Communications Specialist

Department: Allen County Community Corrections FLSA Status: Non-Exempt. Classification/Level: C3 Date: 02/2023. Under the direction of the Communications Section Chief, the Monitoring and Communications Specialist evaluates and responds to electronic alerts for up to 500 serious and violent offenders sentenced to Home Detention/Electronic Monitoring and installs, maintains, and troubleshoots electronic monitoring equipment for offenders. Essential Functions Responsible for monitoring the activities of up to 500 serious and/or violent offenders on the Home Detention Program. Investigates electronic monitoring alerts received from radio frequency and global positioning systems. Performs detailed background investigations supporting the eligibility of potential electronic monitoring participants. Dispatches law enforcement in response to offenders’ program violations using police code and Spillman Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD) system. Performs checks on driver’s licenses, auto license plates, protective orders, and arrest warrants using Local, State and National databases. Provides information to law enforcement regarding offenders’ approved activities, mode of transportation, physical descriptions, and specific cautions to be taken with offender. Responsible for dispatching additional law enforcement officers to Allen County Community Corrections (ACCC) Field Officers in hazardous, life threatening or otherwise dangerous situations. Serves as the initial investigator for all escapes and coordinates law enforcement response. Answers and responds to one of six offender telephone lines, documenting leave and arrival times and locations in the electronic monitoring system for each offender. Creates and documents notifications for offenders that are taken into custody, moved to a different residence, hospitalized, have escaped, have been released or whom have otherwise been removed from electronic monitoring. Responsible for initial entry of offender’s demographic data into electronic monitoring software and updates the offender’s information in the local law enforcement database. Installs electronic monitoring equipment on offenders and ensures that it is functioning properly. Provides instruction to offenders regarding equipment and answers questions. Removes and inspects equipment upon discharge to ensure that all equipment is returned and working properly. Enter all offender schedules into database. Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required. Uses principles of evidence-based practices as a guide in interactions with program participants and in the development of department programs. Must model Pro-Social behavior at times and in all places. Requirements Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Information Technology (IT) or related field with at least one year of experience in criminal justice processes, legal terminology or information technology preferred. Ability to obtain and maintain Public Safety Dispatcher, Proprietary Electronic Monitoring Systems and Computer Aided Dispatching Certifications within six months of employment. Ability to obtain and maintain Indiana Data and Communications Systems/National Crime Information Center (IDACS/NCIC) Full Operator Certification within six months of employment. Ability to simultaneously monitor and perform system documentation and data entry on electronic monitoring software system. Strong verbal and written communication skills to ensure effective transfer of information and documentation. Strong computer skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office and other job-related software. Proficient in the use of Spillman law enforcement information network system, Case Management Software (CMS), electronic monitoring proprietary software systems and related hardware, Computer Assisted Facility Security System, Mapping Software, electronic monitoring equipment (CPS and RF), video surveillance system and Odyssey/JTAC, preferred. Ability to multi-task and answer multi-phone in a fast paced, high stress environment. Ability to use a variety of law enforcement equipment and devices. Ability to obtain certification in Motivation Interviewing and Interpersonal Communication within one year of employment. The agency subscribes to the National Institute of Corrections’ Eight Principles of Effective Intervention (EBP), must be able to complete required Correctional EBP training programs and demonstrate competencies that focus on empirical recidivism risk reduction strategies. Knowledge of evidence-based principles and practices. Difficulty Of Work The Monitoring and Communications Specialist applies principles and techniques to execute moderately complex, relatively standard tasks or processes to assist other county employees, potentially violent offenders, law enforcement and the public daily. Responsibility The Monitoring and Communications Specialist has a limited amount of opportunity to make choices while carrying out routine tasks involving standardized practices and procedures. Some analysis and judgment are required. Tasks are reviewed by a supervisor upon completion. Personal Work Relationships The Monitoring and Communications Specialist has daily contact with other County employees, potentially violent offenders, law enforcement and the public requiring explanation of policies and procedures. Working Conditions The Monitoring and Communications Specialist maintains frequent contact with potentially dangerous, violent, and abusive program offenders convicted of various misdemeanor and felony offenses daily. The Monitoring and Communications Specialist works in a call center environment requiring the ability to move around freely with very frequent sitting, some standing and walking, lifting up to 20 pounds, bending, pushing/pulling loads and kneeling. Very frequent typing, attention to detail and monitoring of equipment is required with frequent detailed inspection and proofreading. Some exposure to extreme temperatures, dangerous equipment, chemicals, and noise. Supervision None Licensing Ability to obtain and maintain Public Safety Dispatcher, Proprietary Electronic Monitoring Systems and Computer Aided Dispatching Certification within six months of employment. Ability to obtain and maintain Indiana Data and Communications System/National Crime Information Center (IDACS/NCIC) Full Operator Certification within six months of employment. Valid Driver’s License Immediate Supervisor Communications Section Chief Hours 2nd Shift Hours We are an Equal Opportunity Employer (EEO). Accordingly, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, age, disability or medical condition, national origin, and veteran status, and all other categories protected by federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Reasonable accommodations for persons with a known disabling condition will be considered in accordance with State and Federal Law. #J-18808-Ljbffr