Public Service Officer

Weekly Work Hours

Compensation Range

Hourly Rate

FLSA

Work Location

• All positions are considered on-site roles.
• After six months of employment, some positions may be eligible to apply for a hybrid work arrangement based on job responsibilities, operational needs, supervisor approval, and Dallas College policy.
• Academic (Faculty) positions require an on-campus presence, even when teaching online courses, in accordance with state law.

Position Type

The Public Service Officer (PSO) position provides a safe and secure environment for all employees and visitors at assigned location(s) so faculty can focus on teaching and students can concentrate on learning. Provides general assistance (gives directions, answers questions, provides information, etc.) to faculty, staff, students and visitors and projects a positive image of Dallas College by maintaining a pleasant and professional demeanor. Contribute to the overall safety and security of students, employees, visitors, and Dallas College property by maintaining a uniformed presence. Requests assistance from Dallas College police officers for law enforcement matters, or off-campus police, fire, and EMS personnel as needed. Assists Dallas College Police Officers as directed within the scope of responsibility.

• Provide directions to locate buildings, offices, and clinics and other general helpful information to visitors.
• Stand for long periods of time at a stationary post or while directing traffic.
• Patrol buildings, grounds, parking lots, garages, and stairways on foot or by vehicle, checking for fires, water leaks, and general building security; report safety hazards and physical security deficiencies verbally and in writing.
• Monitors hallways with attention to classroom activity ensuring a comfortable and safe academic environment.
• Ensure all personnel entering the complex or building on campus or other College property are properly identified.
• In conjunction with a College Police Officer, respond to medical assistance requests, assisting the Officer and leading the responding EMS personnel to the appropriate location.
• Write reports on incidents occurring on college property, including irregularities, emergencies, or suspicious activities.
• Report all irregularities, emergencies, or suspicious activity to the Department.
• Issues parking citations for handicapped parking violations.
• Responds to low risk calls for service to assess the scene and to determine the need for and if necessary, request the response of police, fire, or EMS.
• Observe activities to determine if an offense is being committed or is about to be committed, and if necessary, request the response of police, fire, or EMS.
• Assist persons being evacuated in emergencies.
• Hear and respond to audible emergency alarms and instructions transmitted on the police radio.
• Respond audibly to public inquiries and transmit clearly over a police radio.
• Provide occasional personal escort services to students, staff, faculty, or visitors.
• Upon request, ensure faculty and staff have access to the facilities they need to perform their job.
• Locks/unlocks doors on a regular schedule and as requested by individuals (if appropriate).
• Provide motorist assistance when needed or requested.
• Required to comply with all Department policies, procedures, and directives as well as the Board Policies of Dallas College and the regulations and directives enacted thereunder.
  • Work is performed under the general supervision of the chain of command for the Dallas College Police Department, typically a Police Sergeant.
  • Supervision is usually available in person or by radio.
  • Work requires the ability to make frequent minor decisions and occasional decisions of some significance.
  • Work is reviewed for completeness, accuracy and compliance with departmental policy and procedure.
• PSO will be assigned to a shift and an experienced PSO acting as a field training officer. The new PSO will then undergo approximately three weeks of training.
  • The training officer is responsible for orienting and training the PSO on all aspects related to the PSO position.
  • The training officer assists the PSO with the final phase of his or her training by observing and evaluating the new PSOs progress and performance daily.
• Assist sworn police personnel as directed.
• Assist sworn police personnel with detained or arrested persons.
• Required Dallas College Professional Development Hours per Academic Year.
  • All employees are required to complete a minimum of 19 hours.
  • People leaders are required an additional 16 hours of leadership development.
• Perform other duties not listed as assigned.

Minimum and Preferred - Education, Experience, and/or Certifications

Required Qualifications for Role

• Graduation from high school, vocational school or equivalent or passed a GED test.
• Valid Texas driver's license with a satisfactory driving record that meets or exceeds Dallas College policy and standards to operate a Dallas College vehicle.
• No previous security experience is required.
• Candidates must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and demonstrate the capacity to safely perform the essential physical functions of the role, including working in demanding or high-pressure environments as required.
• Operate a handheld radio.
• Flexibility to workdays, evenings, or nights; overtime may be required.
• Criminal record clear of felony convictions and personal history must be above reproach, and stable employment record.
• The PSO will be required to wear the uniform issued as prescribed by Departmental policy, rules, regulations, or directive.
• Official transcripts will be required.

Other Preferred Qualifications for Role (not mandatory, but advantageous)

• Bilingual or multilingual preferred.

*** Will be subject to a criminal background check. Some positions may be subject to a fingerprint check. ***

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Required Qualifications for Role (necessary or mandatory)

• Knowledge of public security codes, policies, and regulations.
• Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.
• Able to perform security and safety checks of college grounds and facilities to ensure a safe and healthy environment.
• Able to identify safety hazards and assist students, faculty, staff to hazardous material incidences.
• Skill in detecting problems and reporting information to appropriate personnel.
• Able to respond to fire and medical emergencies and provide crises intervention in conflict or emergency situations. Evaluates circumstances, coordinates outside responses, and secures hazardous areas.
• Able to provide customer service, information and assistance to students, staff, faculty and the general public.
• May be required to broadcast emergency messages using appropriate notification systems.
• Ability to provide excellent verbal and written communications.
• Must have the ability to maintain the security and integrity of the critical infrastructure of Dallas College.
• Shift Assignments
• Assignments are subject to change at any time depending on the needs of the Department.
• PSOs may be assigned to any one of three shifts, working days or nights, with varying days off throughout the week.
• PSOs may be required to work overtime assignments.
• Shift assignments or overtime assignments may include working holidays or weekends.
• Assignments are subject to change at any time depending on the needs of the Department.

Other Preferred Qualifications for Role (not mandatory, but advantageous)

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred

Competencies

Dallas College seeks to identify core and professional competencies for each role and level which helps define the level of expertise needed and desired to demonstrate success in the role.

• Commuinicates Effectively

• Accountable

• Solution Oriented

• Collaborates

• Adaptable

Work Condition Environment / Physical Requirements