Community Service Specialist (Sheriff's Office)

Arapahoe County • Centennial, CO

1d • $49,358 - $74,069 • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Shift Sergeant or Deputies, the Community Service Specialist supports Sheriff's Office operations by performing routine, non-hazardous law enforcement duties that do not require a Deputy. Specialists do not independently respond to in-progress crimes, situations involving a known suspect, or volatile situations.

The role combines field and office work. Duties include responding to public requests, preparing reports, collecting and handling evidence, assisting at crime scenes and traffic incidents, managing abandoned and recovered stolen vehicles, providing traffic control, handling animal control and after-hours cleanup, and assisting law enforcement staff with investigations and special projects. The position also involves public education, clerical and data tasks, operating agency vehicles and equipment, and potentially appearing in court as a witness or complainant.

Work is mostly performed in the field and may involve hazards that could cause bodily harm or threaten life, as well as possible exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards. Employees must use protective equipment and clothing as required by agency policy. Schedules, shifts, and locations are assigned according to the needs of the Sheriff's Office; employees may be required to work overtime, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED equivalent, or an equivalent combination of education and experience approved by the Sheriff.
• One year of general public contact experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience approved by the Sheriff.
• Knowledge of basic law enforcement practices, methods, laws, and ordinances.
• Knowledge of rules of evidence and NCIC/CCIC.
• Knowledge of radio communication and law enforcement computer, radio, and communications systems.
• Knowledge of Sheriff's Office rules, regulations, policies, and procedures, and applicable accreditation standards.
• Ability to work under stressful conditions, analyze situations quickly and objectively, and determine appropriate courses of action.
• Ability to safely operate a County vehicle in normal and adverse conditions.
• Ability to use photographic equipment, evidence collection materials, and related office and field equipment.
• Ability to complete in-service and mandatory training.
• Ability to read and understand applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Sheriff's Office personnel, internal and external vendors, other law enforcement officials, and the public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in spoken and written English.
• Must possess CPR and First Aid certification within the initial status period.
• Must possess a valid Colorado driver's license.
• Ability to meet the position's physical demands, including operating field and office equipment, safely operating a vehicle, and lifting and carrying equipment or evidence up to 50 pounds.
• Must be willing and available to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as determined by the Sheriff's Office.

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience working with the public in a law enforcement or public safety role.

Responsibilities

• Drive an agency vehicle and watch for suspicious behavior, disabled vehicles, hazards, vandalism, and traffic accidents; respond to requests for assistance or information from the public.
• Take calls concerning civil and criminal issues and provide information to the public and authorized law enforcement personnel.
• Assist motorists, advise the public about parking regulations and violation procedures, and report irregular circumstances to law enforcement staff.
• Conduct special studies and projects at the direction of Sheriff's Office staff.
• Prepare unknown-suspect offense and incident reports in person or by telephone, interview victims and witnesses, and complete appropriate documentation.
• Enter and retrieve confidential law enforcement information using law enforcement databases and systems.
• Examine crime scenes to discover, preserve, photograph, and collect physical evidence, including in situations involving contact with deceased persons and their families.
• Assist with crime scene control, evidence collection, entry into the INFORM RMS system, evidence processing and storage, and maintaining evidence identification, control, and chain of custody.
• Receive and identify evidence and lost or found property, and dispose of evidence and found property as directed.
• Handle abandoned vehicle calls, issue warnings, and coordinate towing when necessary.
• Process recovered stolen vehicles, collect evidence before release, and often obtain DNA from the primary driver.
• Collect and tabulate data related to departmental operations and enter and retrieve computerized data.
• Handle animal control and after-hours cleanup.
• Perform clerical duties, including typing and filing, and complete reports and other documentation related to job activities.
• Assist Deputies at traffic accidents by setting up flares, taking statements, coordinating towing, providing other support, and controlling traffic at accidents and special events or situations.
• Assist law enforcement personnel with duties and special projects, including field investigations, observations, and critical incidents when necessary.
• Provide public education by issuing warnings for code, regulation, and ordinance violations.
• Appear in court as a witness or complainant when required.
• Operate computers, standard office equipment, and commonly used computer software.
• Maintain regular and acceptable attendance and work overtime, weekends, and holidays as the Sheriff's Office determines necessary or desirable.
• Follow and support the Sheriff's Office mission, values, organizational philosophies, operational principles, code of conduct, and policies and procedures.
• Interact effectively with others and exercise good judgment in sensitive situations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Mandatory defined benefit retirement plan with a 9% employee contribution, subject to change, and a 10% County match
• County contribution of 6.2% to Social Security

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED