Community Service Officer

Job Summary Union Affiliation: This job classification is represented by Teamsters and is covered by Civil Service. Under the direction of a Police Sergeant, incumbent is responsible for public education and community mobilization efforts in the areas of crime prevention and special community outreach projects. Incumbent supports the mission of the Lakewood Police Department and assists in enhancing crime prevention, resolving minor traffic concerns and mobilizing community effort to improve safety and neighborhood quality of life. Work involves providing information to the public in order to assist them in problem resolution and to direct them to the appropriate police unit and/or other resources. An employee in this classification carries a limited police commission to allow for such activities as hulk and litter removal, disabled parking and other parking enforcement activity.

Essential Duties Organize, coordinate and implement crime prevention programs and the offender accountability program, and community mobilization activities for the police department; respond to the public's requests for service and information; resolve minor traffic concerns, coordinate neighborhood activities designed to promote safety and improve neighborhood quality of life.

Represent the department and answer questions from the general public related to crime prevention or offender accountability programs; direct people to the appropriate police units or services and facilities outside the department; recommend resources for, and solutions to crime prevention problems.

Create and distribute a public information newsletter addressing crime prevention and offender accountability.

Plan, organize and speak at various community outreach events to display and disseminate information on crime prevention or offender accountability programs.

Develop and maintain records of adult and juvenile offenders in assigned police districts.

Develop and conduct various crime prevention surveys; collect, analyze and distribute data for crime prevention and offender accountability purposes.

Perform front desk/public contact duties such as directing the public to the proper person or section, responding to inquiries, interviewing victims of minor offenses, receiving police service requests, taking statements and writing reports.

Maintain a presence at the front desk to answer incoming calls, properly direct them to the correct resources, take information about concerns from walk in clients and in person inquiries.

Carry a limited commission to accomplish hulk removal, and enforcement of disabled parking and general parking violations by writing citations.

Operate personal computers, copiers, and basic office equipment.

Other Duties Perform related duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, And Other Requirements EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Requires high school graduation or equivalent. Strong verbal, written and interpersonal skills are required. Education, training or experience related to law enforcement is preferred.

Licenses & Other Requirements Must successfully pass a stringent personal background investigation including polygraph examination and drug test. Must be at least nineteen years of age; possess a valid Washington driver's license by hire date and have a satisfactory driving record.

The Recruitment And Selection Process Includes The Following

• City of Lakewood online application with supplemental questionnaire. The applicants scoring highest on the supplemental questionnaire will proceed to an oral board interview.
• A minimum score of 70% on the oral board interview is required to proceed.
• Candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list based on their oral board scores.
• Candidates may proceed to interview with police command staff members and the Rule of Five shall be used for final selection.
• Successful completion of a background investigation, including polygraph.
• Any offer of employment is conditioned on passing a background investigation, polygraph, medical exam and drug test.
• The average length of time from background investigation to hire is three months.

Knowledge Of KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Oral and written communication skills.

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.

Basic principles of public relations.

Principles, practices and associated terminology of the criminal justice system.

City ordinances and applicable state laws governing crime prevention and parking enforcement.

Community resources and appropriate methods of assessing them.

Current crime prevention and offender accountability techniques.

Police department policies and procedures.

Ability To Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Plan and organize workload to meet schedules and time lines.

Maintain records and prepare administrative reports.

Educate individuals and community groups regarding crime, crime prevention and the functions of the police department.

Keyboard and use computer automated systems to process associated paperwork.

Oversee, coordinate and implement diversified crime prevention and offender accountability programs and activities within the community.

Work as part of a team effort.

Work a flexible schedule, which may include evenings and weekends.

Physically perform the duties of the job.

Act without direct supervision and exercise independent discretion.

Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Communicate effectively in English with co-workers, superiors and the general public, both orally and in writing.

Interact effectively with individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions and beliefs.

Cope with situations firmly, courteously and tactfully, and with respect for the rights of others.

Effectively deal with violations of rules, policies, and procedures on an impartial basis.

Maintain standards of physical fitness.

Working Conditions Work includes indoor and outdoor environment, subject to adverse weather conditions and possible verbal abuse; employees may be assigned to work evening and weekend hours, and are subject to call out.

Benefits Summary for

TEAMSTERS LOCAL UNION 117 MEMBERS

This is a summary of benefits and is not meant to be all inclusive. Please refer to collective bargaining agreement, City policies and plan booklets for details.

WORK HOURS The normal work week is five consecutive days of not more than eight hours per day, exclusive of lunch period. Where appropriate, alternative work schedules may be established, providing that not more than forty hours are scheduled per work week.

SALARY INCREASES Upon successful completion of an annual performance evaluation, an employee may receive a merit increase of 1% to 4%. However, no employee may exceed the maximum of their salary range.

