Community Service Specialist

Community Service Specialists are civilians who work with both the Police Department and the Parks and Recreation Department, going where they are needed most depending on time of year, day of the week, or time of day. They provide a wide range of community services, including public information and assistance, data management, monitoring the police radio, enforcing public safety and parking regulations, protecting resources, opening and closing Township facilities for regular or special events, assisting with set‑up and tear‑down for park and community events, serving as school crossing guards, providing parking and traffic control for special events, and performing other work as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Answer Police Department telephones and assist callers.
• Take police reports from citizens who come to the Police Station.
• Interact with the public and other law‑enforcement agencies.
• Access and utilize various law‑enforcement databases/programs, including JNET and the Cheltenham Police Records Management System (CODY).
• Enter data into CODY Records Management program from the county CAD and other sources.
• Perform various clerical duties as assigned by Police Department supervisors.
• Monitor prisoners and summon aid if needed.
• Handle confidential information.
• Operate police radio.
• Maintain files and return seized driver’s licenses and registration plates to Harrisburg.
• Transport stray animals from the Cheltenham Township kennel facility to the Montgomery County SPCA.
• Maintain Township kennel facility and provide necessary care of all animals in temporary custody.
• Maintain, repair, and/or replace parking meters and parking kiosks throughout Cheltenham Township.
• Make scheduled collections of all Township parking meters and kiosks and transport monies collected to the bank for deposit.
• Handle school crossings as needed.
• Assist with traffic control for major events as needed.
• Inform superiors of any crimes observed, reported, or suspected within the area of assignment.
• Promptly summon police assistance as needed.
• Report any dangerous or defective traffic control devices, signs, signals, streetlights, and hazardous highway conditions.
• Wear prescribed uniform and maintain a neat, professional appearance at all times.
• Attend training as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
• Experience with CODY Records Management System.
• Prior professional experience as a Police Telecommunicator, Police Officer, or Community Services Officer with a law‑enforcement agency (required).
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Skilled in word processing, data entry, and Microsoft Office programs.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work assignments.
• CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Detail‑oriented and deadline‑oriented.
• Ability to work independently of direct supervision.
• Respect for confidentiality and teamwork.
• Pass an extensive fingerprint‑based background investigation.

Physical Demands

• Work shift work as directed, which may include 12‑hour shifts, night shifts, weekends, and holidays.
• Work outdoors occasionally in all types of weather.
• Walk, sit, stand, bend, stoop, reach, pull, kneel and lift up to 100 lb.
• Ability to traverse unstable/uneven ground.
• Reside in Cheltenham Township or an approved community.

Equipment

• Township vehicle.
• Police radio, flashlight.
• Disinfectant, cleaning equipment and cleaning solvents.
• Animal control pole and safety equipment.
• Uniform (provided).
• Desk, file cabinet, pens, paper, pencil and ruler.
• PC, printer, fax machine, copier and telephone.
• Parking meters, parking kiosks, tools and components.
• Various computer programs and databases.
• Other customary office equipment.