Communications Officer

Harris County Sheriff's Office; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 44,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading county office is seeking a Communications Officer to manage emergency dispatch communications. Responsibilities include receiving calls, providing information, and working with various agencies. The role requires effective communication skills, the ability to handle stress, and a commitment to public safety, with a focus on team collaboration and compliance with legal protocols.

Benefits

Paid biweekly with benefits

Up to 14 years of credit for service as a TCOLE Certified Telecommunicator

Qualifications

• Must pass extensive background investigation, TB skin test, and drug screening.
• Willing to work different shifts, including weekends and overtime.
• Previous experience in emergency dispatch or 911 operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Answer telephone and radio communications, resolve issues, provide information.
• Receive, process, and disseminate calls for service efficiently.
• Type correspondence and reports as required.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to multitask

Ability to handle stressful situations

Education

High School Diploma or GED from a U.S. accredited school

Tools

Proficient in Word and Excel

CAD, JIMS, ARS software

Job description

The Emergency Dispatch Center (EDC) Communications Officers shall be responsible for receiving, processing, and disseminating calls for service efficiently to attain an appropriate and timely public safety response. Communications Officers must be willing to work during any declared Office of Emergency Management event and accept different hours and days off depending on the demands of the EDC. Communication Officers shall be responsible for carrying out all other assignments as directed by supervisory personnel.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Answer telephone calls and radio communications, resolve issues, provide information, and communicate effectively
• Handle confidential and sensitive information in a discreet manner
• Receive, process, and disseminate calls for service efficiently to attain an appropriate and timely public safety response
• Independently initiate action consistent with existing policies and procedures, based upon observed situations, and utilizing sound judgment
• Type correspondence, and reports and assist in the processing of documents as required
• Communicate and liaise with Command Staff, employees, other agencies, and the public in a knowledgeable, efficient, and courteous manner
• Perform other assignments and duties as required and/or necessary

This Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Management may, at its discretion, assign, or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

“Ability to handle and/or work in stressful situations”

Additional testing may be required

• High School Diploma or GED from a U.S. accredited school
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• United States Citizen or Certificate of Naturalization (See General Information for exceptions)
• Valid driver's license or state-issued I.D. (Must be Texas issued by hire date)
• Must pass an extensive background investigation, TB skin test, and drug screening
• Must pass pre-employment testing and demonstrate essential job skills
• Willing to work different shifts to include weekends, holidays, and overtime as required

Knowledge of:

• Chapter 49 Penal Code and Transportation Code.

Skilled in

• Proficient in correspondence, and reports and assist in the processing of documents as required
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer and related software, i.e. Word and Excel
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written

Ability to:

• Communicate and liaise with Command Staff, employees, other agencies, and the public in a knowledgeable, efficient, and courteous manner
• Create, maintain, and update critical files in an organized manner
• Answer telephone calls, resolve issues, provide information, and multitask
• Handle confidential and sensitive information in a discreet manner
• Receive, process, and disseminate calls for service efficiently to attain an appropriate and timely public safety response
• Independently initiate action consistent with existing policies and procedures, based upon observed situations, and utilizing sound judgment
• Work overtime and/or varying duty hours as deemed necessary; including weekends, holidays with an excellent attendance record

Continued employment is contingent upon the successful completion of Telecommunicator training and passing all testing required to obtain the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator certification within a year of employment.

• New hire orientation is 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on the first day and 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. for the next two weeks with Saturday/Sunday off.

On-the-job training is approx. 7 weeks, on one of the three shifts,

• 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.,
• 2 p.m. - 10 p.m., or
• 10 p.m. - 6 a.m., with the same off days as the trainer

Upon completion of training, you will be placed on either the

• 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. or
• 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. shift, days off will be determined according to whatever is available

• Previous experience in emergency dispatch or 911 operation
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer and related software, i.e. CAD, JIMS, ARS, OMNIXX, etc.

Hours:

• 40 Hours Per Week / Shift Work
• Includes Nights, Weekends, and Holidays
• Mandatory Overtime as deemed necessary to fulfill operational needs

Salary and Incentive Pay:

• Paid biweeklybased on 26 pay periods per year, plus benefits
• Up to 14 years of credit for service as a TCOLE Certified Telecommunicator upon hire (Restrictions Apply)

Salary:
Paid biweekly based on 26 pay periods per year, plus benefits
$44,470.40 * annually / $1,710.40 biweekly - Starting
$47,964.80* annually / $1,844.80 biweekly - After 24 months
For detailed information on the benefits offered by Harris County, please click on the "Benefits" tab of this posting.

• Applicant submission of the Job Request Packet does not guarantee an interview.
• To qualify for this position, the required experience, education, and skills must be clearly stated on your application's employment history.
• Resumes are welcome, but we do not use any information provided on your resume for qualifications.
• Experience obtained while in the military must also be included as part of your employment history on the application.

Incomplete applications will not be considered

Due to a high volume of applications, positions may close before the advertised closing date if sufficient applications have been received

Citizenship Exceptions

Per SB 252, you may be eligible for TCOLE licensure if you have fulfilled all of the following requirements:

Must be a permanent legal resident

Must be an honorably discharged veteran from the United States armed forces with at least two years of active service (Must have DD-214 that reflects service time and discharge status)

Must provide evidence that they have applied for United States Citizenship

Equal Opportunity Statement
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.