Community Service Officer

About the role

The Campus Safety Division of the Department of Safety and Security is responsible for security and law enforcement systems, security services, and the safety of the University of Chicago Charter School and Laboratory Schools campuses. The Community Services Officer assists students, faculty, staff, and visitors, ensuring a safe and secure environment.

Responsibilities

• Affords assistance to students, faculty, staff, and visitors as needed and maintains a safe and secure environment.
• Patrols campuses on foot and inspects hallways, stairways, and other public areas for fire and safety hazards.
• Reports any unusual conditions or malfunctioning equipment to the University Police Department.
• Assists with investigations of criminal and suspicious occurrences and acts/reports accordingly.
• Collaborates with guidance counselors and other student support staff to assist students in need.
• Enforces University policies, including the photo ID and parcel inspection policies.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include vocational training, apprenticeships, or the equivalent experience in related fields. Prior security and law enforcement experience working in a K-12 academic environment is preferred. A valid driver's license and good driving record are also preferred.

Qualifications

• Education: An associate's degree from an accredited college is preferred.
• Experience: One year of successful experience performing in a position which requires a high level of service-oriented public contact and prior security and law enforcement experience working in a K-12 academic environment.
• Certifications: Valid driver's license; good driving record.

Skills

• Commitment to serving the interest of the University community and the strategic goals of the Department of Safety and Security.
• Absorb and interpret information given while maintaining perspective on the goals of the department.
• Maintain professionalism, credibility, and good customer service skills when dealing with all contacts, internal and external.
• Make timely and sound decisions and accept concomitant responsibility; communicate effectively and consistently with others using tact when necessary.
• Evaluate the job performance of employees through observation and/or review of work product.
• Effectively deal with a variety of unpleasant circumstances and unusual human conduct associated with and/or arising from emergency situations including, but not limited to, physical trauma, mental and/or physical stress, panic, etc.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with public and enforcement officials, general public, and members of the University community.
• Work with people of various ages and backgrounds and with diverse constituencies, including students, parents, faculty, and staff.
• Resolve conflicts and manage sensitive emergency situations appropriately; demonstrate self-restraint in challenging and/or difficult situations.
• Demonstrate good moral character.
• Mentally and physically react effectively, quickly, calmly, and rationally during times of conflicts and emergencies.
• Initiate, implement, and follow through on projects, programs, or assignments with completed staff work.
• Think critically.
• Condense complicated issues into simple summaries that can be understood by a variety of constituents.
• Create and deliver presentations.
• Develop and manage interpersonal relationships.
• Exercise absolute discretion regarding confidential matters.
• Comfortable interacting with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds.