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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Complaint Specialist


FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (50) Para-Prof
Class Code: 11817 Salary Grade: BD5
Approved: March 01, 2004 Last Revised: August 28, 2023


Purpose:
 

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for the intake, screening, and resolution of complaints against police officers of Austin Police Department (APD).

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Receives phone inquiries and walk-in complaints by interviewing complainants, researching, analyzing, and evaluating as it relates to applicable APD Standards Operating Procedures, Policies, and other related regulatory requirements. Assists complainants in understanding the process and requirements for filing a complaint.
  2. Reviews, interprets, and analyzes complaints along with other available data to identify potential trends or problem areas, and provides comprehensive reports and recommendations to management for preventive and/or corrective action.
  3. Coordinates new programs as assigned by gathering, inputting, and analyzing all data and information regarding performance and mission of the department, and other citizen oversight and community policing issues.
  4. Provides models, technical information, and reports to other employees as required or negotiated by the division. Collaborates and participates on teams of co-workers, employees, or other assigned members.
  5. Ensures timelines are met with reports, documentation, and updates of appropriate systems and records management.
  6. Represents the division at community/outreach events by presenting in various media formats the fundamentals of the program.
  7. Creates and provides training for program areas including mediation and/or dispute resolution.
  8. Assists in preparing recommendations by researching and interviewing others if appropriate and may provide evaluations for review and approval.
  9. Assists in the monitoring and reviewing of Internal Affairs investigations of citizen complaints by participating in interviews and review of evidence.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws/ordinances regarding discrimination in law enforcement, community policing, and civilian oversight.
  • Knowledge of applicable systems and databases.
  • Knowledge of investigatory and negotiation techniques.
  • Skill in handling hostile, conflict, and uncertain situations.
  • Skill in application of investigative and research techniques.
  • Skill in oral and written communications to clearly convey and receive information and ideas.
  • Skill in interviewing under a variety of conditions, including the possibility of highly charged emotional demonstrations such as hostility, conflict, and frustration.
  • Skill in the application of investigative and research techniques related to human rights issues.
  • Skill in researching established case law and applicable precedents.
  • Skill in data collection, analysis, and problem solving.
  • Skill in dispute resolution.
  • Skill in the use of computers and applicable software applications.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritization.
  • Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  • Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Political Science, Community Engagement or a field related to the job, plus two (2) years of related experience.
Licenses and Certifications Required:
  None.

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.