Community Service Specialist

This is a civilian position primarily responsible for responding to and investigating traffic crashes within unincorporated Marion County. Also performs a wide range of roles in support of countywide Patrol Operations.  Respond to calls for service, investigate crimes and other offenses that do not involve suspects on scene or other volatile situations. Will direct traffic, interview witnesses, perform school crossing guard duties, initiate reports, and conduct VIN verifications. A. Abide by the “Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.”
B. Investigate all complaints which are assigned to him/her or are brought to his/her attention by any means and take police action in those cases which come under the jurisdiction of the Sheriff's Office.
C. Complete and submit all reports into the SmartCOP system prior to the end of their shift.
D. Be available for service while on duty.
E. Respond to situations involving recent criminal activity and gather information accordingly.
F. Patrol parking areas to ensure compliance with laws and ordinances.
G. Take into official custody property that has been lost, stolen, or abandoned in accordance with Agency procedures.
H. Conduct in-depth investigations of criminal incidents, either independently or as part of a coordinated effort.
I. Testify in court or depositions as necessary.
J. Observe, report, and whenever feasible, follow up on conditions which pose potential threats to public safety and health, to include floods or fires.
K. Provide rescue and first aid services in accidents, disasters and other emergency situations, consistent with training and abilities.
L. Maintain an alert and business-like manner, and a military bearing upon the street or in a vehicle.
M. Maintain cleanliness and operational readiness of all assigned equipment.
N. Become thoroughly familiar with the boundaries of Marion County in relation to neighboring counties and become familiar with the proper names and locations of streets, avenues, terraces, roads, drives, places, courts, main thoroughfares, alleys, public buildings, hospitals, and so forth.
O. Be familiar with the Florida State Criminal Statutes and keep up to date with criminal law changes; also, be familiar with applicable Federal law and have a working knowledge of laws pertaining to other concurrent jurisdictions.
P. Be alert for conditions or situations which inhibit efficient operation of the Agency or the Law Enforcement Bureau and make recommendations for solutions.
Q. Perform other related duties, as assigned, including modified schedule or temporary re-assignment during declared emergencies or activations, as determined by the Sheriff.
R. Be able to follow instructions with minimal supervision.JOB PREREQUISITES (COMMUNITY SERVICE SPECIALIST) – UNIFORM INSIGNIA- NON-SWORN EMBLEM:

• Have a High School Diploma or GED equivalent and be at least 18 years of age. 

• Ability to maintain the physical condition needed to lift and carry equipment, climb flights of stairs, walk, stand, sit or drive for long periods of time, and endure exposure to extreme weather. 

• Possession of a valid Florida Driver's License, with a good driving record. 

• Be able to effectively communicate information both orally and in writing. 

• Proficient in reading, writing and speaking English. 

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine a proper course of action. 

• Ability to react quickly and calmly when peaceful situations begin to deteriorate. 

• Ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, and tactfully, with respect to rights of others. 

• Be in good physical and mental condition and successfully pass physical and psychological examinations.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Various indoor and outdoor environments. Subject to exposure to weather conditions. Shift work may be required, including holidays and weekends, and may be rotated. May occasionally be called on to work long hours. Considerable amounts of driving. Hazards include all dangers associated with being near traffic, and other situations that may become dangerous due to the human element. Both physical and mental stress present. Subject to physical and mental abuse from numerous sources.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS: ADA

The job requires physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching. May involve lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects such as in the event of investigating vehicle crashes. Tasks may also involve standing, sitting, or walking for long periods of time.

Environmental hazards: The job requires inside and outside work; ability to tolerate inclement weather including heat, humidity, cold, fog, and other tropical weather conditions. Possible exposure to hazardous materials and conditions, toxic conditions, fumes, odors, vibration, dust, confined areas, animal/human waste and/or bodily fluids, noise, solvents, heights, machinery, slippery and uneven surfaces, and traffic hazards.

Sensory requirements: Members of the Community Service Specialist Unit should have good vision and hearing.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Sheriff's Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

VETERANS' PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans' Preference will receive preference in employment for career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Candidates claiming Veterans Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.