Community Services Specialist

Salary : $64,272.00 - $86,136.00 Annually
Location : Costa Mesa, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME/PART-TIME
Job Number: 0703:07/24
Department: Police
Opening Date: 07/17/2024
Description
SALARY RANGE: $30.90 - $41.41 hourly
We are currently accepting applications for future Full-Time and Part-Time openings
Under general supervision, to perform a variety of civilian law enforcement support duties in support of Police Department services and activities including: to serve as field report writer, assist civilian investigators, front desk officer, and parking enforcement officer; perform a variety of specialized clerical duties and routine law enforcement work; and to perform related duties as required.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:
Under general supervision of a Police Sergeant, an incumbent in this classification is expected to carry out general technical and administrative assignments with only minimal supervision and refers to supervisory personnel those matters which involve policy and procedure decisions, technical questions, deviations from standard practice. Work is evaluated through conferences, reports and the quality of services provided.
For more information about the Costa Mesa Police Department, click here
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND SELECTION PROCESS:
Applications must be completed and submitted on-line. This recruitment will remain open until filled and may close without prior notice. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore prompt application is encouraged.
The first application review date will be Thursday, August 15, 2024.
Candidates are requested to provide specific information regarding their education and experience as it relates to the position by completing all fields of the application. Applications may be rejected if incomplete. Do not include text or attached resumes, as they will not be accepted or reviewed in the application process. Based upon the information presented on the application, a limited number of candidates who possess qualifications most pertinent to the position will be invited to participate in the selection process. The selection process may include, but is not limited to the following components: application review and evaluation, written examination or exercise, physical examination, practical exercise and interview evaluation. Please notify the Human Resources Division 72 hours in advance of the test date if you have a disability which requires accommodation for the testing process. The eligibility list will be in effect for one (1) year, unless exhausted sooner. The eligibility list established from this recruitment may be utilized to fill lower-level vacancies which occur during the life of the list.
It is recommended you use a personal email address on your application instead of a work email address. Notifications during this recruitment will be sent by email only (regardless of the notification preference selected during the on-line application process). Notifications will be sent to the email address that is listed on your on-line application.
All employment offers made by the City are contingent upon establishing proof of a prospective candidate's legal authorization to work in the United States and successfully passing all components of the pre-employment process which may include, but is not limited to: comprehensive background check, criminal history check (livescan fingerprint check), polygraph examination, post-offer psychological evaluation and post-offer medical evaluation (may include drug screen).
Note: The provisions of this job bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provisions contained within may be modified or revoked without notice.
Essential Functions
These functions may not be present in all positions in this class. When a position is to be filled, the essential functions will be noted in the announcement of position availability. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed.
Serves as front desk officer; answers the telephone and directs calls or takes messages as appropriate; responds to appropriate disturbance calls, public inquiries and complaints over the phone and in person; takes routine police reports from the public; fingerprints citizens, applicants, and new employees.
Serves as a liaison between the Police Department, other City Departments, and the public; performs community relations duties and public education assignments as assigned.
Identifies, locates and interviews complainants and witnesses to obtain case information and additional leads, typically for cases involving minor fraud, embezzlement, and related financial crimes.
Contacts private attorneys, District Attorney's Office, banking officials, and other public and private representatives to obtain and document case information related to personal information, the amounts and types of losses, and related data; prepares charts, diagrams and related visual aides.
Serves as parking enforcement officer, enforces parking ordinances and issues parking citations as warranted; inventories, removes, and stores improperly parked and/or abandoned vehicles; processes release of stolen, recovered, and impounded vehicles signs off equipment violation tickets and inspects vehicle.
May exercise technical and functional supervision over lower level staff and volunteers. Assist in training new employees.
Assists with or conducts field traffic accident or crime investigations and reporting of other minor incidents.
Prepares and maintains a variety of reports including check/credit card reports, grand theft reports, fraud reports, supplemental records, and schedules.
