Police Aide (Temporary/Part-Time)

City of Downey; Downey (CA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Downey seeks a part-time clerical assistant to support Police Department operations. The role involves answering inquiries, filing, data entry, and assisting with fingerprinting, dispatch, and arrestee bookings. A focus on accurate records and courteous public service is essential.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and may include flexible scheduling. Bilingual skills are a plus, and security requirements apply for background checks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Experience with customer service or public contact is highly desired.
• Knowledge of English grammar, spelling, and vocabulary is essential.

Responsibilities

• Answer routine inquiries in person or by phone and direct to proper personnel.
• Open, sort, file, and route mail and paperwork.
• Perform data entry and basic office tasks on a computer.
• Assist in booking arrestees and handling property evidence.
• Operate computer and dispatch systems as needed.
• Perform fingerprinting duties and related tasks.

Skills

English communication

Interpersonal skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Data entry

Phone etiquette

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Windows-based software

Job description

The position is under the supervision of and assists Police Officers in the performance of selected Police Department services, in the area of Administration, Detectives, and Patrol.

Working Hours

Must be available to work a flexible schedule which may include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, including holidays for an average of 20 hours per week.

Temporary/Part-Time Appointments

Temporary/Part-time appointments do not qualify for City benefits, except for those required by law. The City does not belong to the Social Security system. However, enrollment in an alternative retirement program is mandatory which requires an employee contribution of 7.5% of base earnings. The City contributes 2.5% and the employee contributes 5% of base earnings. There are no rights to employment and employment may end with or without cause or advance notice.

Part-time shifts may not exceed 999 hours on a fiscal year basis (July 1 through June 30).

Certain City operational budgets may not include funding for mandated CalPERS employer contributions. Therefore, a qualified candidate who is a current member of CalPERS may be restricted from temporary/part-time employment.

• Answers routine inquires in person or on the telephone from the public and/or directs them to the proper personnel.
• Opens, sorts, files and routes mail and other paperwork.
• Operate a computer keyboard to write reports and perform data entry.
• Perform messenger duties for various divisions in the Department.
• Perform fingerprinting duties.
• Perform computer and dispatch operations.
• Store and release property evidence.
• Assist in booking arrestees.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Any combination of education, training, and work experience to demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying. A typical combination is as follows.

Required Age

At least 18 years of age upon appointment.

Education

High School diploma or equivalent.

Experience

Some general office experience within law enforcement or police explorer is desired, but not required. Customer service/public contact on the phone and in person with demonstrated problem solving skills is highly desired.

Knowledge of

Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary; interpersonal skills using tact, patient, and courtesy; principals and applications of the Microsoft Office Applications including Word and Excel.

Ability to

Communicate clearly and effectively, orally and in writing and maintain effective relationships with public and staff; understand and carry out oral and written directions; and work cooperatively with others; work with minimum supervision; and plan and organize with work; operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer using Windows based software; ability to learn and understand pertinent procedures and functions quickly as related to department operations; furnish accurate information to others; work effectively under pressure in a busy office environment with frequent interruptions; accept responsibility and accountability for the performance of duties; maintain confidential records and reports; maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with those encountered in the performance of duties.

Bilingual in Spanish or Asian languages is desirable.

License Requirements

Due to the possibility of the performance of field duties, a valid California Class C Driver's License and acceptable driving record at time of appointment and throughout employment is required.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System

An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program. The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of Downey. An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

Physical Tasks, Abilities and Environmental Conditions

The duties and responsibilities of this position are performed in an office environment and involve sitting, standing, and walking for prolonged or intermittent periods of time, and include reaching above and below shoulder level, bending, stooping, and twisting at the waist to perform desk work, file maintenance, and operate general office equipment, including a personal computer with keyboard for prolonged or intermittent periods of time; safely lift and carry 25 pounds in weight; kneel, sit, stand and walk for prolonged or intermittent periods of time.

Selection/Testing Process

Those selected will be invited to participate in the selection/testing process which will consist of an appraisal examination weighted 100%. The examination may consist of performance testing and/or an oral interview to assess the applicant's knowledge, education, experience, and general ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Candidate(s) who complete selection testing with acceptable results will be considered by the Department hiring authority. Prior to a conditional offer of employment, a candidate will undergo a comprehensive background check that includes employment reference checks, criminal history check, fingerprinting with the California Department of Justice, a credit review, and a polygraph. A job-related pre-placement medical examination will be conducted upon issuance of a conditional offer of employment.

Any applicant requiring reasonable accommodation during the selection process due to a qualified disability must inform the Human Resources Office by dialing [phone] at least 72 hours in advance.