Community Services Officer I/Ii

Position Information

This recruitment is to fill seven CSO positions.

Community Service Officers focus on non-sworn assginments within the Chico Police Department. For those interested, this position may also be a great gateway to the Police Trainee/Police Officer position.

Salary placement upon hire: Employees may expect to be placed on the salary range between steps A - F; however, additional steps may be considered based on prior education and experience.

Union: CSOs are covered by the Chico Public Safety Association (CPSA) labor group.

Positions within the Chico Police Department are required to undergo an extensive background and pre-employment medical clearance process.

DEFINITION

Under immediate (Community Services Officer I) or general (Community Services Officer II) supervision, performs various non-sworn field and special assignment duties in support of Police Department operations.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives immediate (Community Services Officer I) to general (Community Services Officer II) supervision from assigned supervisory or management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

Community Services Officer I: This is the entry-level classification in the Community Services Officer series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents learn and perform routine technical duties in support of various law enforcement operations in a civilian capacity. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied, complex, and difficult; close supervision and frequent review of work lessen as an incumbent demonstrates skill to perform the work independently. Positions at this level usually perform most of the duties required of the positions at the Community Services Officer II level but are not expected to function at the same skill level and usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise.

Community Services Officer II: This is the fully qualified journey-level classification in the Community Services Officer series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Community Services Officer I by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Positions in the Community Services Officer class series depend on assignment and positions at the Community Services Officer II level are normally filled by advancement from the Community Services Officer I level; progression to the Community Services Officer II level is dependent on (i) management affirmation that the position is performing the full range of duties assigned to the classification; (ii) satisfactory work performance; (iii) the incumbent meeting the minimum qualifications for the classification including any licenses and certifications; and (iv) management approval for progression to the Community Services Officer II level.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management may add, modify or change the work assignments of different positions and make reasonable accommodations when appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Positions at the Community Services Officer I level may perform some of these duties and responsibilities in a learning capacity.

• If trained and Temporary Holding Facility (THF) staff are unavailable, may be asked to help processes, book and search suspects when absolutely needed, especially during special events, emergency situations or mass booking situations.
• May provide direction and traffic control in accident or incident situations and special events
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Provides information, directions, and assistance to the public in a variety of situations and assists the public with complaints.
• Prepares and submits reports and related documentation of incidents and investigations.
• Drives a vehicle in the performance of duties and ensures it is in proper operating condition.
• During the process of taking reports, conducts interviews of witnesses, victims, and complainants; secures statements.
• Serve departmental subpoenas
• Responds to non-emergency calls for service; takes information from the public regarding thefts, found property, and other incidents which do not require the presence of a law enforcement officer at the scene; completes standard police reports for review by supervisor.
• Performs other Community Service Officer duties as assigned.
• Performs required follow-up functions on crime reports, such as burglaries and thefts, including evidence work such as gathering fingerprints as needed.

SPECIALTY ASSIGNMENT DUTIES

If assigned to a specialty assignment, duties may include a variety of tasks appropriate to the assignment:

• Performs crime prevention duties by patrolling streets to observe potential criminal activities; works with the community on programs which are designed to reduce crime in neighborhoods and business areas.
• Assists with investigations of missing persons, lost children, and runaways, frauds and forgeries.
• Perform other traffic related duties including, but not limited to parking enforcement and vehicle abatement.
• Secures crime scenes; collects and processes evidence, ensuring the chain of custody is not compromised.
• Temporary Holding Facility (THF) duties and functions associated with that assignment.
• Observes traffic situations; provides direction and traffic control in accident or incident situations, special events, or other congested situations

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Transports inmates from the City’s THF to and from other detention facilities; may under certain circumstances pick up arrestees from the field.
• Prepares and serves food and supplies to inmates.
• Initiates a medical/mental health screening to ensure stability for confinement.
• Assigns Personal Identification Numbers to inmates and assists with making phone calls using the THF phone system.
• Oversees maintenance and cleanliness of the THF.
• Assumes responsibility for the welfare and safety of all detainees within the City’s THF; performs security, safety, and health checks of persons and facilities.
• When in this assignment, the THF is your primary responsibility.
• Checks records for warrant, prior criminal history, and confirmation of identity; maintains logs and records related to inmates in custody and related THF activities.
• Receives, searches, and processes prisoners, books, photographs, fingerprints, and houses inmates.
• When assignment is the Temporary Holding Facility:
• Inventories, books, stores, and releases property appropriately.
• When all THF duties are complete and there is no one in custody, or imminently so, simple general CSO tasks may be initiated
• Prevents and controls THF disturbances; documents incidents or crimes, which occur in the facility by writing police reports; testifies in court when necessary.
• Reviews inmate release paperwork for thoroughness and accuracy; releases inmates.

