Community Service Officer

Northeastern Illinois University; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

CMS benefits

Job summary

Northeastern Illinois University is seeking a Community Service Officer (CSO) to protect the campus community through proactive prevention and outreach strategies. You will engage with students and staff, perform patrols, and assist with incident reporting and security operations on campus.

The role may include responding to non-emergency calls, enforcing campus rules, handling access control, and supporting the university’s safety programs.

Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent.
• One year of training or work experience in security, public safety, behavioral health, or a related field.
• Assocation or degree in security/public safety is acceptable as alternative.

Responsibilities

• May serve as primary responding officer to non-emergency calls or non-person crime calls for service that do not require the presence of a police officer; prepare written incident reports; may assist police officers during calls for service, property handling, crime scene security, etc.
• Enforce university policies and guidelines including parking enforcement and special event rules; perform traffic control, community outreach, intervention, and crime prevention activities as required; represent NEIUPD at campus events.
• May serve as on-duty Telecommunicator during breaks or absences; may serve in a security guard capacity at main or satellite campuses; Manage Evidence Room and ensure compliance with policy and state statute.

Skills

Access Controls

Crowd Control

Customer Service

De-escalation

Emergency Communication

Emergency Response

Enforcement Action

First Aid

Observation Techniques

Patrolling

Physical Restraint

Security Systems

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Education

High school diploma

Associate degree in security or related field

Job description

Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.

Job Summary

Under administrative direction from a police supervisor, a Community Service Officer (CSO) protects the campus community through use of proactive prevention and outreach strategies. The CSO uses community-oriented service and problem-solving techniques to routinely engage the community in programming aimed at identifying and reducing behavioral and criminal conduct that diminishes the quality of the academic experience.

Job Description

May serve as primary responding officer to non-emergency calls or non-person crime calls for service that do not require the presence of a police officer; prepare written incident reports; may assist police officers during calls for service, property handling, crime scene security, etc.

Physical Security - Lock/unlock university buildings and verify building security. Respond to fire, security, and emergency phone alarms to determine status. Reset alarms after thorough check of the area; conduct general patrol of the campus area on foot, bicycle or via patrol vehicle; provide routine and, as assigned, targeted patrols of campus facilities and property; observe for suspicious, disorderly or illegal activities. Secure evidence/property ensuring proper handling and maintenance; serve as a contact person to citizen inquiries, concerns, and problems; prepare and distribute informational materials and describe support programs; provide direction for diverse community assistance programs.

Enforce University policies and guidelines including parking enforcement and special event rules; perform traffic control, community outreach, intervention, and crime prevention activities as required; represent NEIUPD at campus events. May serve as the on-duty Telecommunicator during lunch breaks or during vacation or sick absences from the primary telecommunicator. May serve in a security guard capacity at the main campus or satellite campuses when absences occur, based on departmental need. Serves as the Evidence Room manager, ensuring compliance with departmental policy and state statute. Interpret and explain laws to the public as related to law enforcement processes and procedures; operate department vehicles and equipment, to include police radios and computer systems; complete incident reports and technical reports as required; may be required to respond to subpoenas and testify in court. Handle day-to-day administrative requirements of programs. Prepare and submit monthly reports of individual and unit work activity. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimal Qualifications

• High school graduation or equivalent. Note: If the applicant does not list graduation from high school, GED, or equivalent, but does list college coursework, this requirement will be satisfied.
• Entry-level knowledge, skills, and abilities in public safety and security gained through one of the following:
  1. One year of training or work experience in security, public safety, behavioral health, or a field that provides skills identified in the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed below;
  2. Associate degree in security, public safety, behavioral health, or a field that provides skills identified in the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed below.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Access Controls: You can use locks, access control systems, and other systems to protect entry points from unauthorized access and potential threats.
• Crowd Control Techniques: You are familiar with techniques and strategies to manage and direct large groups of people in various settings. You can maintain order, ensure safety, and facilitate the smooth flow of individuals during events or emergencies.
• Customer Service: You know how to provide customer service by giving directions, answering questions and concerns, and delivering other general assistance.
• De-escalation Techniques: You are familiar with communication strategies, behaviors, and actions that are used to resolve conflicts and reduce verbal and physical aggression.
• Emergency Communication Systems: You can use devices such as radios, sirens, and alert systems, as well as procedures, to communicate with emergency responders, the public, and others.
• Emergency Response: You are able to respond to emergencies, including natural disasters, medical crises, and hazardous incidents, by carrying out safety protocols to protect lives and property.
• Enforcement Action: You can enforce rules and regulations, such as parking restrictions and smoking restrictions. You can monitor compliance, identify violations, and apply corrective actions as needed.
• First Aid: You are able to perform first-response activities like administering CPR and first aid and using a portable defibrillator (AED).
• Observation Techniques: You can continuously observe an individual or location to ensure the safety and well-being of that person and others.
• Patrolling: You know how to observe and monitor buildings and grounds on foot or by vehicle to ensure safety, security, and compliance with regulations. You can identify potential threats, gather information, and respond to incidents effectively.
• Physical Restraint Techniques: You are able to apply methods that physically limit a person’s movement. These methods are used to prevent a person from harming themselves or others during a crisis. You also understand the legal and ethical considerations involved in these measures.
• Security Systems: You are comfortable operating equipment, such as cameras, Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) systems, and alarm panels, to identify safety threats, suspicious activity, emergencies, alarms, and similar incidents.
• Verbal Communication: You can communicate effectively with a wide variety of individuals and groups by speaking clearly, actively listening, and asking relevant questions.
• Written Communication: You can present written information in a clear and organized manner using proper grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting.

Departmental Preferences

• Valid Illinois driver’s license.
• No record of conviction of a felony, or of a crime involving moral turpitude.
• Participation in a fingerprint-based criminal background check.
• One year (12 months) of relevant, professional work experience

Typical Working Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. (Hours may vary depending on departmental needs).

Location

NEIU Main Campus (5500 North St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625).

Setting

In-office, not eligible for hybrid or remote work.

Eligibility

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for any employer in the United States. This position is not eligible for sponsorship of work visas. This position requires a background check.

Salary Range

$24.50 hourly

Benefits

University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Equal Opportunity

Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals.

Campus Information

Northeastern Illinois University's Main Campus is located on 67 acres in a residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago. The University has three additional locations in the metropolitan area: the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro and the Center for College Access and Success. Northeastern also is a founding member of the University Center of Lake County consortium campus in suburban Lake County, north of Chicago.

Programs

Northeastern offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure and endorsement programs.