Swarthmore College Hiring for Community Resource Officer Patrol/Communications/Investigator at Swarthmore Full Time

Job no: 495251
Work type: Full Time
Location: Swarthmore
Categories: Staff, Public Safety, Hourly (Non-Exempt)

Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college located in the suburbs of Philadelphia, whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to inclusive excellence and nondiscrimination in its educational program and employment practices and encourages candidates who will further advance the goal of fostering a diverse and inclusive community. As one of the nation’s finest institutions of higher learning, Swarthmore College is global in outlook and draws students from around the nation and world. The 425‐acre campus is a designated arboretum, complete with gardens, rolling lawns, a creek, wooded hills, and hiking trails in the Crum Woods.

Who We Are:

Public Safety’s mission is to provide a safe and secure learning, living, and working environment. The department endeavors to provide a prompt, professional presence while also instilling personal responsibility and accountability for the rules and regulations of the College and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. We believe safety is a shared responsibility. We strive to meet and surpass our guiding principles that can be found here.

The Department of Public Safety is currently accepting applications for the position of Community Resource Officer Patrol/Communication/Investigator.

The opportunity:

The Community Resource Officer Patrol/Communications/Investigation (PCI) will be the primary Officer responsible for investigations for incidents and crimes on campus.

When the incumbent is not actively performing responsibilities as an Investigator or as directed by their supervisor, they will serve as a patrol/communications officer. They are responsible for responding to routine and emergency calls for service, responding to medical incidents and both fire and intrusion alarms. They actively patrol the campus by foot, car or bike and are also responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the multi-faceted Swarthmore College Communication Center.

Essential Responsibilities

Investigations

• Conduct and oversee investigations for on-campus incidents reported to the Department of Public Safety. Manage the daily responsibilities associated with conducting routine and sensitive investigations on campus.
• Develop an investigation plan for each complaint.
• Contact all involved parties and provide them with information about the investigation process. Interview the complainant, other involved parties, and potential witnesses.
• Gather and secure relevant documentation. Keep accurate and thorough records and notes of the investigative process.
• Develop comprehensive reports for a variety of audiences which may be used to determine whether a policy violation occurred.
• Act as a neutral party through all aspects of the investigation.
• Advocate for improvements in the investigation process.
• Provide resource referrals to students who could benefit from additional support during the investigation.
• In partnership with Public Safety leadership, serve as liaison with external police agencies and work collaboratively with those agencies in resolving criminal incidents on campus.
• Coordinate with Public Safety leadership for collecting, analyzing and reporting crime data in accordance with the Clery Act, Title IX and VAWA.
• Assist in analyzing crime trends on-campus and develop strategies accordingly.
• Provide crime prevention education and security surveys of campus facilities.
• Oversee the collection, storage and dissemination of Public Safety records to other internal campus departments and to external constituents, in accordance with state and federal law.
• In partnership with Public Safety leadership, provide training to Community Resource Officers- Patrol/Communications to perform initial investigative work.

Patrol/Communications

• Patrol the campus on foot, by motor vehicle, or bicycle to deter criminal and traffic violations, detect safety hazards, facilitate the safe movement of traffic, detect and investigate criminal activity, and provide general assistance to students, faculty, staff and visitors. Promptly respond to reported incidents and calls for service. Consistently enforce campus traffic safety and parking violations. Conduct ongoing security patrols of all college buildings, grounds and Crum Woods. Check doors and windows to ensure they are secured thereby preventing unauthorized entry. Observe and report unsafe conditions, such as fire and safety hazards, lighting outages, and security violations.
• Immediately respond to building fire alarms or to areas within buildings that are protected by intrusion, panic, sprinkler or other assistance alarm equipment to determine if a problem exists or if further investigation is required.
• Immediately respond to fire emergencies, investigate and request fire department support as needed. Assist the fire department and provide vehicle and pedestrian traffic control. Perform various duties consistent with an aggressive fire prevention program such as inspection of firefighting equipment, (including precise monthly inspection and replacement of fire extinguishers), conducting fire exit drills, and perform related duties with regard to the college’s general safety program.
• Immediately respond to medical emergencies, administer first aid and/or render assistance to injured or ill persons. Request Emergency Medical Service response as required. Transport sick and injured students and employees to the Health Center or health care facility when their condition is a non-emergency and ambulance or medical services are not required.
• Document complete and accurate reports concerning incidents and calls for service. Investigate and conduct interviews to ensure thorough reports of criminal acts, vehicle and pedestrian accidents, complaints from community members, injured persons (I.e. Worker Compensation) and suspicious persons or activity. Conduct searches and through recognized means, extract evidence from scenes of crimes.
• Provide escorts and protection as assigned for students, employees, dignitaries, transfer of cash/securities and movements of hazardous or highly valuable materials.
• Operate and maintain proficiency in the use of mobile and portable radio equipment.
• Provide crowd control management duties at public events such as intercollegiate athletic events, protest demonstrations, cultural activities and scheduled public appearances by foreign and domestic dignitaries. Control and direct motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic when large crowds attend special events.
• Perform crime prevention duties as required. Discuss crime prevention, fire and safety with students, faculty and staff. Routinely, and as required, meet with Resident Assistants and students to discuss concerns, resolve individual and group issues consistent with the Department’s “Adopt-A-Dorm” crime prevention program.
• Operate patrol vehicles under varying conditions, on roadways and in pedestrian movement from routine to emergency situations. Maintain a visible image to the campus to deter potential violators. Assist the motoring public on campus when they incur problems of mechanical nature, such as vehicle jump starts and vehicle lockouts.
• Responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the multi-faceted Swarthmore College Communication Center.
• Maintains control of incoming telephone calls while providing direction for outgoing calls that are not direct dial accessible.
• Provides information and assistance by telephone, radio or in person to faculty, staff, students, and visitors.
• The dispatch of internal communications, monitoring of CCTV, Access Control and both fire and intrusion alarms, as well as key control of organizations’ keys are all integral functions of the position.
• When not actively engaged in specific department sanctioned duties, the PCI will revert to a continuous systematic patrol of the campus and routine building checks. The PCI will conduct vehicle and bike patrols which are limited to within college boundaries and shall remain on college property unless called to assist a local law enforcement agency immediately adjacent to campus.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• At times may be the most senior ranking officer and can assume command based on the circumstances.
• Participates in training programs which are regularly scheduled and those which are specially arranged outside of the regular schedule.
• Participates in student training programs when assigned.
• Continuously identify and integrate best practices in the investigation arena. Stay abreast of current movements in the field of investigations and student conduct investigations.
• Aids the department and the College by designing and facilitating training on criminal processes, investigative procedures and education for victims.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Who you are:

