Campus Police Officer - Washington & Jefferson College

Summary

This is a safety and security position reporting to the Chief of Police / Director of Campus & Public Safety, involving considerable independent judgment. The Department of Campus & Public Safety seeks foremost to prevent crime and create a culture of safety through the employment of the Community Oriented Policing model within our diverse college community. The ideal applicant for this position will be able to act legally, honestly, morally and ethically at all times to deliver community service and law enforcement to all our students, faculty, staff, guests & visitors without bias. Pursuant to Act 501, officers employed by Washington & Jefferson College are armed Police Officers commissioned by the Washington County Court of Common Plea's, and possess the same powers of arrest and criminal prosecution as afforded to any other Police Officer of the Commonwealth. Applicant must be willing to work four twelve-hour shifts (7AM-7PM or 7PM-7AM), but may on occasion be required to attend court hearings or be available for emergency recall outside of scheduled hours. The successful applicant must also meet all requirements of the college's hiring process to include: oral panel interview, background investigation, Chief's Interview and a medical/psychological examination.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct vehicular, foot and bicycle patrol of college properties
• Engages in activities that foster positive relations in day-to-day interactions with the college community.
• Conducts thorough preliminary investigations and submits prompt, accurate and professional incident reports.
• Responds promptly and professionally to various emergencies and calls for service (unlock/lock requests, medical emergencies, fires, alarms, accidents, suspicious acts, criminal acts, etc.) and determines proper response procedures to include providing care as a first responder in medical emergencies and mental health crisis'.
• Enforcement of State Criminal & Traffic Laws as appropriate, as well as reporting of Student Conduct Violations when applicable, with the goal of preserving the peace and safety of the college community.
• Maintains and increases proficiency in police and interpersonal skills by attending trainings as required.
• Provide assistance to other area agencies as requested.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited Local/State/Tribal/Federal law enforcement academy upon application
• Ability to meet legal and psychological standards for certification as prescribed under PA Act 120
• No criminal history of conviction, plea agreement and/or nollo contrendre plea
• United States citizenship
• Minimum age of 21 years with the following required: An associate's degree or a minimum of 60 college credits from an accredited college or university; OR at least two years (4,160 hours) law enforcement experience; OR four (4) years of military service with an honorable discharge along with two years (4,160 hours) applicable Public Safety related experience. Alternately, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job function.
• Ability to maintain standards with the requirements of PA Act 120 certification throughout the course of employment
• Skills, knowledge, and abilities necessary for a professional police officer
• Ability to maintain a valid US driver's license with good driving history in order to remain covered by the College's auto insurance policy
• Ability to abide by MPOETC and department standards regarding firearms and weapons
• Demonstrated ability to conduct self, both on and off duty, within the lawful limitations of given authority
• Willingness to attend, complete and maintain all mandatory in-service legal training, CPR/AED/First Aid certifications, lethal and less lethal weapons training and required other College trainings.
• Willingness to fully embrace training that enhances professional job performance
• Ability to use independent judgment, with a first-rate problem-solving aptitude and the capacity to think independently and evaluate situations while functioning within the rules and policies of the department and College
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; verbal ability to de-escalate emotionally charged or other challenging situations
• Ability and willingness to work various shifts, including evening, weekends and holidays
• Ability to be a self-starter; with a high-quality work ethic
• Ability to establish, foster and maintain effective working relationships with the College Community
• Ability to act legally, honestly, morally and ethically at all times; the selected candidate will be the type of person who does the right thing when no one else is around.
• Ability to follow the direction and guidance of their supervisors and the department administration
• Ability to present a neat and professional appearance at all times
• Willingness to embrace community policing and 21st Century policing concepts and ideals
• Ability to remain free of habitual addiction of intoxicating substances or drugs
• Eligibility to carry a firearm and be free from conviction of a disqualifying crime in accordance with the Police Officers Education and Training Program of Title 37 of the Pennsylvania code
• Ability to satisfy the requirements of Act 57 of 2020 pertaining to background checks
• Ability to satisfy any other qualifications which may be proposed by the Chief of Police / Director of Public Safety
• Commitment to the College's values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and recognition of the importance of treating each individual with dignity and respect consistent with the College's Mission
• Demonstrated experience with, and understanding of, the broad diversity of a college/educational community (students, faculty, staff and others)

Supervisory Duties

This position does not require any supervisory duties.

Application Instructions

Apply for this job at https://washjeff.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Please submit a cover letter and resume. It is recommended that all documents be in PDF format and uploaded at one time. Review of applications will begin immediately.

Employee Benefits

Washington & Jefferson College offers a comprehensive benefit package for benefit eligible employees; including health, vision, and dental coverage, group life insurance, AD&D and LTD coverage, retirement plan, generous leave time, and the tuition benefit programs. These benefits add significantly to the employee's total compensation package.

Getting to Know W&J

Washington & Jefferson College is the best of both worlds: a small-town college setting in historic Washington, Pa., with easy access to the bustling business and cultural districts of nearby Pittsburgh, Pa. just 30 miles to the north. Founded in 1781, W&J College is a private, residential liberal arts college that is focused on student success. Our dedicated, experienced professors are passionate about teaching and work closely with our students to ensure that they receive a quality, comprehensive education. For more than 200 years, our alumni have influenced change in business, politics, medicine, and the arts and sciences as CEOs, lawyers, doctors, researchers, writers, teachers, and in many other equally worthy professions.

Celebrating Diversity

Washington & Jefferson College welcomes people of all backgrounds and beliefs who wish to participate in a diverse educational community. The College strives to be a place where all students, faculty, administrators and employees are able to live, study and work in an atmosphere free from bias and harassment. The College encourages civil debate and lively exchange of ideas in the belief that such exchanges promote understanding that will grow beyond simple tolerance of difference to embracing and celebrating the richness of diversity. Our graduates acquire knowledge and learn skills that help them thrive in a culturally diverse world.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, W&J College complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender identity, or national origin.