Community Service Specialist

Cheltenham, PA; Elkins Park Gardens (PA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Cheltenham Township is seeking a Community Service Specialist to support the Police Department and Parks & Recreation. You will answer telephones, take reports, enter data in CODY, and assist with public information and traffic control.

Role requires a high school diploma, familiarity with CODY and JNET, and strong communication skills. CPR/First Aid certifications are preferred, and the position involves work with the public, including school crossings and event support.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with CODY Records Management System.
• Prior professional experience with a law enforcement agency preferred.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize work and meet deadlines.
• CPR and First Aid certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Answer Police Department telephones and assist callers.
• Take police reports from citizens at the police station.
• Interact with public and other law enforcement agencies.
• Access and utilize CODY and JNET databases.
• Enter data into CODY from CAD and other sources.
• Monitor prisoners and summon assistance as needed.
• Operate police radio and maintain files.
• Transport stray animals to the county SPCA and manage the kennel facility.
• Assist with traffic control for major events as needed.
• Report dangerous road conditions and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Data entry / Microsoft Office

Independent work ability

Confidentiality

CPR/First Aid

Fingerprint background clearance

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

CPR and First Aid certifications

Tools

CODY RMS

JNET

Microsoft Office

Job description

Community Service Specialists are civilians who work with both the Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Department, going where they are needed most, depending on time of year, day of the week or time of day. Community Service Specialists provide a wide range of community services, including, but not limited to: providing public information and assistance, data management, monitoring the police radio, enforcing public safety and parking regulations, protecting resources, opening and closing Township facilities for regular or special events, assisting with set up and tear down for park and special community events and activities, serving as school crossing guards, providing parking and traffic control for special events, and performing other work as assigned.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Answer Police Department telephones and assist callers.
• Take Police reports from citizens who come to the Police Station.
• Interact with the public and other law enforcement agencies.
• Access and utilize various Law Enforcement databases/programs, including JNET and theCheltenham Police Records Management System (CODY).
• Enter data into CODY Records Management program from the county CAD and other sources.
• Perform various clerical duties as assigned by Police Department Supervisors.
• Monitor prisoners, summon aid if needed.
• Handle confidential information.
• Operate police radio.
• Maintain files and return seized drivers licenses and registration plates to Harrisburg.
• Transport stray animals from the Cheltenham Township kennel facility to the Montgomery County SPCA.
• Maintain Township kennel facility and provide necessary care of all animals in temporary custody.
• Maintain, repair, and/or replace parking meters and parking kiosks throughout Cheltenham Township.
• Make scheduled collections of all Township parking meters, parking kiosks and transport all monies collected to the bank for deposit.
• Handle school crossings as needed.
• Assist with traffic control for major events as needed.
• Inform superiors of any crimes observed, reported, or suspected within the area of assignment.
• Promptly summon Police assistance as needed.
• Report any and all dangerous or defective traffic control devices, signs, signals streetlights and dangerous highway conditions.
• Wear prescribed uniform and maintain a neat, professional appearance at all times.
• Attend training as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience with CODY Record Management System.
• Prior professional experience as a Police Telecommunicator, Police Officer, or Community
• Services Officer with a Law Enforcement agency is required.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Skilled in word processing, data entry and Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments.
• CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Detailed and deadline oriented.
• Able to organize and prioritize work assignments.
• Ability to work independent of direct supervision.
• Respect for confidentiality and teamwork.
• Pass an extensive fingerprint-based background investigation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work shift work as directed, which may include 12-hour shifts, night shifts, and weekends and holidays.
• Work outdoors occasionally in all types of weather.
• Walk, sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, pull, kneel and lift up to 100 lbs.
• Ability to traverse unstable/uneven ground.
• Reside in Cheltenham Township or an approved community.

EQUIPMENT

• Township vehicle.
• Disinfectant, cleaning equipment and cleaning solvents.
• Animal control pole and safety equipment.
• Uniform (provided).
• PC, printer, fax machine, copier and telephone.
• Parking meters, parking kiosks, tools and components.
• Various computer programs and databases.