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and to deal courteously with the general public, patients, staff, faculty, students, peers, supervisors and subordinates.
• Ability to perceive the possibility of hazardous situations, react quickly and take appropriate action, based on established policies and procedures and departmental guidelines.
• Ability to function and work in a diverse work environment.
• Demonstrates good judgment in handling situations not covered by written or verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently and follow through on assignments with minimal direction.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor under stressful conditions and utilize conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy, patience and courtesy in dealing with a wide variety of individuals.

What you bring:

Required Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent with a minimum of 3 years of job-related experience in the security, public safety, law enforcement, communication, or community service field.
• Minimum of two years of investigation experience.
• Must be familiar with CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) programs.
• Strong organization skills and the ability to multitask.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to operate motorized vehicles.
• Successfully complete the Public Safety Department’s Field Training program within the allotted time period.
• Excellent oral, written and verbal communication skills to convey clear and concise information to management, the general public, staff and students such as giving directions, writing reports/incidents, explaining policy and procedures and encouraging others to comply with requests.
• Must be able to: sit or stand for long periods of time; walk, run, climb, bend, stoop, and lift weights proportionate with the need to perform medical assistance; wear a uniform and equipment; and operate a motor vehicle.
• Lifting, pulling, or pushing heavy objects up to 40 lbs.
• Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, and walking.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling, or crouching.
• Must be able to traverse all types of terrain, including up and down hills and on off-road uneven surfaces.
• See objects in detail under various conditions (i.e., at night, up close, far away, and peripherally).
• The position requires the Community Resource Officer to be exposed to environmental factors such as inclement weather, extreme heat and cold, and hazardous materials.
• Based on College necessity, shift schedules changes may result and overtime may be required.
• Required to be available to work during inclement weather or other emergency situations, even if the campus has otherwise canceled operations, in order to ensure continuous protection of the college community.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College degree, PA Act 235 Certification or PA Act 120 Certification, also experience in CPTED, Investigations and APCO Certifications.
• De-escalation and/or Mental Health, First-Aid Training and strong customer service/communication skills are crucial.
• A background and understanding of community policing concepts and implicit bias is a plus.
• Focus on the Five Cs of Effective Community Policing: communication, collaboration, care, concern and creativity.

What You Will Get:

You’ll work at one of the world’s most renowned liberal arts Colleges, with incredible benefits, a stunning 420-acre campus, and a collaborative work environment. Come join a team of passionate, creative people who work hard and have fun supporting the College students, faculty, and staff.

We want to hear from you if you are excited about this role! For full consideration, submit applications with pay expectations including resume and (optional) cover letter by Tuesday, September 12, 2023.

Act 153 Required by Position This position may regularly interact with minors. Under Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, (23 Pa. Cons. Stat. §§6301, et seq.) employees who have direct contact with minors are required to obtain the following background clearances prior to the start of employment:

Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) through the Pennsylvania State PolicePennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (PACA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Human ServicesFBI Criminal History Background Check (FBI Fingerprint).

MVR Required by PositionDue to operating a College owned motor vehicle while performing essential job responsibilities for this position, a motor vehicle report (MVR) clearance is required prior to the start of employment.

Review the Swarthmore Benefits Guidebook, we offer benefit plans starting at zero cost! Upon benefit eligibility, the College contributes 10% of an employee’s salary to their retirement account. Employees are 100% vested in their accounts on the date participation begins.

Retirement Plans

Tuition Grant Program

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Paid Time Off (Staff)*

Holiday Schedule

*Note: You cannot take paid leave for the first 3 months of employment, leave accruals cannot go into a negative balance.

Swarthmore College actively seeks and welcomes applications from candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to a more inclusive society and world. Swarthmore College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Advertised: Sep 06 2023 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Sep 12 2023 Eastern Daylight Time