Public Service Aide

City-of-West-Melbourne; Florida; On-site; USD 19,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

City of West Melbourne is seeking a non-sworn Public Service Aide to support the Patrol Division. This civilian role handles non-emergency tasks, traffic direction, front desk duties, and basic investigations to enable sworn officers to focus on higher priority incidents.

The position requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a Florida driver’s license, and the ability to work outdoors in varying weather. Notary-public eligibility is also required upon hire.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; at least 18 years old.
• Must have valid Florida Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
• Must complete 8 hours of traffic control instruction (CJSTC or local equivalent).
• Must obtain Notary Public upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Conducts traffic control and directs traffic safely.
• Staffs front desk and answers inquiries from the public.
• Performs preliminary non-violent investigations and collects statements.
• Processes minor crime scenes and submits evidence as needed.
• Interacts with the public to promote crime prevention and reporting.
• Completes reports and administrative tasks as requested.
• Operates department vehicles and may transport items.
• Testifies in court as needed.

Skills

English language proficiency

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Computers & software

Reading & writing abilities

Weather adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

This position is a non-sworn, unarmed civilian employee with no arrest powers under the direction and supervision of the Patrol Division Commander or designee. The Public Service Aide performs a variety of duties in support of certified law enforcement personnel including preliminary non-violent investigations, minor crime scene processing, traffic direction, staffing the front desk, and other non-emergency law enforcement activities in order to allow sworn police personnel to handle higher priority incidents and provide a more efficient and effective response to calls for service. Performs other work as required, but will not have direct contact or involvement with criminal suspects.

• Conducts traffic control in the capacity of a traffic control officer in accordance with FSS 316.640(4) while remaining aware of conditions and behaviors that might adversely affect the safety of the motoring traffic and pedestrians.
• Familiarizes themselves with the location and purpose of the street and traffic signs within the assigned area and establishes personal control by performing all signals and movements with precision and by ensuring drivers obey signals.
• Conducts and controls traffic movement consistent with the safety and rights of others.
• Interacts with general public while responding to non-emergency and non-in-progress calls via telephone and in person.
• Monitors the police radio; answers assignments when called, clearly and concisely communicates with dispatchers and other field units as needed.
• Conducts preliminary investigations for non-violent/not-in-progress crimes.
• Interviews victims and witnesses, collects sworn statements/affidavits, and writes case reports.
• Processes minor crime scenes and collects and submits evidence as needed.
• Investigates traffic crashes as assigned and issues associated uniform traffic citations.
• Issues parking citations.
• Provides emergency medical assistance in non-crime situations.
• Assists with front desk duties as needed.
• Testifies in court as needed.
• Operates department vehicles safely in accordance with state traffic laws.
• Transports vehicles to and from Fleet Maintenance and other locations as needed.
• Delivers supplies to field personnel as needed.
• Delivers items to various department vendors and retrieves completed items from said vendors.
• Promotes crime prevention by initiating contact with businesses and residences, explaining applicable laws, soliciting cooperation in crime reporting, and creating a good rapport.
• Performs routine office tasks such as typing, filing, faxing, telephoning, and photocopying.
• Prepares reports, maintains logs, and completes forms as requested.
• Inspects vehicles cited for a violation of FSS 316.610 as requested.
• Performs other related job duties and administrative tasks as assigned.

High school diploma or equivalent; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be at least 18 years of age.

Special Qualifications

• Valid Florida Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
• Must successfully complete at least eight (8) hours of instruction in traffic control procedures through a CJSTC approved program or through a similar program offered by the local sheriff’s department or police department.
• Must obtain Notary Public upon hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of City and State ordinances and applicable laws and precedents.
• Knowledge of the procedures, duties, and responsibilities of the operational unit as assigned.
• Knowledge of English, spelling, and arithmetic.
• Skill in dealing tactfully and effectively with citizens in a wide variety of situations.
• Skill in effective communication both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the use of computers and applicable software programs.
• Ability to understand and interpret complex written and oral instructions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, City Staff members, and the general public.
• Ability to operate various office equipment such as computer, copier, multi-line telephone.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies, employees, and the general public.
• Ability to and able to work in inclement weather conditions such as rain and heat.

The work is medium work, which requires exerting up to 50 pounds of forceoccasionally,and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Requires standing or sitting for sustained periods of time; walking or moving from one work site to another; manual dexterity to pick, pinch, type, or otherwise work primarily with fingers; mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes; hearing to receive detailed information and to make the discrimination in sound; and the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity. Additionally, the following physical abilities may be required:

• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium.
• Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.
• Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects.
• Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.
• Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Stooping: Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires full motion of the lower extremities and back muscles.

Work is typically performed in an office and outdoors in varying work sites, where the employee is exposed to dust, dirt, and occasional inclement weather. Work is typically performed in a dynamic environment, where the employee is exposed to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, etc.