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SalaryInitial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.
Overview and Minimum Class Requirements
The Yakima Police Department has multiple opportunities for motivated, community-focused individuals to join the team! The Community Services Officer (CSO) position responds to non-emergent issues such as animal control, parking enforcement, evidence collection, minor criminal investigation, etc. They play an integral role in our Police Department and support the mission of reducing violent crime through exceptional customer service.
These positions are scheduled to initially work Monday - Thursday 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Schedule is subject to change which will include a rotating shift including weekends and/or evenings.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
One-year customer service experience; high school diploma or GED; must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application; and of good moral character. Previous experience or education in criminal justice, law enforcement or related is preferred. Must possess normal color vision and uncorrected visual acuity of not less than 20/100 in each eye, corrected to 20/20 in the better eye and 20/30 in the lesser eye. and have hearing consistent with a normal audiogram (<25db throughout the thresholds 500-6000hz).
Must be able to pass stringent pre-hire suitability exam, physical, polygraph and psychological examinations and comprehensive background investigation regarding applicant’s aptitude, character, judgment, credit, driving record and criminal history.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES
Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's License. First Aid/CPR Certification within six (6) months of employment Must attend Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (WSCJTC) Animal Control Officer Academy and self-defense training including, but not limited to: OC (oleoresin capsicum/pepper spray), Taser and Baton within one (1) year of hire.
Job Summary
Under general supervision of a Yakima Police Department commanding officer, independently performs a wide variety of routine police services-related tasks in support of departmental operations, in one or more of these areas: animal control, parking enforcement, evidence collection, minor criminal investigation, review and approval of online reports, and providing assistance to patrol and/or records sections as assigned.
Essential Functions
Assists with Community Services projects; provides crime prevention information to the public; compiles crime-related data and prepares statistical reports; speaks at community events; organizes and facilitates Block Watch activities; takes crime reports in the field; performs basic crime scene investigations with collection, preservation, and transportation of evidence including, but not limited to: photos, securing fingerprint evidence and preserving DNA evidence; directs traffic and assists with parades; assists at major crime scenes and ongoing incidents.
Responds to questions, complaints and suggestions from the general public and business district patrons and business owners. Triages and addresses issues within span of control. Refers or reports information about unusual activities or situations outside level of responsibility to proper authorities.
Patrols within the City limits and picks up injured or dead animal; impounds strays, abandoned, and unlicensed animals; performs a variety of animal capture techniques, including chemical capture. Enforces City ordinances related to animal control and responds to resident requests for information, assistance, or complaints concerning domestic and other types of animals running at large, animal licensing, animal control. Performs animal apprehension, transport, and rescue. Researches owner records and complaint records; enters and updates a variety of data as required. Issues citations as necessary for ordinance violations and/or resolves complaints through mediation between parties involved; creates and compiles related reports and additional documentation as necessary.
Works closely and communicates regularly with law enforcement agencies, code enforcement officers, and/or Humane Society personnel, to achieve consistent and coordinated enforcement activities. Provides education and training for the general public; explains dog safety, codes, rules, regulations, laws as identified under Title 6 of the Yakima Municipal Code (YMC), victim advocacy programs, crime prevention programs, citizen responsibilities etc. Works continuously to maintain safety of self, City employees, and other members of the public by adhering to safety procedures and protocols at all times.
Provides 24-hour emergency call-out as assigned for injuries, vicious animals and assistance to Yakima Police Department, including securing animals involved in a police action.
Supports and enforces non?moving traffic ordinances and laws in the City of Yakima. Investigates and responds to associated inquiries, providing information, education, and appropriate follow-up to public. Issues citations and reminders for overtime parking, abandoned vehicles, hulk vehicles, illegal parking and other non?moving traffic violations in the City of Yakima where parking enforcement is needed. Enforcement action may include issuing a written citation or warning sending certified letters to registered owners, placing impound notices and towing violator vehicles.
Responds to parking concerns and abandoned vehicles. Enforces related city codes and ordinances as defined by Title 6 YMC; issues citations as appropriate. Assists with investigation of "cold" crimes, misdemeanors, theft of service complaints and civil infractions; online report review; prepares accurate records and reports to document incidents.
May drive a City vehicle and uses various devices, technology, and industry applications to look up and review various records. Performs data entry and retrieval regarding citation records, vehicle, animal and/or person records.
Responds to inquiries from residents who may be irate, upset or disturbed about citations issued; explains the nature of citations by referring to and interpreting the City ordinances violated. Answers inquiries regarding citation appeal procedures.
Prepares information and testifies in court as needed. Under oath, must answers questions regarding the circumstances surrounding a citation and the ordinance violated.
May perform various other duties including, but not limited to: Park and Greenway Bicycle Patrol; cold call investigations; assisting the special projects officer with issues related to homelessness; illegal dumping investigations; non-red flag civil service; etc.
Attends training as directed by the Yakima Police Department.
Contributes to the effectiveness of the Yakima Police Department by demonstrating an attitude that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts, productive time management, and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and works cooperatively and jointly to consistently provide exceptional customer service to internal and external customers.
Requires regular and reliable attendance.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Major Worker Characteristics
Knowledge and understanding of Police Department operations, including, but not limited to: modern police methods and investigation techniques; latent print processing; organizational structure, policies and procedures; training; and department/City objectives. Knowledge of City, State and Federal laws and ordinances regarding dissemination of criminal and non-criminal and other confidential information. Knowledge of City’s geography.
