Community Resource Officer, Patrol

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 work in partnership with the Swarthmore College community to provide a safe and secure learning, living, and working environment. The department endeavors to foster an atmosphere in which officers provide a prompt, professional presence in order to remain aware of and responsive to the diverse community in which they serve, while ensuring personal and organizational accountability for adherence to the rules and regulations of the College and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is committed to upholding the College’s mission of fostering leadership for the common good by providing a safe and secure learning, living, and working environment for all members of our vibrant and diverse community. We believe safety is a responsibility. We strive to meet and surpass our guiding principles .

The opportunity:

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is currently accepting applications for the position of Patrol/Communication Officer. Public Safety Officers (PSO/PSO's) are an integral part of the support and resource network on campus. Officers are responsible for building positive community relationships throughout campus as well as for responding to routine and emergency calls for service, conducting initial and follow up investigations as appropriate, responding to medical incidents and both fire and intrusion alarms. They are also responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the multi-faceted Swarthmore College Communication Center. The position maintains control of incoming telephone calls while providing direction for outgoing calls that are not direct dial accessible. The Officer courteously 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. Coordination of communication or responding to incidents under demanding emergency conditions is an essential skill.

Who you are:

The expectations for the PSO are that they fully engage with the concepts of "community policing,” building partnerships that support the safety of every member of the community, such as through the Community Resource Officer Program. Officers are expected to participate in community engagement activities. Officers are to report for duty in a dependable and timely fashion. The officer must be willing to work overtime shifts when required occasionally on short notice. The officer must adapt to change in shift schedules.

• The position requires the PSO to be exposed to environmental factors such as inclement weather, extreme heat and cold, and hazardous materials. PSO's are required to be available to work during inclement weather or other emergency situations even if the campus has otherwise canceled operations.
• PSO's are the principal agent responsible for carrying out the functions of the Swarthmore College DPS. These functions include community policing, protection of life and property, as well as a variety of other services to achieve and maintain the goals of the Department. The officer must take appropriate action for the preservation of the peace and good order of the college community. These actions include the enforcement of college regulations, traffic and parking rules, facility use rules, student code of conduct rules, and Pa. State Crime and Vehicle Codes.
• Communication center operation are a critical part of the response and service to the college community. Communications Officers are charged with assessing and dispatching officers to a variety of routine and emergency incidents. They may be the initial point of contact with the Department of Public Safety and as such must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as de-escalation abilities. Must be familiar with CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) programs. Officers monitor and review data from alarm systems, CCTV, Access Control and a variety of essential equipment. Strong organization skills and the ability to multi task are essential.
• Patrol the campus on foot, motor vehicle, electric vehicle, and/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. Promptly respond to reported incidents and calls for service and take appropriate action in the context of the situation and within the guidelines of the department’s operating guidelines and field training. Consistently enforce campus traffic safety and parking violations. Conduct ongoing security patrols of all college buildings, grounds.

What you bring:

• Candidates must successfully complete an on the job training program and a six month new employee period. High School diploma or equivalent required. Minimum of three years’ experience in the security, public safety, law enforcement, and communications field, preferably in a college or similar environment and/or experience in a busy office setting in a call-taking environment.
• Candidates must be able stand or sit for extended periods of time and be exposed to inclement weather conditions.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds and be able to climb stairs.
• Preferred Education/Certification/Training:
  • College degree, PA Act 235 Certification or PA Act 120 Certification, CPTED and APCO Certification preferred.
  • De-escalation Training and strong customer service/communication skills are crucial.
  • A background and understanding of community policing concepts would be a plus.
  • Focus on the Five Cs of Effective Community Policing: communication, collaboration, care, concern and creativity.
  • An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

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 hybrid work environment. And you’ll join a team of passionate, creative, and supportive people who work hard to protect the College’s students, faculty, and staff. If you are excited about this role, we want to hear from you! #patrol

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 21 2022 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: