Sheriff's Communications Operator

Sheriff's Communications Operator

The Office of the Sheriff provides law enforcement and public safety services by meeting the needs of the Circuit Court and the Citizens of Anne Arundel County. This position announcement will be used to fill Full-time, Permanent, Safety-Sensitive, Sheriff's Communications Operator positions within the Sheriff's Office of Anne Arundel County Government. This is communication work in receiving messages, dispatching Deputy Sheriffs, and answering citizen calls for service from the Sheriff's office during an assigned shift. The work also involves monitoring and utilizing computerized security and fire alarm systems.

Nature and variety of work Work involves responsibility for answering phone calls for the Sheriff's Department during non-working hours, operating communications equipment, as well as the operation and monitoring of various computerized security and fire alarm systems, and the retrieval of information from numerous law enforcement databases. Employees assigned to this class are to be efficient and accurate in receiving, recording, and processing multiple incoming calls and other messages, as well as the able to monitor and operate multiple automated security and fire alarm systems. Work is performed independently within departmental procedures, rules, and regulations, and is reviewed by supervisors through observation, conferences, and reports.

Examples of duties and knowledge, skills and abilities (Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential job functions of all positions in the class.)

• Rapidly and accurately process incoming calls, processing fragmented and/or complex information to determine the nature of the request.
• Screen and route calls; provide general information and make referrals to other agencies and/or County departments.
• Take and record messages; direct messages and calls in a timely manner to the proper person or agency; ensure that all logs and/or internal computer systems are maintained in a neat, complete, and up-to-date manner.
• Rapidly and accurately access various law enforcement databases and pass information to Sheriff's Office personnel authorized to receive this information on request. Databases include but are not limited to MILES, NCIC, TIBURON, District Court, and MVA.
• Evaluate information received to determine proper response, and respond in a controlled manner to stressful calls. Accurately use radio communications equipment to safely track and record Deputy Sheriff's activity.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Ability to learn and demonstrate the proper applications of all established policies and procedures of the Anne Arundel County Sheriff's Office pertaining to communications activity program functions.
• Ability to learn and demonstrate proficiency in the use of a two-way radio dispatching set.
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the geography of the County and the location of streets and main highways, after required training.
• Ability to learn the operation and competently utilize the various computer and security systems and databases used by the Sheriff's Office Communications Section.
• Ability to understand and follow complex oral and written instructions; handle several tasks, functions, and incoming calls simultaneously.
• Ability to hear and speak clearly and concisely with a well-modulated voice to provide understandable information in stress and non-stress situations to the public and other involved agencies.
• Ability to maintain records and to do miscellaneous routine office support work.
• Ability to competently operate a computer terminal to enter and retrieve information. Ability to understand information received via telephone from citizens in extremely stressful situations.

Minimum qualifications Education: Graduation from high school. Experience: Two (2) or more years of work experience in data entry and keyboard functions; a passing score on all required proficiency tests; and a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license. Selection procedures: Applicants will be required to take an aptitude test. Note: The selection process includes a comprehensive background investigation. Note: This position is safety sensitive, and employees in these positions are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. Note: Longevity pay is available based on years of service. Upon successful completion of twelve (12) months, employees hired at the minimum rate of pay for the grade receive a 9% increase for satisfactory performance.

Supplemental qualifications Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

1. Dispatch experience.
2. The incumbent MUST be able to work a flexible schedule with varying shifts, including 7:00 AM - 3:15 PM, 3:00 PM - 11:15 PM; and 11:00 PM - 7:15 AM hours.
3. Schedule will be a rotating 6/3, which will remain consistent; hours of work, however will vary.