Knowledge of: related City, and department terminology and current activities; practices and principles of effective leadership, work flow and system analysis; time management, planning and organizational practices and techniques; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques; and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.
Knowledge of national, state and local regulations and ordinances pertaining to humane treatment of animals, protection of the public and recognition of owners' rights. Knowledge of the characteristics and appearances of common breeds of dogs, cats, and other domestic animals. Skill in handling and care of animals. Knowledge and understanding of appropriate care and handling of animals and related safety practices and procedures
Working knowledge of: Microsoft Office Suite including Excel. industry applications and office equipment. Knowledge and adherence to professional office procedures and practices. Knowledge of basic arithmetic and data analysis.
Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to: City staff, other governmental agencies, and members of the public. Knowledge and understanding of communications principles and practices including, but not limited to: effective techniques and strategies for public speaking; mass media sources and practices; emerging media trends and theory; techniques, and terminology common to the communications and community relations disciplines.
Must demonstrate the knowledge of and adherence to a high standard of ethics; be innovative and flexible in approach to duties; and possess ability to readily adapt to changing community and department needs.
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively with employees, and members of the public representing diverse education and backgrounds, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well-developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of English, including, but not limited to: correct grammar, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and letter composition.
Ability to: negotiate and present information clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats; make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups; and respond in a diplomatic and confident manner to angry or upset individuals. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.
Possess ability to evaluate circumstances and make sound judgments and decisions in a timely manner; analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine the proper course of action; ability to react quickly and calmly under emergency conditions; ability to cope with stressful situations firmly, courteously and professionally. Ability to assess and utilize safe practices.
Ability to: collect and review information to make logical decisions and recommendations; apply laws, rules, regulations and guidelines to a wide variety of work situations; identify and define complex problems, establish/gather facts, utilize sound judgement and decision-making skills, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to read, research, interpret, and memorize written materials including, but not limited to regulations, policies, and procedures.
Ability to: perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze information and to translate data into recommendations or reports; process and log evidentiary items; operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc. Must be able to efficiently and effectively enter information into a computer system with speed and accuracy. Ability to utilize and applicably apply computer applications related to work.
Ability to work independently with self-direction and minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; lead and manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands; take decisive and appropriate actions; and recommend and implement goals and objectives. Ability to provide credible testimony in court.
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, community organizations, government agencies, elected officials, other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, courts, local businesses and community leaders, victims of crimes, and other members the public; to continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; train, plan, organize and prioritize the work to meet the division’s operational needs; provide constructive feedback; and meet accountability methods or procedures.
Ability to work with frequent interruptions while maintaining a customer service focus, to positively receive feedback, and to take direction is essential.
Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team and adhere to the department’s values including, but not limited to customer focused, teamwork, professionalism, positive communication, and accountability in a punctual, regular and reliable manner.
Must be able to obtain Limited Commission designation and to retain and recall information including, but not limited to, circumstances surrounding citations and provide detailed testimony in court as necessary
Ability to maintain annual training requirements of the position, including but not limited to City mandatory training requirements, and any position specific training/certifications. Ability to work extended hours as needed to carry out responsibilities of the position.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Work will require travel to a variety of locations and is performed both indoors and outside with exposure to all weather extremes; be exposed to members of the public, insects, vermin, animals, feces, noise, moving objects, dust, dirt, mud, water, fumes/noxious odors, pollen, needles, drug paraphernalia, rough and uneven terrain, traffic, and/or toxic chemicals. Occasional exposure to chemicals, blood, saliva and/or body fluids. Work involves walking or sitting for extended periods of time; frequent operation of motor vehicle, bicycle, and/or motorcycle; running, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, or tools and reaching with hands and arms. Work includes operation of a vehicle and light equipment. Frequent walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, climbing, crawling and squatting. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs while maintaining balance. Frequently lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling up to 50 pounds. On occasion may be required to lift heavier weight with the assistance of others or mechanical devices. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/smelling/seeing/touching, dexterity (hand and finger) while performing duties and while communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. May work alone, with others, or around others. Vision abilities required by this job include close and far vision, night vision, color distinctions, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Must be able to maintain long-term and short-term memory. Occasional work at a computer and keyboard, use of maintenance tools and equipment and safety equipment. Will be subject to frequent repetition and occasional hazards. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS
May come in contact with angry, upset or emotionally disturbed individuals. Subject to frequent interruptions and extensive contact with the public.Susceptible to injuries inflicted by various types of animals which are impounded. Required to pick up sick or dead animals. Susceptible tocontamination from manure and urine, blood, open wounds, saliva or other bodily fluidswhen handling animals or evidence. May be required to handle property and evidence that may be odorous, dirty, soiled from crime, bug infested or other contaminants. Exposure to bio-hazardous materials, needles, drug paraphernalia, and other unpleasant working conditions. May be required to carry a cell phone or paging device and respond to issues and/or emergency situations outside the normal work schedule, including evenings, weekends and holidays. May be required to testify in court.
The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:
- Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
- FREE healthcare clinic!
- WA State PERS pension plan
- 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
- Leave accruals:
- Vacation – Starting at 7.67 hours/month
- Sick – 8 hours/month
- Personal holiday – 2 days
- Observed holiday – 11 holidays
- Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
- Life Insurance
- Much more!
The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima’s Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit. Click here to view the union contract and benefits.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining.
City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.
This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit. Click here to view the union contract and benefits.
Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining.
