Job Summary

The Clark County Sheriff's Office Cadet Program is dedicated to providing a rewarding work and educational experience for the individual wishing to pursue a career in law enforcement. The Cadet Program allows college students the opportunity to receive paid on-the-job training in non-enforcement activities.

There are age and education requirements that applicants must meet to be hired as a Cadet. The maximum length of continuous service a Cadet can serve with the Sheriff's Office is 4.5 years, or three months after graduation from a two year or four year institution of higher learning. Cadets work part time hours and are eligible for some benefits.

The Sheriff’s Cadet is the trainee level in the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s Cadets are assigned non-law enforcement duties and responsibilities. Cadets perform paraprofessional office and field support duties under supervision of a sworn member or supervising civilian personnel in the Sheriff’s Office. The Cadet Program is under the supervision of the Cadet Program Coordinator. Cadets may be assigned to another unit at the discretion of the Chief Civil Deputy. Cadets are then supervised by that unit’s supervisor.

Cadets may be assigned to various areas:
Civil Cadets - Serve civil papers in the community and have a special commission.
Property Cadets - provide logistical support throughout the agency, and support the Evidence Unit in basic tasks.
Front Desk/Reception Cadets - are in a fast pace area completing fingerprints, answering questions, assisting with concealed pistol license applications, directions, delivery of mail, opening inmate mail.

Cadets may be required to work various shifts including split shifts, at night, on weekends and holidays as needed. Shift assignments do not interfere with school schedules.

This position is represented by the Sheriff’s Support Guild.

This is a continuous posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis.

Qualifications

Applicants for the Cadet Program shall meet the following minimum requirements as a condition of their employment:

• Must be a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident;

• Must be eighteen years of age (or within six months) at the time of application; must be eighteen years of age at the time of hire;

• Must be a high school graduate with GPA of 2.0 or higher;

• Applicant must be enrolled in an accredited college or university at the time of appointment;

• Applicant must declare and maintain a major in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice or a related field (Public Administration, Psychology, Sociology, Business Administration);

• Must maintain a minimum of 9 college credit hours per quarter or the equivalent except during summer term.

• Must maintain a minimum of 2.5 GPA (cumulative and per grading period) while serving as a cadet;

• Must maintain a valid driver's license;

• Must not have been convicted by any state or federal court of a crime punishable in a state or federal institution;

• Must submit a letter of recommendation from the Criminal Justice Coordinator, Professor or Academic Advisor or; if the applicant has just completed high school and is in the process of entering an institution of higher learning, the cadet will obtain a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher, counselor or principal, or CCSO Explore Advisor.

• Must pass a multi-phase examination established by the Sheriff Office - consisting of oral interviews, a background investigation, a polygraph and a drug screen;

Knowledge of:  Basic law enforcement practices and procedures; proper English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation; records management; various computer systems, protocols and administrative rules regarding access, use and dissemination of data constrained in various computer systems; use and operation of computers, databases and standard business software; customer service practices and telephone etiquette; standard office procedures and practices; safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.

Ability to:  learn, understand, explain and apply codes and procedures applicable to a variety of law enforcement operations; maintain highly confidential information; understand and follow written and verbal instructions; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; use a computer keyboard, teletype and other office equipment with a level of speed and accuracy required for the work; operate a variety of computer software programs and databases related to the justice system; diffuse difficult situations, deal with angry/hostile/distraught individuals of varying backgrounds, educational levels and mental statuses; establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.

Work is performed primarily in an office setting in a restricted area where the noise level is usually moderate.  Some walking, standing, bending, and carrying of light items up to 35 pounds is required.  In some positions the incumbents may be spending a major part of the work day exchanging information over a counter.  Such duty may require prolonged periods of standing.  Occasionally, the incumbents experience highly stressful situations in the process of resolving problems of an immediate nature i.e., facing irate citizens dissatisfied with information received, action taken or to be taken by a division or department, or denial of service for cause.  Operating a motor-vehicle may also be required.

Examples of Duties

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Performs a variety of administrative and records management and maintenance duties; assists the public at the front counter; controls access to the building or section; answers phones and radio calls; operates office machines; compiles data and prepares reports; furnishes a variety of information relating to departmental activities to the public; maintains, updates and modifies files, lists and other material; receives, opens, processes and distributes mail.

• Maintains supplies and inventories.

• Coordinates (or assists with coordinating) functions and activities; sets up rooms and equipment required.

• The Reception Desk issues Concealed Pistol Licenses, performs fingerprinting for the public, coordinates jail visiting and involves public contact.

• The Civil Unit serves civil papers such as eviction notices and restraining orders and allows the Cadet to become familiar with the County.

• A Property Cadet assists with the logistics distribution and operational needs of the logistics and evidence units.

• Unit rotation is based on seniority and the needs of the agency.

• Cadets may also participate in "Ride-a-longs" with a Deputy Sheriff.

• Other duties as assigned regardless of unit assignment.

SELECTION PROCESS

Application Review: An on-line application is required. 

Letter of recommendation: from the Criminal Justice Coordinator, Professor or Academic Advisor or; if the applicant has just completed high school and is in the process of entering an institution of higher learning, the cadet will obtain a letter of recommendation from a high school teacher, counselor or principal, or CCSO Explorer Advisor.

Oral Interview

Background Investigation: - Involves a comprehensive investigation based on information provided by finalist’s personal history statements.

Polygraph Exam

Drug Screen

Salary Grade

Sheriff Support.2

Salary Range

$16.59 - $21.56- per hour

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Recruiter

Leslie Harrington Smith

Email:

Leslie.HarringtonSmith@clark.wa.gov

Equal Opportunity Employer

Clark County is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal opportunity in employment, access, and delivery of all county services. Clark County’s Equal Employment Opportunity Plan is available at http://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Employee Benefits and additional compensation

Clark County provides regular full-time and part-time employees with a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, vision and dental insurance, paid leave, flexible spending accounts, life insurance and long-term disability, retirement, and deferred compensation.  Some types of employees in some positions and bargaining units might have different benefits and additional compensation.  More specific benefit information for the different bargaining units can be found at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/employee-benefits. Also please refer to the specific bargaining unit contract for additional compensation at https://clark.wa.gov/human-resources/documents.

Retirement Information

All Clark County employees must participate in a WASHINGTON STATE RETIREMENT SYSTEM PLAN (PERS, PSERS or LEOFF).Employee contributions begin the first day of work. Current contribution rates vary by plan but could range from 5% to 15% of gross pay, depending on the plan choice. 
 

For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site here: http://www.drs.wa.gov/

If you are in need of ADA/Section 504 assistance for accommodations, please contact Human Resources at (564) 397-2456; Relay (800) 833-6388.