Salary: $24.92 HourlyLocation : Police Department - Bluffton, SCJob Type: Full-TimeJob Number: 202300009Department: Police DepartmentOpening Date: 09/29/2023To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. Job Summary The purpose of this position is to perform protective service work and enforce laws for the Town of Bluffton (Town). Duties include; enforcing laws; investigating criminal activity; ensuring safety of public; maintaining records and files; testifying in Court; and preparing reports. Essential Job Functions
- Operates patrol vehicle or walks to observe for violations of traffic laws, suspicious activities or persons, and disturbances of law and order; operates specialized police equipment; and maintains a visible police presence throughout the community.
- Interviews victims and witnesses; obtains additional information regarding crime, accident, violation, etc.
- Investigates crimes; collects and processes evidence; and conducts searches.
- Responds to radio dispatches and answers calls and complaints; serves warrants, summons, etc.; and completes arrest records.
- Participates in illegal drug enforcement operations; conducts surveillance.
- Makes arrests and testifies in Court; prepares incident and various special reports.
- Conducts traffic stops; enforces traffic laws; investigates accidents; issues traffic citations; directs traffic; and provides first responder medical assistance.
- Provides police escorts, directs traffic; performs residential and commercial security checks.
- Participates in a variety of in-service and special training programs.
- Responds to and investigates domestic disputes; assists other law enforcement agencies when assigned.
- Reports dangers of defective streets, sidewalks, traffic lights or other hazardous conditions.
- May be assigned to collateral duty assignments such as school resource officer, investigations, etc.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
QualificationsEducation and Experience: High school diploma or equivalent; and two (2) years of law enforcement work experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Licenses or Certifications:
- Valid South Carolina driver's license.
- Possess a South Carolina Criminal Justice Training Academy certification.
- Certifications/Training/Exams preferred: Pass Police Officer II Exam; CMT Operator; DUI//SFST Certification; Radar; Basic SWAT; Basic Investigations: and FTO Certification.
Special Requirements: None. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of police methods, practice,s and procedures.
- Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department.
- Knowledge of the geography of the Town and location of important buildings.
- Skill in using firearms.
- Skill in operating a police vehicles.
- Skill in establishing and maintaining maintain effective relationship with associates and the general public.
- Ability to carry out oral and written instructions.
- Ability to prepare clear reports,
- Ability to deal professionally, courteously, and fairly with the public.
- Ability to analyze situation.
- Ability to adopt quick, effective, and reasonable courses of action when dealing with hazardous circumstances.
Physical Demands & Work Environment The work is light work. The employee is frequently required to apply 10 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. The employee is occasionally required to exert up to 20 pounds of force to move objects. In addition, positions in this classification typically require balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, discriminating among sounds, kneeling, lifting, manual dexterity, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, expressing ideas by the spoken word, shouting to be heard above ambient noise, visual acuity to analyze data/work with color or depth perception/determine accuracy or observe facilities/operate motor vehicles or equipment/inspect defects or fabricate parts, and walking. Duties are regularly performed outdoors under various weather conditions with: exposure to fumes, airborne particles, and bloodborne pathogens; exposure to toxic substances, electrical hazards, and explosives; exposure to vibrations and loud noises (such as traffic); and occasionally working in cramped or high places. Work requires dealing with potentially hostile or violent individuals, performing strenuous tasks, or potentially wearing protective gear such as respirators. Duties are also performed in a moderately noisy business office with copy machines, phones, and printers along with some light foot traffic. This job requires working various shifts as scheduled. The Town of Bluffton has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.The Town of Bluffton commits to a policy of equal employment opportunity for applicants and employees, complying with local, state and federal laws. The Town's policy is to employ qualified persons without discrimination regarding race, creed, color, religion, age, sex, country of national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, political affiliation, ethnicity, or status in any other group protected by federal/state/local law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Health and Dental Insurance All regular full-time employees, employees who work 30 hours or more per week, and Town Council members are eligible to participate in the Town's health plan through the South Carolina Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA). If an employee elects to be covered, the cost for the coverage will be deducted from each paycheck. The Town covers the premiums for the employee portion of the State Health and the State Dental plans. The employee will be responsible for the cost of any additional dependent premiums selected. For more information regarding the health plans click Paid Time Off (PTO) All regular full-time employees, employees who work 30 hours or more per week, will start accruing PTO on the first day of employment. PTO is a cumulative bank of time for sick days, vacation time, and bereavement leave. Full-time employees will accrue PTO according to the following schedule:
- 0-5 years of employment: 5.2 hours / pay period
- 6-9 years of employment: 6.8 hours / pay period