Must maintain physical standards, including mobility to work in varied settings and use standard office equipment, including a computer; ability to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, via radio and over the telephone. Strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to heavy physical work within a temporary holding facility environment, outdoors and an office setting, and to operate a motor vehicle to transport prisoners, respond to calls and transport property. The THF assignment involves frequent walking through the temporary holding facility. The other assignments may involve walking through residences, businesses or outdoor areas. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator, to operate tools and equipment and during prisoner searches. Positions in this classification bend, stoop, kneel, reach, and climb to perform work within the temporary holding facility. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects of varying weights.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees may work in an office or outside environment with varied noise levels, varied temperature conditions, and possible direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff, public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures. May encounter verbally aggressive and combative arrestees within the THF as well as exposure to various health issues and communicable diseases.

Qualifications

Positions at the Community Services Officer I level may exercise knowledge and abilities in a learning capacity.

Knowledge Of

• Government agency and community based organizational resources serving the needs of the homeless population.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Basic functions of the criminal justice system and court processes.
• Methods and techniques of traffic control.
• Operations and services of a comprehensive municipal law enforcement agency.
• Methods and techniques of researching and evaluating data and information.
• A variety of local, regional, and national databases used in law enforcement agencies.
• Principles and practices of recordkeeping.
• Standard operating procedures for responding to calls.
• Police radio codes.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Basic functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies including crime scene investigations and evidence retention practices and regulations.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Civil litigation practices and procedures including the discovery process.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Perform technical duties in support of assigned programs within the Police Department.
• Interpret and apply operational procedures to resolve field situations.
• Attend and complete all required trainings and certifications/recertifications.
• Complete Field Training Program.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Explain department or program operations and services to the general public.
• Ensure all work performed is compliant with established or mandated processes.
• Maintain an appropriate professional appearance and demeanor by following all uniform and dress code regulations.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Coordinate or collaborate services with other local government or state agencies.
• Collect, interpret, and apply data.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Serve on-call and work various shifts including emergencies, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Learn radio codes and procedures.
• Collaborate with members of the business community, civic organizations, and the general public to provide a safe and healthy environment for citizens.
• Generate and distribute a variety of program reports and documents.
• Learn and apply City and department policies and procedures.
• Work effectively under stress and in emergency situations.
• Compose detailed incident reports including any obtained evidence and prepare correspondence if appropriate.

Education and Experience:

Education

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Community Services Officer I/II: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth (12th) grade.

Experience

• Community Services Officer II: Two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience supporting a law enforcement program which involves contact with the public.
• Community Services Officer I: Law enforcement and customer service experience is desirable but not required.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
• Successful completion of the State of California Correction Officer Core course within 12 months of employment for assignment to THF. (This applies to those hired after January 2022)
• Complete CLETS training.
• Completion of 832 PC course and First Aid/ CPR if not attending CORE.

Additional Information

The City of Chico is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a PASSION for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.

APPLICATIONS ARE ONLY ACCEPTED ONLINE, THROUGH THE NEOGOV/GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM SYSTEM.
If this is the first time you are applying using the online job application, you will need to create an account and select a Username and Password. After your account has been established, you can build your application which can be saved and used to apply for other City of Chico employment opportunities.
Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure applications are received by the City of Chico Human Resources Office.
Degree, Licenses, Certifications and/or Equivalencies: Candidates must include copies of items listed as a minimum qualification; failure to provide required certificates by the close of the recruitment will result in candidate disqualification. If this position requires a typing certificate: typing certificates must have been issued within one year and the net speed must match the minimum requirement listed in the job description. For standardization, net speed will be calculated by subtracting the number of errors from the gross WPM. Internet generated typing certifications are not accepted. Equivalency for experience and/or education listed within a job description may be established pursuant to the City-wide Classification Plan and through coordination with Human Resources. Candidates seeking an equivalency must contact Human Resources, at (530) 879-7900, for instructions on submitting an equivalency request. Being minimally qualified for a position does not guarantee a candidate progression through the full recruitment process.
Travel and Recruitment Related Expenses: The City of Chico does not reimburse applicants for any travel or expenses in connection with applying for employment, unless authorized by the City Manager.
Pre-Employment Processing: Applicants may be required to pass fingerprinting and a medical examination as a condition of employment or promotion. Medical exams may include a fitness exam, psychological exam, and a drug and alcohol screening, depending on the position. E-verify is used to determine candidate eligibility to work in the United States.
The City of Chico is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The City of Chico will consider individuals with disabilities based on their qualifications to perform the essential functions of the position for which they are applying and will provide reasonable accommodation in the application and/or testing process. If you require accommodation in the application and/or testing process, please notify the Human Resources Office within seven (7) days of the need for accommodation, so appropriate alternative arrangements can be made.
If you have any questions, or need additional assistance regarding City of Chico employment opportunities, please contact the Human Resources Department at (530) 879-7900 or [email protected] .
The City of Chico offers a wide range of employee benefits. Benefits are subject to negotiations with employee organizations and may vary with individual bargaining units. For a summary of benefits, please visit the City of Chico website at: https://chico.ca.us/post/employee-benefits
Closing Date/Time: Continuous