S. Citizenship or employment authorization if not a U.S. Citizen.

Employees in this classification are required to become members of the Whittier City Employee's Associates (WCEA) or pay a service fee.

Medical: Applicants will be required as a prerequisite to employment to successfully pass a physical examination, including a drug screen and polygraph, the cost of which will be paid by the City.

Selection/Exam Process: Based on a review of the applications received, the candidates appearing to be most qualified and meeting the City's particular needs will be invited in writing to the exam process. A candidate must achieve a passing score on each exam to proceed to the

next exam. Due to the anticipated large volume of applicants for this position and our limited resources, we will only be able to invite the top candidates to participate in the panel oral interview process.

Oral Interview: 100% (Date to be determined.)

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.

EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (Actual benefits may vary by employee group)

Retirement - Employees hired prior to 1/1/13 and those individuals identified as Classic Members under Public Employment Retirement Law (PERL) will be enrolled in the City's 2.5% @ 55 for Miscellaneous Members and may have a future CalPERS contribution as established by resolutions, labor agreements or Public Employee Retirement Law. New members under Public Employment Retirement Law (PERL) hired as of 1/1/13 will have the new CalPERS 2% @ 62 for Miscellaneous Plan and will have a mandatory CalPERS contribution as established by PERL. There is currently no deduction for Social Security, as the City does not participate in the Social Security program.

Insurance - Health, dental and life coverage for employee and/or dependents. Vision coverage for civilian employees and dependents and police sworn personnel. City pays substantial portion of insurance premiums. Employee paid Supplemental Life Insurance available through payroll deduction.

Flexible Reimbursement Account Program - Allows employee payment of insurance premiums, medical and dependent care expenses with Pre-Tax dollars, increasing take-home pay.

Employee Wellness Program - Promotes the health and well being of employees and dependents.

Vacation – 80 hours accrual per year after one year, increasing to 184 hours per year after 19 years of service.

Sick Leave – 96 hours accrual per year. 16 hours may be used for personal necessity. Partial sick leave pay upon separation.

Personal Leave – 8 hours per year not charged to sick leave.

Holidays – 92 hours paid holidays for miscellaneous employees; 84 hours paid holidays for sworn police personnel.

Employee Assistance Program - Employee and family members receive professional confidential assistance with personal problems.

Tuition Reimbursement - City pays substantial cost of tuition for job related courses.

Computer Loan Program - City offers no interest loans to purchase personal computer equipment.

Credit Union - Credit Union membership is available, providing low interest loans.

Deferred Compensation - Available for employee participation.

Disability Insurance - City has a self-insured disability plan.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provision contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.