Jobs at Houston County Government (Now Hiring) — 8 open

Communication Officer (Sheriff's Department) Grade 15A                 Salary: $44,179.20  ($21.24 hr)

Supervisor/Department: Captain Veronica Edens /911 Manager/ Sheriff's Department

YOU MUST APPLY IN PERSON AT THE 911 CENTER - online applications are not processed.

PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

The purpose of this classification is to perform specialized work duties associated with receiving/processing requests for emergency assistance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED required; one years of experience in emergency communications, radio communications or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position.  These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Operates telephones, communications equipment, and law enforcement computers associated with police, fire and E-911 communications.
• Receives, screens and monitors routine and emergency calls from the public and other police/public safety agencies by radio and telephone; categorizes and prioritizes calls.
• Dispatches appropriate agency personnel to incident locations; dispatches backup units, ambulances, fire fighters, wreckers, etc., as appropriate.
• Maintains communications with all parties involved in emergency situations; tracks location of police units; assists emergency personnel in locating addresses; conveys information to/from emergency personnel, general public, public safety agencies, utilities, businesses and other personnel within the department.
• Conveys information/instructions to caller as necessary to assist until dispatched units arrive on scene.
• Relays pre-arrival medical instructions to assist in lifesaving treatment.
• Obtains/provides information as requested (e.g. checking license plates, driver’s license information, missing/wanted persons, criminal histories, warrants, stolen property, etc.)
• Monitors radio traffic of surrounding law enforcement, emergency, and non-emergency agencies to maintain an awareness of activities outside primary jurisdiction.
• Operates national and state law enforcement computer systems to retrieve/update criminal information (e.g., inmate records, warrants, driver’s license records, stolen property, missing/wanted persons, criminal histories, etc.)
• Records calls, activities and information manually or via computer; maintains logs of radio messages received/transmitted; prepares related documentation and records.
• Review, enters or modifies data in computer database; performs data entry functions by keying data into computer system; retrieves/provides information as requested.  Updates/maintains computer database of county businesses and street addresses.
• Processes a variety of documentation associated with departmental operations, per established procedures and within designated time frames; distributes documentation or maintains records as appropriate.
• Prepares routine correspondence, forms, reports, and other documents via computer and/or typewriter.
• Maintains various records, logs, and other documentation; maintains file system of departmental records.
• Receives various documentation; reviews, processes, responds, forwards, maintains, and/or takes other action as appropriate.
• Maintains current manuals, policies/procedures, bulletins, map books, etc., for reference and/or review.
• Communicates effectively and coherently over radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
• Responds to routine requests for information from officials, employees, the public, or other individuals.
• Answers the telephone; evaluates and processes calls; provides information and assistance; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
• Maintains an awareness of pertinent laws/regulations and new trends/advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends meetings, workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Provides training and assistances to co-workers as needed.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Copies and distributes correspondence, memoranda, reports, and other related materials.
• Destroys obsolete/confidential documentation utilizing shredding equipment.
• Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks associated with maintaining work area.
• May perform the duties of Communications Supervisor in absence of same.
• Performs other related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of federal, state and local rules and regulations governing emergency communications, radio transmissions, and related activities; knowledge of departmental functions, organization, policies, and procedures; comprehensive knowledge of the methods of operating communications systems; knowledge of radio codes used in public safety work; knowledge of county road systems and geography; knowledge of general clerical techniques; knowledge of standard office equipment; and knowledge of basic computer applications and techniques.
• Skill in operating radio equipment quickly and calmly in routine and emergency situations; skill in detecting the scope and magnitude of an emergency; skill in making decisions accurately and rapidly; skill in verbal communications and interpersonal relations; skill in general clerical functions; skill in typing and data entry; skill in operating standard office equipment; and skill in utilizing various computer software programs relevant to the position.
• Ability to understand departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations; ability to operate a variety of specialized computer systems and radio communications equipment; ability to effectively screen telephone calls, obtain information and determine nature of emergency; ability to exercise independent and sound judgment in carrying out work activities; ability to work under highly stressful conditions; ability to coordinate multiple work activities simultaneously; ability to organize work activities and establish priorities; ability to write clear and concise reports; ability to prepare and maintain accurate records; ability to understand and follow detailed written and oral instructions; ability to speak clearly and distinctly; ability to effectively interact with the public in stressful situations or in situations requiring courtesy and tact; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the general public; ability to perform required mathematical calculations; ability to operate standard office equipment; ability to type and perform data entry accurately and with appropriate speed;  ability to utilize various computer software programs relevant to the position; and ability to work rotating shifts, holidays and weekends as required.

MINIMUM REQYUIREMENTS TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:  Must be able to operate a variety of automated equipment including various computer systems, printers, typewriter, calculator, copy machine, shredder, voice recorder, radio communications equipment, Telecommunication Device for Deaf (TDD), and telephone.  Physical demand requirements are at levels of those for light work.

DATA COMPREHENSION:  Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things which may include forms, reports, maps, directories, reference materials, procedural manuals, and operational manuals.

INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION:  Requires the ability to speak with and/or signal people to convey or exchange law enforcement, emergency medical, and radio communications information, including giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants as well as communicating with officials and the general public.