911 COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST

Charleston County Government; Ladson, North Charleston (SC, SC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Charleston County Government seeks a Communications Specialist to support the 911 operations by delivering real-time tactical information from multiple data sources. The role requires handling sensitive information and assisting responders during incidents, with opportunities to contribute to after-action reports and situational awareness.

Essential qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent, 5+ years in public safety communications or related fields, and mandatory CJIS and

Qualifications

• Must have high school diploma or equivalent.
• Associate degree preferred in Criminal Justice, Public/Business Administration, or Liberal Arts.
• 5+ years of experience as a Public Safety Telecommunicator, Law Enforcement Officer or First Responder.
• Background investigation, driving record, and reference checks required.
• Must complete Level IV CJIS Security Awareness Training within 6 months and Tactical Dispatch training within 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Assist Call Takers and Dispatchers by querying tools and providing real-time tactical information.
• Support Operations for calls for service at unknown locations; conduct searches and updates for first responders.

Skills

Analytical skills

Self-directed

Team collaboration

Situational awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate Degree preferred in Criminal Justice, Public or Business Administration, or Liberal Arts

Job description

The purpose of this position is to support Operations with active/in-progress incidents by providing pertinent information in real-time from multiple data sets that are quickly accessible, and in part exclusive to Communications Specialists; maintain access and security of highly sensitive information; and collect and analyze primary data for in-house and critical incident reporting.

HIRING HOURLY: 25.98 - $34.02

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Assist Call Takers and Dispatchers in responding to 911 incidents by quickly querying aggregation tools and gathering, assessing, and providing real-time tactical information.
2. Provide support to Operations for calls for service at an unknown location by taking over responsibility for those calls, performing searches of various databases and social media, and conducting phone pings and emergent disclosure requests when requested, while continuously updating first responders and Operations for situational awareness.
3. During critical incidents, disseminate notifications and situation reports to the appropriate parties. In the event of an activation, provide support to the EOC.
4. Prepare reports and products as requested by user agencies and command staff.
5. Maintain awareness of 911helpme.com, 911 calls, critical incidents in order to connect related information and provide additional support when necessary.
6. This is an essential position and required to report for departmental activations.
7. Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

1. High school diploma or the equivalent.
2. Associate Degree preferred in Criminal Justice, Public or Business Administration, or Liberal Arts.
3. 5 years or more of experience as a Public Safety Telecommunicator, Law Enforcement Officer or First Responder.
4. Must have no felony convictions; misdemeanors will be evaluated on a case-by‑case basis and disposition information must be provided.
5. Pass a background investigation including driving record, employment history, employment, education, and training verification, illegal conduct (drug use, etc.), and reference check.
6. Pass a pre‑employment physical and psychological evaluation.
7. Be able to successfully complete Level IV CJIS Security Awareness Training within 6 months of date of hire and maintain the certification.
8. Be able to successfully complete tactical dispatch training within one year of the date of hire and maintain the certification.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

1. Perform in a self‑directed manner.
2. Display strong analytical skills.
3. Take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a systematic approach to decision making.
4. Identify the important dimensions of a problem, determine potential causes, obtain relevant information and specify alternate solutions that result in effectiveness.
5. Relate to routine operations in a manner that is consistent with existing solutions to problems; to conform to established policies and procedures.
6. Respond positively to a work environment that will change day‑to‑day, requiring quick departure from and re‑organization of one’s schedule.
7. Understand and internalize the importance of seeking resolution to problems and concerns by bringing them to the direct attention of supervisor in a timely manner.
8. Create and participate in a team environment.
9. Safeguard confidential information and use it or disclose it only as expressly authorized or specifically required in the course of performing specific job duties.
10. Live the vision, mission, values, and expected behaviors of Charleston County, the Public Safety Directorate, and Consolidated 911 Center.