HOLIDAYS Employees Are Granted The Following Paid Holidays New Year’s Day Memorial Day Veterans’ Day Christmas Day

M.L. King, Jr. Day Independence Day Thanksgiving

Presidents’ Day Labor Day the day after Thanksgiving

Employees accrue one floating holiday on their anniversary date, which must be used within the following 12 month period. Holiday pay is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week. COMBINATION LEAVE Combination leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during approved absences. Approved absences include, but are not limited to, short term sick leave and vacation leave. Combination leave may be used after 60 days of employment. Leave may be accumulated for succeeding years; however, the maximum accrual shall not exceed two times the amount of the employee’s current accrual rate.

Accrual Rate During the 1st year 120 hours of leave per year

After the 1st thru 2nd year 128 hours of leave per year

After the 2nd thru 4th year 136 hours of leave per year

After the 4th thru 9th year 152 hours of leave per year

After the 9th thru 14th year 184 hours of leave per year

After the 14th thru 20th year 216 hours of leave per year

After the 20th thru 29th year 232 hours of leave per year

After the 29th year 240 hours of leave per year

Combination leave accrual is pro-rated for employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week. MAJOR MEDICAL LEAVE Major medical leave is a benefit granted to employees to continue normal compensation during absences caused by illness, injury, etc. Combination leave is used for the number of hours equal to the length of the employee’s regularly scheduled work day, and major medical leave is used for the remaining hours of the absence. Major medical leave is accrued at 64 hours per year (pro-rated for employees working less than 40 hours per week). It is available for use after 90 days of employment. SHARED LEAVE If an employee exhausts all paid leave, they may be eligible to receive donated combination leave to cover an absence caused by illness or injury.

MILITARY LEAVE Employees who are members of any federal military reserve unit or the Washington National Guard will receive up to twenty-one working days of paid leave during each year beginning October 1 and ending September 30, while engaged in active training duty or active duty.

The City will maintain continuity of health benefits to employees’ families when employees are ordered to involuntary active military duty. Military differential pay is available during active military duty of more than 30 days and for no longer than 24 months.

JURY DUTY LEAVE Employees will be paid their regular compensation while serving on jury duty provided they forfeit the juror’s daily stipend to the City.

RETIREMENT PLAN Employees and the City make contributions to an International City Management Association - Retirement Corporation (ICMA-RC) 401A plan. The employee contributes 5.08% and the City contributes 7.62% of the employee’s salary. The employee chooses how contributions are invested. Investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. The 401A plan has a 20% per year vesting schedule. Prior service credit in Washington State Department of Retirement Systems plans and First Class City plans (Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane) will be credited towards the vesting schedule.

Under Social Security’s Government Pension Offset, any Social Security spouse’s or widow’s or widower’s benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from the City’s retirement plan.

SOCIAL SECURITY REPLACEMENT In lieu of Social Security, the City provides an alternative plan through the ICMA Retirement Corporation. The employee contributes 6.20% and the City contributes 4.77% of the employee’s salary. The employee’s investment choices range from conservative (low risk) to aggressive (high risk) opportunities. Employees are immediately 100% vested in the plan.

Under Social Security’s Windfall Elimination Provision, any Social Security retirement or disability benefits you may be entitled to will be reduced based on any pension you receive from this replacement plan.

Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan Participation in a 457 deferred compensation plan is available to employees through payroll deduction. This is an optional investment program offered through the ICMA Retirement Corporation or Washington Department of Retirement Systems. The City matches an employee’s contribution up to 3% of the employee’s base monthly pay rate. Investment choices are similar to 401A options.

VOLUNTARY FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNT The Flexible Spending Account (IRS Section 125) is an optional tax savings program which is offered to employees annually. It allows employees to reduce taxable income by using part of their salary on a pretax basis to pay for one or more of the following qualified benefits: medical and dental insurance premiums, out of pocket expenses for health care, and dependent care costs.

MEDICAL INSURANCE Three medical plans are offered to employees and dependents through the Association of Washington Cities (AWC): the Regence HealthFirst plan, the Regence High Deductible Health Savings plan, and Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound $10 Copay plan. Full-time (40 hours per week) employees pay 10% of the premium and the City pays 90%. Premiums are pro-rated based on FTE status for part-time employees. Full-time employees may be eligible to opt out of medical insurance coverage to receive $3,000 annually (pro-rated each pay period).

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is paid for by the City, and is a voluntary, confidential resource available to Regence and Group Health insured employees, dependents and household members. The EAP provides professional counseling assistance in addressing a variety of concerns ranging from substance abuse to relationship issues.

VISION INSURANCE A separate vision plan provides for annual eye examinations for employees and dependents. A $25 deductible benefit is also provided for lenses, frames and contact lenses.

