Community Service Officer (CSO)

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Labor Grade 3

SUMMARY: Under general supervision of the Police Chief or their designee, performs routine and complex public safety work in the enforcement of Municipal Code. The Community Service Officer investigates alleged violations of the Municipal Code (including building, zoning, property maintenance and public safety complaints), and works with property owners to achieve compliance. As a vital member of the Code Enforcement/Inspections team, you will initiate, manage, and close investigations related to property maintenance and other code violations. You will generate data/reports, write memorandums based on your investigative case involvement, write summary reports, issue citations, and represent the City in court when necessary. Other responsibilities include special assignments that are assumed by Inspections Team, and support for other City departments and teams, including Mayor, City Administrator, Police, Fire, Finance, Maintenance Services, Inspections, Building and Planning teams.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following duties, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (which are not in any hierarchical order)

• 
  Provides mutual assistance during emergency situations and provides general information about department activities.
• Provides good public relations, addresses concerns, and offers the best possible customer services to residents and continue to improve the image of the city.
• Assists in enforcing parking regulations.

• Investigating complaints of alleged violations of the Municipal Code related to building, zoning, property maintenance and public safety matters, from initial complaint to resolution.
• Preparing and maintaining documentation of all communications to internal and external clients regarding compliance matters and updating records in a timely manner.
• Working with commercial and residential property owners to bring properties into compliance.
• Issuing citations to property owners in accordance with Municipal Code.
• Initiating legal action in response to Code violations; and working with Legal Department staff to prosecute cases.
• Providing court testimony for Code violation cases.
• Negotiating fines and plea bargains with Code violators.
• Conducting follow-up investigations to ensure compliance within an established timeframe.
• Conducting safety element inspections for special events; and ensuring proper posting of necessary warning notices.
• Performing annual inspections of licensed liquor establishments for appropriate licensing; and verifying that surrounding areas meet zoning and building requirements.
• Facilitating/presenting public education regarding various components of Municipal Code requirements, enforcement, and compliance.
• Providing Code interpretation and support to Municipal Boards and Commissions, other City Departments, and the public, as requested.
• Identifying inconsistencies within the Municipal Code and recommending updates/revisions. At a minimum, the position requirements include:
• A valid State of Illinois Class C Driver's License
• Strong problem-solving skills, interpersonal & customer service skills - Demonstrated letter composition and spreadsheet skills.
• Preferred candidates will possess polished communication skills (both verbal and written), be knowledgeable of City codes, ordinances, laws & regulations pertaining to health & safety, and be proficient using Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, & Outlook).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

Knowledge of city ordinances, State Laws and city policy manual.

Knowledge of standards by which the quality of police service is evaluated and use of police records and their application to the solution of police problems.

Knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures, techniques, and equipment (including patrol vehicle, police radio, pager and first aid equipment)

Knowledge of safety practices.

Knowledge of basic problem-solving techniques.

Ability to react quickly and make independent and sound judgment in emergency situations, while demonstrating integrity and tact.

Ability to operate city owned vehicle.

Ability to ensure safe work environment.

Ability to read and understand city maps.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to work with personal computer in performing duties.

Ability to work in inclement weather conditions.

Ability to effectively communicate with those contacted throughout the course of the workday.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other departments, agencies, employees, supervisors and the public.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: There is frequent need to walk, stand and drive; there is some need to bend, climb, twist, stoop, talk or hear, use hands to finger, lift up to and over fifty (50) pounds, and perform other similar actions during the course of the workday. Position is subject to overtime; emergency call out and working in inclement weather. The City of East Moline promotes a drug/alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment and random drug testing.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: High school graduate or GED equivalent; a possession of a valid driver's license; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Must be able to obtain an International Code Compliance Certification in Property Maintenance and Housing Inspection with in one year of hire.