Community Services Officer I/II/Senior

DEFINITION:  The Community Services Officer I/II assists in performing a wide variety of non-hazardous field work in the Police Department.  

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:  Receives immediate direction and general supervision from a Police Lieutenant or designee. No direct supervision of staff is exercised.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:  The Community Services Officer I is considered to be in a training status and is distinguished from the Community Services Officer II by the performance of the more routine and less complex assignments and greater level of supervision.   

The Community Services Officer II is considered the journey level.  This class is distinguished from the Senior Community Services Officer in that the latter serves as the advanced level in the series. Advancement to the Community Services Officer II level shall occur after satisfactorily performing the duties of a Community Services Officer I for two (2) years.  Satisfactory performance means an overall satisfactory or higher rating on the performance evaluation during the last evaluation period.  An employee may be advanced to the Community Services Officer II level in less than two (2) years if the employee’s performance is noted as exceptional by the Department Head and the employee is recommended for early advancement by the Department Head.

Upon recommendation of a Police Lieutenant and approval of the Police Chief, a Community Services Officer II may advance to the Senior Community Services Officer upon attaining the minimum qualifications for the position and demonstrating the abilities and competencies necessary to perform the full range of Senior Community Services Officer duties.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:   (Illustrative Only):   Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Provides assistance on a variety of non-hazardous field activities not requiring the services of a sworn officer. 
• Observes and reports violations of laws and ordinances.
• Issues parking citations. 
• Takes and prepares reports regarding burglaries, theft, property recoveries, vandalism, and similar situations.
• Obtains statements from victims and witnesses. 
• Collects physical evidence at crime scene including fingerprints and taking photographs. 
• Responds to non-hazardous calls for assistance. 
• Responds to property damage traffic accidents and prepares appropriate reports. 
• Performs traffic control duties. 
• Assists with traffic and crowd control at major emergencies. 
• Assists in development and delivery of youth service programs and crime prevention programs. 
• Prepares a variety of written reports. 
• Performs other clerical and support duties. 
• Administers first aid as required. 
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of: Community Services Officer I: Modern office methods, practices, and procedures, including automated office systems; and correct English usage, grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation. Community Services Officer II: The foregoing plus municipal organizational structure; departmental regulations, procedures, and work methods; basic report writing techniques; basic fingerprinting techniques; California Civil and Penal Codes; City ordinances and codes; and basic evidence collection techniques. 

Skill in: Community Services Officer I: Understanding and following verbal and written instructions; successfully learning all essential job functions; preparing clear and accurate reports; operating a motor vehicle; establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with others contacted in the course of work; working a variety of shifts, weekends and holidays; and communicating effectively orally and in writing; maintaining physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include walking, standing or sitting for extended periods of time and operating assigned office equipment; effectively dealing with situations which may include dealing with the public and hazards associated with traffic control and working in and near traffic; maintaining effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating assigned office equipment; maintaining mental capacity which allows for effective interaction and communication with others. Community Services Officer II: The foregoing plus interpreting and applying codes, ordinances, laws, rules, regulations, and policies; and operate radio equipment and utilizing appropriate codes

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:  Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and skill.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skill would be:

Education:  Community Services Officer I and II:  High school diploma or equivalent.  Additional course work or specialized training related to the assigned department is preferred.  

Experience:  Community Services Officer I:  One (1) year of experience in public contact work.  Community Services Officer II: Two (2) years of experience performing duties comparable to those of a Community Services Officer I with the City of West Sacramento.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES:  A valid Class “C” California driver’s license.  

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:  Prior to assignment at the Police Department, an employee must successfully pass a background investigation.  The background investigation is required on all civilian Police Department personnel who will have access to the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS) equipment and Criminal Offender Records Information (CORI).  Must be able to work a variety of shifts, weekends, and holidays.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  Employees may interact with upset members of the public in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Incumbent may be required to work various shifts on evenings, weekends, and holidays.  Incumbents will be required to wear the appropriate uniform.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Incumbents must have the ability to sit at a desk or in a vehicle for long periods of time; safely operate a motor vehicle; intermittently twist, bend, squat, reach, walk and stand in an office and/or field environment; stand and walk for long periods of time in field environment; climb stairs and/or ladders while in the field; perform simple and power grasping; pushing and pulling; fine manipulation; lift moderate weight up to 25 pounds; manual dexterity to use standard office equipment and supplies including a keyboard; vision to read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and by telephone and/or radio.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS:  Employees work in the field and in the office environment in support of peace control, and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset members of the public in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. Employees may work unusual and prolonged work schedules as necessary, including weekends, holidays, and evenings.