DENTAL INSURANCE Washington Dental Service (WDS) Plan E insurance is provided through AWC. The City pays the entire premium cost for employees and dependents. This is an incentive based plan - 70% to 100% of Class I and Class II benefits (routine exams, basic cleaning, x-rays, fillings, etc.) are covered. Class III benefits (crowns, inlays and onlays) are paid at 50%. The dental plan pays a maximum of $2,000 per individual annually for covered benefits per incentive period (a calendar year). A separate orthodontia plan provides a one time orthodontia benefit of $1,000 for eligible children.

LIFE & LONG TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE The City Provides The Following Insurance Coverage For Employees Through Standard Insurance (a Copy Of Each Plan Certificate Will Be Provided During Orientation)

SURVIVOR INCOME LIFE INSURANCE A monthly survivor income benefit is paid to an employee’s eligible spouse and children upon the employee’s death. Prior to any reduction for Social Security survivor’s benefits, a benefit amount equal to 30% of the employee’s insured earnings is paid to the spouse or children, and 60% is paid if both spouse and children survive.

BASIC LIFE INSURANCE/ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT A benefit equal to the employee’s annual salary rounded up to the next thousand to a maximum of $170,000.

LONG TERM DISABILITY (LTD) Effective after 90 days of continuous disability. The maximum amount of the LTD benefit is 60% of earnings or $5,000 per month, whichever is less.

VOLUNTARY SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE Employees may elect to apply for $30,000 to $300,000 in supplemental term life insurance coverage. Spouses may be insured for an amount up to 50% of the employee’s coverage. Premiums are paid entirely by the employee.

VOLUNTARY SHORT TERM DISABILITY (STD) Short term disability insurance provides benefit payments to help replace lost income when an employee is disabled due to a non-occupational accident or illness. Pregnancy or its complications are covered provided enrollment in STD insurance is prior to conception. Benefits are payable for a maximum of 13 weeks. This benefit is offered to employees at the time of hire and annually thereafter.

Additional Voluntary Insurance Plans Additional insurance plans are available to employees through AFLAC, such as accident/disability, cancer, STD, dental and hospital intensive care.

01

Do you have a high school diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

02

Will you be at least 19 years of age within the next 4 months?

• Yes
• No

03

Indicate the highest level of your college education.

• None
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Master's degree or higher

04

If applicable, please list your college degree.

05

Your work experience with public contact and complaint resolution is:

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• More than 2 years

06

Describe your work experience with public contact and complaint resolution. In addition to providing a detailed explanation of your experience, also include where you gained the experience (your employer), your job title, and dates of employment. This employment must be included in the Work Experience section of your application. If you fail to follow these instructions, you will not receive credit for your response

07

Your work experience providing support services in a law enforcement environment is:

• None
• Less than 1 year
• 1-2 years
• More than 2 years

08

Describe your work experience providing support services in a law enforcement environment. In addition to providing a detailed explanation of your experience, also include where you gained the experience (your employer), your job title, and dates of employment. This employment must be included in the Work Experience section of your application. If you fail to follow these instructions, you will not receive credit for your response.

09

Your Experience Using MS Office Applications Is

• None
• Less than 1 year
• l-2 years
• More than 2 years

10

To receive credit for the above question, please explain in detail your use of MS Office applications, including types and complexity of documents produced, and frequency of use.

11

Lakewood Police Department standards require that you answer TRUE to questions 11 - 22 to be considered for this position. I understand that I will be disqualified from this process if I answer FALSE to any of the following questions.

• True
• False

12

I will cooperate in a background investigation by providing complete and truthful information to the investigators.

• True
• False

13

I will be truthful in a polygraph examination.

• True
• False

14

I have obtained or can obtain a Washington State driver's license.

• True
• False

15

I have read and understand the automatic disqualifiers for driving, drug usage, and criminal activity and I remain eligible for hire. The standards are accessible by link on the job posting under the Education, Experience, and Other Requirements section.

• True
• False

16

I have never been asked to resign in lieu of discharge for disciplinary reasons.

• True
• False

17

I have never resigned from a previously held position in order to avoid discipline.

• True
• False

18

I have not been convicted of a felony as an adult (18 years of age or older).

• True
• False

19

I do NOT have a history of committing illegal acts which could undermine the public confidence in a Community Service Officer or the City of Lakewood Police Department. As a result, I believe I can pass an investigation which thoroughly covers my personal history including ANY illegal behaviors (misdemeanors or acts for which I was not caught), immoral acts, my work history, honesty and integrity.

• True
• False

20

I am able to perform the essential functions of police work with or without reasonable accommodation; essential job functions include running, driving a vehicle, verbal communication with the public and writing reports.

• True
• False

21

• I am willing to undergo a thorough medical examination.
• True
• False

22

I am able to read, write, and speak English clearly enough to be easily understood by others

• True
• False

23

Please list any additional languages you speak, read, or write, and indicate your proficiency level in each.

24

Please describe your approach to managing high-pressure or time-sensitive situations in the workplace.

25

Please describe your experience and approach when assisting individuals who are in distress or experiencing heightened emotions.

• Required Question