- Over 9 years of employment: 8.32 hours / pay period
Holiday Pay The Town of Bluffton offers 12 paid holidays and 1 personal day (8.5 hours):
- New Years Day
- Martin Luther King Day
- Good Friday
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Veteran's Day
- Thanksgiving
- Heritage Day (Friday after Thanksgiving)
- Christmas Eve
- Christmas Day
- Personal Day
Flexible Spending AccountsFlexible Spending Accounts are a tax-saving way to pay health care and dependent care expenses that you would typically pay out-of-pocket. Expenses such as deductibles, co payments, coinsurance, prescriptions, dental procedures and eyeglasses can quickly add up, and dependent care expenses can add up even more. The FSA's let you pay these expenses with pretax dollars.Contributions are deducted from your pretax pay in equal amounts during the year. This means you save money, as contributions are not subject to Social Security tax, federal income tax or state income tax.Medical Spending Accounts and Dependent Care Spending Account enrollments are only valid for one year and be re-enrolled during the Annual Open Enrollment Period in order to continue. Your account(s) will not automatically renew each year.Pension Plans: South Carolina Retirement SystemAll regular full-time and part-time employees and Town Council are required by law to join the South Carolina Retirement Systems. Seasonal and temporary employees have the option to opt out of the memberships. The Town offers two plans for employees, the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS) and the Police Officer Retirement System (PORS). Each employee/participant is required to contribute a certain percentage of their gross salary to the Retirement System. The actual contribution amounts are subject to change per legislation but will be provided upon hire date. The employee contributions are deducted on a pre-tax basis. Employee contributions earn interest.More information on these programs can be found in the Retirement Handbook on PEBA's DisabilityEligible employees enrolled in the State Health Plan have basic long-term disability protection at no cost. The Basic Long-Term Disability Plan protects a part of your income if you become disabled. It includes: a 90-day benefit waiting period; a monthly benefit of 62.5 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income; a maximum $800 monthly benefit; and a maximum benefit period to age 65 if you become disabled before age 62. If you become disabled at age 62 or older, the maximum benefit period is based on your age at the time of disability. Supplemental Long-Term Disability (SLTD)This optional disability insurance plan provides more protection for you and your family. Supplemental long-term disability is a voluntary benefit for which the employee pays. This benefit provides: Competitive group rates; Survivors benefits for eligible dependents; coverage for injury, physical disease, mental disorder or pregnancy; a return-to-work incentive; SLTD conversion insurance; a cost-of-living adjustment; and lifetime security benefit. There are two options either a 90-day or 180-day benefit waiting period that includes: a monthly benefit of 65 percent of your pre-disability earnings, reduced by deductible income; a maximum $8,000 monthly benefit; and a minimum $100 monthly benefit. For more details visit PEBA's Workers' CompensationTown employees are covered by workers' compensation for on-the-job injuries. Benefits are governed by state law and not set by the Town.Employee Assistance Program (EAP)The EAP is a confidential counseling, assessment and referral program designed to help you manage your life. Just as health insurance is designed to address your physical well being, your EAP is designed to address your emotional and mental health, as well as manage your work/life issues to achieve a healthy balance. EAP also provides legal and financial consultation services, as well as the WorkLife Benefit which provides assistance with elder care, childcare, adoption, education, and other work life matters. All calls made to the EAP are kept private and confidential.Colonial Life - Supplemental InsuranceThe Town of Bluffton also offers Supplemental Insurance coverage through Colonial Life to employees which includes: Cancer Insurance, Hospital Confinement Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, and Disability Insurance. Everyone's benefit needs are different so these are optional to each employee to select (if they choose) benefits that are right for their personal situation.Educational Assistance and Educational Bonus PoliciesThe Town supports continuing education efforts made by Town employees through the reimbursement of tuition and training for certifications related to positions. Further, in our efforts to provide excellent levels of service to our citizens, the Town of Bluffton continuously strives to train and educate its employees and believes that the organization benefits from having a workforce that achieves certain academic attainment and certain specialized training and certifications. Wellness ProgramsThe Town encourages employee wellness and encourages them to take advantage of some of the incentives available to them through Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA). PEBA Perks provides a comprehensive range of activities, programs, services, and information designed to help State employees, retirees and their covered dependents enjoy a happier, healthier life. As a part of the employee insurance program, PEBA Perks focuses on disease prevention, early detection, disease management, and offers educational resources on diverse issues such as diabetes, tobacco cessation, weight management, stress management, and nutrition.Discretionary AwardsIt is the policy of the Town to provide employee recognition and incentive awards to an employee or team upon Supervisor recommendation. This program is intended to reward staff employees whose achievements have resulted in a particular benefit to the Town of Bluffton. Awards are in the Town's discretion, and no employee is entitled to an award.01 Are you 21 years or older?
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