Community Service Officer - I

Placer County is currently accepting applications for Community Service Officer - I and Community Service Officer - II in Tahoe. Each level in this job series has different minimum qualifications. To participate in a recruitment at the I level, II level, or both levels, you must complete and submit separate applications and supplemental questionnaires for each recruitment:

Community Service Officer - I                #2018-16609-01

Community Service Officer - II               #2018-16610-01

*Salary plus additional $825 per month Tahoe Branch Assignment Premium for employees who demonstrate and certify residency in the Tahoe basin.

To assist the public, sworn and non-sworn staff, and other personnel, by performing a variety of technical and clerical work related to law enforcement functions; to greet and assist the public in a variety of situations; to make presentations and assist in public relations activities; and to perform other duties not requiring Peace Officer status.

This is the entry level class in the Community Services Officer series.  This class is distinguished from the journey level by the performance of the more routine tasks and duties assigned to positions within this series.  Employees at this level are not expected to perform with the same independence of direction and judgement on matters allocated to the journey level.  Since this class is typically used as a training class, employees may have only limited or no directly related work experience.  Employees work under immediate supervision while learning job tasks.

Receives immediate supervision from higher level supervisory or management personnel.  Functional or technical supervision may also be received from higher level technical or supervisory/management staff.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist the public either in person, on the telephone, or in the field; diffuse volatile situations; explain Department procedures and policies to the public as needed.
• Compile data from multiple sources to complete and process forms, documents and reports in accordance with established procedures; research problems and refer them to the appropriate person, unit, department, or agency.
• Advise public of applicable regulations and procedures; sign off on specified citations.
  Deliver subpoenas in non-hazardous situations; write reports not requiring the presence of a sworn officer.
• Conduct meetings and make presentations to community and school groups; write articles and press releases; prepare pamphlets and brochures related to law enforcement and crime prevention activities.
• Perform a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work; type statements, letters, petitions, civil and criminal complaints and other material.
• Establish and maintain systems and procedures to coordinate, monitor and report on the program status to which assigned; within established guidelines, interpret various departmental rules, policies and procedures of assigned program; communicate program status to affected parties and educate involved participants as to process and program policies.
• Compile and total law enforcement statistics; conduct comparative statistical analysis of computer generated reports to ensure accuracy of information.
• Process citizen reports, inquiries, and calls for service.
• May provide traffic control.
• May testify in court, as required.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the responsibility of applicants to identify in their application materials how they meet the minimum qualifications listed below.

Experience: One year of experience interviewing clients, applying regulations, and dealing with hostile or irate individuals from varying cultural and socio-economic backgrounds is desirable.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate: May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Basic techniques for dealing with diverse people in tense and verbally abusive situations.

Ability to:

• Learn and apply applicable laws, rules and regulations.
• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of assigned position; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; remember accounts given by witnesses; identify programmatic changes; interpret and apply internal department rules and regulations; observe while in the field; problem solve situations; and explain law to public.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at desk or in a vehicle; walk and stand during field activities; bend, twist, squat and kneel during issuance of subpoenas; climb stairs and/or ladders while in the field; perform simple and power grasping; pushing and pulling; fine manipulation; lift moderate weight.
• Learn the function, organization, purpose, operation, and procedures of law enforcement and/or public safety agencies.
• Learn to inform members of the public of processes and procedures.
• Learn to read, understand, and interpret standard official legal documents.
• Understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

Training & Experience Rating (100%)

Based upon responses to the supplemental questionnaire, the applicant’s education, training and experience will be evaluated using a pre-determined formula.  Scores from this evaluation will determine applicant ranking and placement on the eligible list.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants must undergo a fingerprint test by the Department of Justice, pass a medical examination (which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation), sign a constitutional oath and submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S.  For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, undergo a background investigation (which may include a voice stress analysis and/or a polygraph) and/or be bonded. Additionally, positions in law enforcement classifications, and those supporting law enforcement functions will be required to complete a conviction history questionnaire prior to or during the interview process. Applicants for positions with access to Medi-Cal billing software or who are licensed providers must clear the Federal Exclusion List, credentialing, and social security verification. Failure to clear these requirements may result in an employment offer being withdrawn.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Placer County offers an expedited process for qualifying certain applicants for interviews. Candidates currently employed, or employed within the last year, by a public agency operating under a personnel civil service or merit system may be eligible to be placed on a Public Agency Eligible List and certified as eligible for appointment to a similar job assignment without going through the examination process. For more information on the Public Agency Eligible List, to download forms, or to apply, please click here.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment, discrimination and retaliation are prohibited and that all employees, applicants, agents, contractors, and interns/volunteers shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, military and/or veteran status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. Please contact the Human Resources Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Human Resources Department.

Click here to view benefits for General bargaining unit

Tentative Recruitment Timeline:

01/04/19 - Recruitment Closes

01/07/19 - Minimum Qualifications Screening

01/11/19 - Training and Experience Rating

01/14/19 - Eligible List Established