Community Service Officer

Under the direction of the Chief of Police or designee, the non-sworn Community Services Officer serves as a visible, proactive presence providing information and assistance to Shaker Heights Police Officers to maintain safety, order, and positive community engagement within assigned areas. Assignments may include, but are not limited to shopping districts, city pools, parks, and other community locations. Officers in this role are expected to build relationships with youth, deter unlawful activity, and support community-oriented policing initiatives.

Work is performed both indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions.

Any applicant hired who averages 15 hours/week during the 10 weeks commencing Monday, June 8, 2026 through Monday, August 17, 2026 may be eligible for a $1,000.00 end of season bonus.

• Represents the Police Department in a professional, respectful, and service-oriented manner during all interactions with community members, including, but not limited to, youth, families, business owners, and visitors.
• Performs all lawful directives issued by Police supervisory personnel and command staff.
• Patrols assigned areas such as shopping districts, city pools, parks, and other designated locations; monitors property, facilities, and public spaces for safety concerns, reports suspicious activity, and maintenance issues.
• Maintains a high level of awareness; conducts surveillance, participates in surveillance activities, anticipates and helps prevent potential problems through proactive engagement and observation.
• Establishes a visible presence to deter crime and promote a sense of safety; regularly interacts with the public to build trust and rapport.
• Engages positively with youth; provides guidance, support, and intervention through verbal instruction/direction when necessary to encourage safe and appropriate behavior.
• Enforces applicable rules and site-specific regulations as directed; provides education and warnings when appropriate.
• Assists citizens, visitors, and youth with questions, directions, or concerns courteously and professionally.
• Addresses unauthorized or disruptive individuals through speech and verbal direction and takes appropriate, non-physical action in accordance with department policy.
• Prepares accurate and timely informal and formal reports documenting incidents such as disturbances, thefts, property damage, injuries, or suspicious activity.
• Provides security and crowd management for community events, including, but not limited to, recreational activities, public gatherings and special assignments.
• Understands, applies and follows emergency response protocols; assists during emergencies until sworn personnel, fire, or EMS arrive.
• Utilizes de-escalation techniques and crisis intervention principles to manage conflicts safely and effectively.
• Operates communication devices and, non-restraint/restraining security equipment as required.
• Works in coordination with sworn police officers, fire personnel, EMS, and other city departments as needed.
• Renders basic first aid when appropriate and ensures proper reporting of all injuries and incidents.
• Participates in a variety of in-service and special training programs.
• Complies with all department policies, including uniform and appearance standard.
• Performs other duties as assigned while maintaining professionalism, safety awareness, and adherence to department standards.

Strong interpersonal skills; ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, especially youth, and the ability to utilize effective listening and communication skills. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment, and the ability to assess situations, make decisions, and resolve problems effectively, including adopting quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action with due regard to surrounding hazards and circumstances.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse populations, including but not limited to youth, business owners, city employees, community members, and visitors, while demonstrating maturity and sound judgment when interacting with the public. Demonstrated reliability, flexibility, and willingness to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, along with the ability to follow written and verbal instructions and work collaboratively within a team structure.

Ability to learn and perform assigned duties in a community policing environment while maintaining a high level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. Basic computer skills, including report writing and electronic communication, along with the ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive situations appropriately.

Strong ability to engage with youth in a positive, constructive manner and must pass a criminal background investigation, including a voice stress analysis, in accordance with local, state, and federal standards.