Processes applications and forms for permits, registrations, licenses, and vehicle repossessions; processes drug registrants including completing forms and fingerprinting and photographing registrants. Prepares and administers photo line-ups for victims and witnesses.
Direct and reroute vehicular and pedestrian traffic due to accidents, special events, and signal outages.
Researches information for citizens, employees, and for the completion of forms and reports; answers basic telecommunications and in-person inquiries regarding Investigative Services Bureau investigative procedures and crime reporting practices; refers complainants to appropriate agencies as needed.
Impounds abandoned bicycles, property, evidence, and drug related paraphernalia; searches female arrestees.
Accepts monies for the payment of fines and bail or bonds or the selling of police reports and clearance letters; accepts subpoenas, criminal, civil and duces tecum; processes restraining orders; testifies in court as necessary.
Tracks and reports the status of warrants and cases being handled by detectives; processes court ordered bookings; cites and releases individuals.
Performs clerical duties; prepares letters and routine office correspondence; completes logs and records; prepares daily reports; enters, maintains and updates confidential information in investigative case files; accesses, retrieves and updates computerized records from local, state, and federal crime data bases, assembles printouts and warrant packages; and assists Pawn Shop Detail by monitoring pawn slips and processing current licenses or renewals.
Qualification Guidelines
A typical way to obtain the requisite knowledge and abilities to perform the duties and responsibilities of this classification is as follows:
EDUCATION:
High school graduation or equivalent supplemented by college course work in criminal justice, public administration, communications or related field.
TRAINING AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
One year of experience involving extensive public contact in public safety, security, correctional, military police or related work.
LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATE:
Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid California Driver's License, and a satisfactory driving record is required.
First Aide and CPR certification is required by the end of the probationary period.
Successful completion of PC832 and chemical weaponry training is required by the end of the probationary period.
REQUISITE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL LEVELS:
Knowledge of the principles of criminal and civil law related to investigation procedures and the classification of criminal and civil offenses.
Knowledge of basic accounting and banking procedures
Knowledge of occupational hazards and standard safety practices necessary in the area of work.
Knowledge of the principles and procedures of record keeping.
Knowledge of the principles and practices used in dealing with the public.
Knowledge of interviewing, investigative and research techniques
Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
Knowledge of English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of safe driving principles and practices.
Skill in safely and properly operating: pepper spray, modern office equipment including computer equipment and related software applications programs; and operate a motor vehicle safely.
REQUISITE ABILITIES:
Ability to learn, interpret, and apply Federal, State and local laws, statutes, policies, procedures, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions.
Ability to learn the geography of the City including streets, public buildings, landmarks, businesses, medical facilities, and community centers.
Ability to make routine decisions in the absence of specific instructions, recognizing limited scope of authority.
Ability to enforce codes firmly and respectfully.
Ability to observe and accurately remember names, faces, facts, numbers, places, and details of incidents.
Ability to act quickly and calmly in emergencies and diffuse stressful situations.
Ability to interact effectively and sensitively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, meet and deal tactfully and effectively with the public, interview citizens to obtain relevant facts and information, and; respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for information from the general public.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and data.
Ability to examine accounting books, ledgers, and financial statements.
Ability to access and retrieve essential trace assets and obtain documentary evidence linking suspects and victims with particular financial transactions
Ability to prepare clear and concise reports.
Ability to exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity, and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs.
Ability to understand, and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Supplemental Information
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS:
In accordance with Government Code Section 3100 - all City of Costa Mesa employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.
PHYSICAL TASKS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
Please contact Human Resources for a summary of the essential tasks and environmental factors for this classification.
Employee accommodations for physical or mental disabilities will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
To view benefit information for all groups,
New Full-Time employees contribute 9% of their salary on a pre-tax basis towards the 2%@60 or 2%@62 CalPERS retirement formula depending on eligibility.
Full-Time employees receive the following health insurance flexible benefits contribution:

