COMMUNITY SERVICE AIDE

This is a non-exempt position, which is non-hazardous police work in the field or at the police department.  The Community Service Aide also provides numerous human services, general information and assistance to the public.
 
An employee in this classification is responsible for performing various duties within the Police Department, in an assigned area, such as: accident investigation, parking enforcement, vehicle service, animal control, crime prevention, complaint desk, worthless checks, dispatching, crime scene processing, or other technical functions as required.

Employees are hired as AT WILL employees that serve at the pleasure of the City and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.Specific assignments or activities may include:
 
Enforces parking laws.
 
Investigates traffic accidents and issues related traffic citations. 

Directs traffic.
 
Investigates minor non-hazardous crimes and non-criminal incidents.
 
Processes minor crime scenes for latent evidence.
 
Testifies in legal proceedings.
 
Performs duties in specialized units or in coordination with them.
 
Assists in department programs.
 
Performs various clerical and administrative tasks or other work as required.
 
This position does not have final procurement authority.

Performs related work as required and as directed.Knowledge of State Statutes, local ordinances and department rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
 
Knowledge of court procedures.
 
Knowledge of geography of the City.
 
Some knowledge of modern information systems and standard software application.
 
Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision.
 
Ability to deal courteously and effectively with the public in all situations.
 
Ability to operate a City vehicle and possess the required license.
 
Ability to operate a personal computer with City software.
 
Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, and to prepare clear and concise reports.
 
Ability to maintain confidentiality, prioritize work assignments, and work independently.
 
Ability to understand and carry out instructions and to complete work assignments correctly and in a timely manner. 

Ability to properly use a Police radio.
 
Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with other municipal employees, City officials and the general public.
 
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

To apply for the position of Community Service Aide applicants  MUST meet the following requirements:  
         
1. Be at least 18 years of age as of the date of application.
 
2. Currently possess or be eligible to obtain a Florida driver's license with an overall good driving record.  No single suspension of driver's license within the past two (2) years and no more than two (2) suspensions within the past five (5) year history (except if suspension was due to insurance error or clerk of court error).   
 
Any of the following convictions or admissions will be grounds for disqualification from the hiring process:

• DUI or DWI
• Leaving the scene of an accident (with or without injury)
• Failure to report an accident involving injuries
• Failure to render aid at an accident
• Vehicular homicide
• Fleeing or eluding a Police Officer
• Reckless driving
• More than 3 moving violations committed during any 12-month period within 5 years of application date will be grounds for disqualification from the hiring process.
• Any more than 5 moving violations in past 5 years will be grounds for disqualification from hiring process.
• An applicant who shows a history of "at fault" accidents will be grounds for disqualification from the hiring process.
• Any failure to disclose any Driver's License information without reasonable explanation will be grounds for disqualification.

3. Possess a high school diploma from an accredited school, or possess a G.E.D. from a recognized issuing agency.
 
4. Never have been convicted of a felony or other crime, which would indicate a lack of good moral character.
 

 
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY:
 
Applications which do not include all documents specified will not be processed
                                               
1.   Birth Certificate
2.   High School Diploma or G.E.D. certificate recognized by the State of Florida (G.E.D. transcript of test results required)
3.   Social Security Card (with current name)
4.   Valid Driver's License (with current name/address) 
5.   Passing test results of Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJ Bat Test taken within four years of application).
6.  Notarized Police Department Applicant Background Information Form. Click HERE for Police Department Applicant Background Information Form.
7.  FDLE Waiver CJSTC58 Form.  Click HERE for FDLE Waiver CJSTC58 Form.
8.  Notarized Statement of  Non-Military Service if no previous military service. Click HERE for Statement of Non-Military Service. 

Additional documentation, if applicable:
 
1.  College/University and/or Vocational Diploma and official transcripts 
2.  All legal documents indicating all name changes, including, but not limited to:

• Marriage License
• Divorce Decree
• Court Documents showing any legal name change

3.  If you have ever been arrested or charged with any crime as an adult, a copy of the court's disposition MUST be included with the application.
4. Veterans Preference (if applicable). Candidate requesting the Veterans' Preference , must attach Veterans Preference Certification, FDVA form VP-1 and, if applicable, other certification forms. Please see Veterans Preference link on the Employment page for additional information. Failure to attach these documents will result in no Veteran's Preference being given. (Check "no" if this does not apply.) Click HERE for FDVA for Veteran Claim Forms. 
 
SELECTION PROCESS:                  
 
It is a necessary requirement and policy that applicants for the position of Community Service Aide pass all of the pre-employment tests.  Please keep in mind that the testing process may take up to one (1) year.   If you fail any part of our testing selection listed below, your application will not be processed further.  However, you are eligible to reapply with our City one year from the date on which you failed part of our testing procedures, unless otherwise stated.
 
 (CJ BAT Test): Applicants are required to take the Criminal Justice Basic Abilities Test (CJ Bat Test) and achieve a passing score. The candidate is responsible for scheduling their own testing and providing their scores to the city. Test scores must be submitted with the application. Applications must be received by the closing date of this announcement.

https://www.broward.edu/academics/public-safety/ips/testing-center.html
 
 
Application Screening:
 
Applications are reviewed to determine if the applicant meets the Police Department's minimum standards.
 
Oral Board Interview:             
 
Only applicants who successfully pass the preceding steps will be scheduled for an Oral Board interview.  An unsuccessful candidate may repeat the Oral Board interview no more than three (3) times.
 
The following steps in the examination process may NOT be repeated unless the unsuccessful candidate receives written approval from the Chief of Police.
  
CVSA Examination:                               
 
The extensive pre-employment CVSA examination will concern the applicant's honesty and integrity. 
Areas of questioning will include, but not be limited to the following:

1. Any past criminal activity on the part of the applicant.
2. Completeness and truthfulness of all statements made during the selection process.
3. Any past or present use or sale of illegal drugs/narcotics.

Background Investigation:                 
 
Applicants must be found to be of good moral character.  This part of the process will be continuous throughout the remainder of the testing.  Applicants will be required to sign a release form for a social security check.
 
Medical Examination & Drug Testing:           
 
Prior to being employed, applicants will be examined by a physician designated by the City. Applicants whose physical condition is found by a physician to be such that they are unable to perform the essential functions of the position or that they would pose a direct threat to their own safety or that of others will have their conditional job offer revoked.
 
The medical examination also includes drug and alcohol testing of all applicants who are being considered for a position with the City.  If testing indicates that traces of drugs or controlled substances are present in an applicant's blood or urine and such drugs have not been obtained and taken as directed by a valid prescription, an applicant's conditional job offer will be revoked.
 
Special Requirements Upon Appointment:
 
Must successfully complete the Police Service Aide Academy training through the Broward College Institute of Public Safety.
 
All new employees serve a one (1) year probationary period from date of employment.
 
All Community Service Aide applicants hired by the City of Plantation are required to sign a two (2) year contract.  The contract states that if the applicant should leave the City of Plantation police force anytime within two years from commencement of employment, he/she agrees to reimburse the City the expenses the department incurred in hiring and training the applicant.
 
NOTE:  The above information is subject to change without prior notice.This is a designated "Recovery" classification in the City's Emergency Operations Plan and will require the employee occupying this position to work for declared emergencies.  Attendance at National Incident Management System (NIMS) training at the appropriate level is mandatory.

Salary : $42,021 - $74,125