Community Service Officer I, (B252345-1), 206, Property Code Enforcement

Supports various operations within the Laredo Police Department in a non-sworn capacity, performing a wide range of enforcement and non-enforcement functions, as allowed by City ordinance. This position requires good communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the inability to interpret and follow detailed instructions. This position will carry the authority to enter premises to conduct inspections, sign criminal complaints and issues notices to enforce any provisions authorized to enforce under City ordinance. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• The primary objective of the Community Service Officer is to augment police operations in the enforcement of ordinance violations, to include right of way traffic laws. 
• Responds to calls for service pertaining to traffic safety hazards (traffic congestions, traffic signal inoperable, water main break, etc.) to perform traffic control duties. 
• Responds to calls for service pertaining to traffic accidents inside private property, civil disputes and reports of minor offense (without suspects or evidence) in order to assist members of the public in properly documenting and addressing the matter.
• Attend public events and press conferences to conduct education campaigns on city ordinances, safety tips and to provide security survey services in support of the Laredo Police Department's mission.
• Will testify in Municipal Court in relation to ordinance violations, citations, and in civil proceeding during abatement or lien proceedings, or any other legal matters as required by law. 
• Will be required to drive a City vehicle for City business use.
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of

• Knowledge of laws/ordinance 
• Knowledge of legal procedures
• Knowledge of specialized training
• Knowledge of policies, procedures, and laws

Skills and Abilities

• Skilled in excellent communication 
• Skilled in critical thinking 
• Ability to access situations reasonably 
• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain good planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to take and follow directions from supervisor.
• Ability to give directions to and gain compliance from assigned staff.
• Ability to perform strenuous work and routine work.
• Ability to maintain a valid Texas Driver License and a good driving record.
• Ability to project a positive and professional image of the City of Laredo.
• Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing in the English language and orally in the Spanish language.
• Ability to comply with all City of Laredo's policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain good health and physical condition sufficient to permit the full performance of the duties of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical Effort Requirements Position will have the following exposures

• Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.
• Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.        Occasional outside work.
• Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.
• Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Work Environment Locations Position will require the employee to work in the following types of work environments

Seldom

• Confined space 

Sometimes

• Construction site
• Warehouse environment

Frequently

• Office or similar indoor environment

Often

• Outdoor environment
• Street environment (near moving traffic) 
• Vehicles

Exposures Position will require the employee to be exposed to the following environmental elements

Seldom

• Communicable diseases
• Moving mechanical parts
• Fumes or airborne particles
• Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

Sometimes

• Individuals who are hostile or irate
• Individuals with known violent backgrounds
• Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)
• Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

Frequently

• Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

Travel Position will require the employee to travel

Never:

• National travel
• International travel

Seldom:

• Regional travel

Often

• Local travel

Required Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. Additional coursework in Criminal Justice or closely related field, preferred.
• At least one (1) year of experience with public contact and enforcement of regulatory policies and procedures in a service-oriented environment

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Valid Texas Driver License. If applicant holds an out-of-state license, a State of Texas Driver License must be obtained within 6 months of employment.

As part of the minimum requirements for all positions with the City of Laredo, a thorough background check and certified school transcripts will be required from all applicants who are offered employment.

Effective February 24, 1997, all selected applicants are required to undergo a drug and alcohol test prior to employment.

Effective January 7, 2008, all persons in safety-sensitive functions/positions, as per City of Laredo Drug and Alcohol Policy definition, shall be subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

A person with a disability who needs a reasonable accommodation related to a selection process is requested to contact the Human Resources Department at (956) 791-7480, two days prior to the scheduled interview and/or test if applicable.

City of Laredo is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity. All applicants who share this goal are encouraged to apply. Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture built on character and core values.