• Current: $1,600 monthly
• Effective January 2025: $1,650 monthly

New Part-Time employees are appointed by and serve at the will of the Department Director. They are reviewed for merit salary advancement on a periodic basis. Generally, part-time employees are limited to no more than 1,000 hours of work per fiscal year (July 1 - June 30). Certain part-time employees, however, are permitted to exceed this limit. Part-time employees participate in either the Public Agency Retirement System (PARS) or the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) depending on eligibility. Employees enrolled in PARS contribute 3.75% of salary with a matching City contribution. Employees enrolled in CalPERS contribute 7% - 9% of salary depending on eligibility. Part-time positions are eligible to receive general leave benefits. General leave can be used for sick, vacation, or holiday time.
The City does not participate in the Social Security system; however, federal mandate requires all new employees to contribute 1.45% of wages to Medicare. As a condition of employment, all new employees are required to enroll and participate in the direct deposit program.
01
I understand that an incomplete application may lead to disqualification from the recruitment process and I have supplied all the applicable information in my application. Examples of incomplete/inaccurate information leading to disqualification include, but are not limited to: noting incorrect department, leaving dates of employment blank, leaving reason for leaving employment blank, leaving duties blank or noting "see resume", etc.

• Agree
• Disagree

02
I have included all of my work history. For applicants with more than 10 years of work history, you must include your work history over the past 10 years as a minimum.

• Yes
• No

03
Do you currently possess, or have the ability to obtain, a valid California Class C Driver's License or higher?

• Yes
• No

04
Please indicate your highest level of education completed:

• No College
• Some College
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Some Graduate School
• Master's Degree

05
Do you have at least one year of experience (paid or volunteer) involving extensive public contact in public safety, security, correctional, military police, or related work?

• Yes
• No

06
Have you ever applied for any position within the Costa Mesa Police Department? If yes, list the position(s) and date(s) applied.If no, indicate "No."
07
If you are successful in completing the testing process, you may be selected to continue in the background process which includes a comprehensive investigation, fingerprinting, polygraph examination and credit check. Recent drug usage, theft, or other illegal activity may disqualify you. Record must be free from any felony conviction and/or any misdemeanor conviction involving moral turpitude and excessive traffic violations. I understand this requirement.

• Agree
• Disagree

08
Have you ever been disqualified during the background process for any position within a law enforcement agency?If yes, please explain and include the law enforcement agency, date, and reason provided.If no, please indicate "No."
09
Have you ever been terminated or resigned in lieu of termination? If no, please indicate "No". If yes, please explain and include dates(s) and reason(s) for termination.
10
In the past two (2) years, how many times have you been reprimanded or counseled for tardiness/absences (non-medical or family leave related)?
11
In the last five (5) years, have you used illegal drugs known as Methamphetamine, Amphetamines, Cocaine, Ecstasy (MDMA), Ketamine, GHB, Mushrooms, Barbiturates, Bath Salts, or Illegal Injectable Steroids?

• Yes
• No

12
Have you ever used illegal drugs known as LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide), Heroin, or PCP (phencyclidine)?

• Yes
• No

13
Have you used any other "street drugs" or recreational drugs not listed in the questions above? If yes, indicate the name of the drugs(s) and how long ago you used them. If no, then indicate "No."
14
Have you ever sold, manufactured, grown, or transported (with the intent to sell) illegal drugs (including prescription medication not prescribed to you)?

• Yes
• No

15
In the last two (2) years, have you stolen from your current employer (excludes pens, pencils, etc.)?

• Yes
• No

16
In the past five (5) years, have you been involved in any theft/shoplifting in excess of $950?

• Yes
• No

17
Have you ever been convicted for a felony offense?

• Yes
• No

18
Are you currently on probation, parole, or any other supervised conditions of release from custody?

• Yes
• No

19
In the last seven (7) years, have you been convicted of a DUI (Driving Under the Influence), or accepted any DUI plea agreement to a lesser charge?

• Yes
• No

20
Have you engaged in any illegal sex act outlined in the California Penal Code? If yes, please explain. If no, indicate "No."
21
Have you ever accessed illegal pornography involving children (to include "sexting" pictures of minors), or accessed pornography on a work computer? If yes, please explain. If no, indicate "No."
22
In the last three (3) years, have you been the driver in three (3) or more at fault traffic accidents?

• Yes
• No

23
In the last seven (7) years, have you received five (5) or more moving violations? (Moving violations are violations which result in points on your license and does not include issues such as parking citations or equipment violations.)

• Yes
• No

24
I understand tattoos shall not be visible while on duty.

• Agree
• Disagree

25
I understand that I shall not smoke or use tobacco products at any time while on duty.

• Agree
• Disagree

26
I certify that all information I provided in my application is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief and that purposely providing false information may be grounds for disqualification from the process.

• Agree
• Disagree

Required Question