Police Services Specialist I

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173\.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

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*If you like to work in a fast\-paced work environment and want to make a difference in your community, the Yakima Police Department is looking for customer service orientated people to join the Police Services team!*

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

High School diploma or equivalent (GED) and one (1\) year general office work experience providing direct customer service. Related college/vocational coursework may substitute for up to 6 months (1040 hours) of office experience.

Must successfully pass pre\-suitability testing, background investigation including but not limited to criminal history check, polygraph, and psychological evaluation.

To be certified Bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish and be eligible for the incentive pay, candidates must pass a proficiency test.

LICENSES, REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE:

Must possess and maintain a valid WACIC/NCIC Level II Certification within six (6\) months of hire.

Job Summary

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Under general supervision; receives emergency and police calls, obtains pertinent information from the caller and routes electronic data to a central dispatch center for police/emergency response; provides assistance to the public on processes and information relating to police, criminal, and a variety of license information as appropriate; makes determinations on the eligibility for obtaining specific licenses, performing criminal records checks, updating and verifying the accuracy of computerized case files, and responding to related requests for information.

Essential Functions

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Receives and monitors multi\-line phone system. Identifies caller’s concerns; determines whether police response is necessary or transfers call as appropriate. Prioritizes calls using judgment based on policies, procedures, and related training. Enters emergency data into central computer for electronic routing to dispatch center for police response. Maintains a calm and professional demeanor with callers and community members during emergencies. Remains on the line with the caller while relaying ongoing data to dispatch center to ensure the safety of officers and involved parties. Provides emergency information to the community members during natural disasters or inclement weather.

Provides customer service to community members at the front counter and by phone to provide information as appropriate on concealed pistol licenses, handgun purchases, domestic no\-contact orders, civil restraining orders, traffic infraction status, fees for services, supplemental information for detectives, vehicle impounds and repossessions, fingerprints, and police records availability Gather pertinent information from community members to assist in writing incident reports, processing initial paperwork for variety of licenses. Receives and processes property obtained from community members. Accepts payment for a variety of licenses and renewals, fingerprinting services, notary services, electronic home monitoring fees, record checks, public disclosure requests and police reports. Completes data entry of reports, supplements to reports, trespass letters, traffic infractions and criminal citations, including coding reports.

Maintains property vault and chain of evidence, including receiving, processing, and storing personal property and bio\-hazardous evidence. Controls access to evidence and ensures vault security. Reviews cases for proper disposition; determines retention, return, auction or destruction of property. Checks for prohibitive factors before release of firearms to person claiming ownership.

Determines individual eligibility for concealed weapons permits, including keeping up\-to\-date on related laws, and conducting federal, state and local criminal background investigations; sends standard denial letter to applicant, Department of Licensing, and dealer as appropriate. Receives monthly reports on stolen items and missing or wanted persons; cross\-checks computer data and contacts victim to verify accuracy; updates computer information as necessary. Maintains accurate criminal history records. Provides police reports and summation of officer report to interested parties. Receive and processes court orders, including no contact, anti\-harassment, and protection orders; enters data into police and state computer systems.

Performs mail distribution duties as required, to include receiving, processing, and distribution of mail and parcels delivered by US mail service and other parcel carriers; uses department provided vehicle to transport mail from various divisions within the department to outside departments and agencies. Acts in a safe, efficient and responsible manner, legally adhering to traffic laws, rules and regulations when driving/operating City vehicles to perform required off\-site duties.

As determined and directed by the Police Services Manager, may provide periodic back\-up administrative assistance with a variety of support duties for community services, jail services, or other department programs including but not limited to: responding to program inquiries; entering and/or auditing data; billing; and/or collection of fees, performing basic community outreach; and assisting with account reconciliations.

Required to wear an established department uniform. Subject to being subpoenaed to testify in court.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics

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Knowledge of State and Federal laws regarding dissemination of criminal and non\-criminal and other confidential information; department policies and procedures.

Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of sensitive written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to City Staff, other governmental agencies, and members of the public.

Working knowledge of industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel. Must be able to enter information into a computer system within speed and accuracy.

Must possess well\-developed clerical and mathematical skills and have knowledge of office practices and procedures including but not limited to the effective use of business English, grammar, punctuation, composition, filing and records systems; and basic law enforcement and court terminology.

Ability to work independently and utilize good judgment within established procedural guidelines; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.

Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain an effective and courteous working relationship with the public, other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, courts and local business and community leaders, different ethnic groups, victims of violent crimes, families of homicide victims, city officials and employees.

Ability to consistently and continually provide outstanding customer service including but not limited to demonstrating professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs. Must routinely and regularly maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.

Ability to effectively communicate and follow detailed instructions, both orally and in writing. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to YPD Computer Records Management System, WACIC/NCIC computers, and personal computers with various software programs. FAX machine, copy machine, calculators, telephones, and various audio\-visual equipment.

When driving City vehicles, must be able to drive legally with precision, speed and safety. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards; to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns; and to make sound decisions and actions while performing duties and/or operating vehicles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Occasionally needs to drive or travel to other locations to perform duties or attend meetings. Occasionally needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/ grasping/keyboarding or other fine motor skills manipulationwhile driving and/or performing duties operating on computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs and ladders while maintaining balance. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and while communicating with co\-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. May be exposed to insects, noxious odors, fumes, or chemicals, solvents, bio\-hazards, and/or bloodborne pathogens. Frequent kneeling/bending/ crouching/crawling/reaching/walking. May work in remote locations or in noisy work area. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long\-term and short\-term memory. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Must work with the individuals who may be irate, upset or emotionally distressed. Work schedules may occasionally include shift work, including weekends and/or holidays. Occasional extension of the work day to cover for shortages in personnel or to meet deadlines. May be exposed to biohazardous materials, needles, drug paraphernalia and property which may be odorous, dirty, soiled from crime, bug infestation, or other contaminants. Requires routinely driving and/or traveling to a variety of locations for mail pick\-up and delivery, and to attend off\-site meetings. May be required to testify in court.

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Temporary employees are not covered by collective bargaining benefits listed below.

The City of Yakima is a premier employer in the Yakima Valley with extensive opportunities for training and growth. The City offers a competitive benefit package including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• WA State PERS pension plan
• 2% contribution to a 457 deferred compensation plan
• Leave accruals:

+ Vacation – Starting at 7\.67 hours/month

+ Sick – 8 hours/month

+ Personal holiday – 2 days

+ Observed holiday – 11 holidays

• Up to 5% bilingual/biliterate English/Spanish special pay
• Life Insurance
• Much more!

The pay range listed for this position is establish through the City of Yakima’s Master Pay Ordinance in accordance with the Municipal Code and/or the applicable collective bargaining agreement. New employees generally start at step A with progression through the steps based on merit and successful performance evaluation.

City of Yakima employees are paid and accrue benefits on a monthly basis.

This position is covered by the AFSCME Municipal collective bargaining unit.