Sheriff's Communications Operator

Anne Arundel County Office of Personnel; Maryland; On-site; USD 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Longevity pay available based on years of service

Scheduled pay increase after 12 months

Job summary

The Anne Arundel County Office of Personnel is seeking a full-time Sheriff's Communications Operator. This position involves dispatching Deputy Sheriffs and handling citizen calls during assigned shifts. Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong ability to manage multiple incoming communications efficiently and accurately, knowledge of local geography, and proficiency in dispatch equipment. This safety-sensitive role requires a flexible schedule with varying shifts. The position offers opportunities for longevity pay and scheduled pay increases based on performance.

Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience in data entry and keyboard functions.
• Valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch calls for the Sheriff's Department.
• Monitor and operate computerized security and fire alarm systems.
• Maintain logs and internal computer systems accurately.

Skills

Ability to process incoming calls accurately

Knowledge of geography and local streets

Ability to use two-way radio dispatching equipment

Proficiency in using computer security systems

Ability to provide information under stress

Education

High School Graduation

Tools

Computer terminals

Radio communications equipment

Job description

Position Description

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 will fill Full-time, Permanent, Safety-Sensitive, Sheriff's Communications Operator positions within the Sheriff's Office of Anne Arundel County Government. This work involves receiving messages, dispatching Deputy Sheriffs, and answering citizen calls for service 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 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

• 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.

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.

Selection Procedures

Applicants will be required to take an aptitude test.

Supplemental Qualifications

• Dispatch experience.
• 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.
• Schedule will be a rotating 6/3, which will remain consistent; hours of work, however will vary.