Sheriff Telecommunicator I

Eureka County; Nevada; On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Eureka County is seeking Telecommunicators I, II, and III to receive and process emergency and non-emergency calls for Sheriff’s Office, Fire, and EMS. You will dispatch units, maintain records, and interact with the public and other agencies with professionalism.

Candidates should have a high school diploma or GED, familiarity with NCIC/NCJIS, and the ability to work in a high-volume, stressful environment. Nevada driver’s license preferred.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; public safety dispatch experience preferred.
• Knowledge of NCIC/NCJIS systems and related records management is a plus.
• Ability to remain calm and accurate under high call volume.

Responsibilities

• Answer and assess emergency and non-emergency calls for multiple departments.
• Dispatch patrol, fire, and EMS units to incidents.
• Maintain logs and records in local databases.
• Operate multiple communication and records systems under pressure.
• Coordinate information transfers with agencies.

Skills

Public safety calls

Emergency dispatch

NCIC/NCJIS

Radio operations

Stress management

Education

High School diploma

GED

Tools

RMS systems

NCIC/NCJIS platforms

Job description

Summary of Job Purpose:

Telecommunicator I, II, and III’s, are under general supervision, receives, assesses, and processes emergency and non-emergency calls for the County Law Enforcement, Fire, and EMS Departments; answers inquiries for information from the general public as well as other criminal and non-criminal justice agencies; dispatches patrol, fire, and EMS units; maintains, types, and files various records and documents; interacts with the general public, criminal, and non-criminal justice agencies in person and via telephone.

Essential Functions:

The class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skill.

Telecommunicator I:

• Responds to radio calls from law enforcement and emergency personnel in the field; acts as backup communication for field personnel for public works and the school district; performs record searches from local databases and those maintained by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), National Crime Information Center (NCIC) , International Criminal Justice & Public Safety Network (NLETS), and the State of Nevada (NCJIS) for warrant, protection order, dangerous offender, sex offender, CCW holder and criminal history status on field suspects and in-custody detainees; confirms active warrants and transportation requirements for other law enforcement agencies; verifies and disseminates information received by the teletype to field officers; gathers and translates information from field officers for efficient queries into the teletype.
• Receives 911 calls for assistance from a landline and cellular phones from various locations within Eureka County as well as neighboring counties; determines and completes transfers of callers to the appropriate agency if the request for service is not within our geographic/determined response areas; asks questions to solicit information regarding the nature and location of the emergency, verifies information gathered for accuracy, determines the priority and type of response necessary; dispatches emergency units and relays pertinent information between field officers and emergency response units; provides emergency medical instruction using locally-approved protocols; communicates effectively with distraught, angry, hysterical, or frightened callers; maintains calm in emergency situations; handles stress related to various emergency calls; dispatches appropriate units for alarm calls.
• Use technology available in the communications center to the best of their knowledge and training which could include, but is not limited to text to 911, live stream video, multiple phone systems, records management systems, mapping systems, and radio systems.
• Processes information requests from the general public, criminal, and non-criminal justice agencies by providing information ranging from community events to status of an incarcerated subject; processes calls to determine whether information may be released to the requestor or must be handled through a supervisor; determines if a referral to another agency is needed to satisfy a caller’s request; interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds; processes calls requesting visitation with incarcerated individuals.
• Maintains a computer log of all radio and phone calls received and transmitted; operates video and audio equipment as needed for jail safety during bookings and daily operations; operates audio logging equipment for all radio and phone calls received and transmitted; maintains local databases by entering calls for requests for services or officer initiated activity; enters and maintains local house watch list and emergency contact information in local databases; completes all pertinent daily and monthly reports.
• Processes work cards, traffic accident reports, case reports, sex offender and ex-felon registrations, concealed weapon permit, civil process requests of all types for service and identification files by ensuring all teletypes have been requested and filed, information recorded properly in the local database, files assembled correctly and placed correctly in the filing system; process concealed weapons permits by ensuring proper entry has been made into the NCJIS information database regarding permit issuance and status; additional processing of case report files to include entries into NCIC, NCJIS, or NLETS regarding stolen articles, guns, license plates, parts, securities or vehicles, wanted or missing persons, and identification of gang or terrorist members; sorts, indexes, and files log records, correspondence, reports, or other materials; maintains the accuracy, validity, and completeness of all records entered into NCIC, NCJIS, or NLETS.
• Assists public by providing information related to law enforcement, medical and fire, as well as community amenities and events; in obtaining indigent aid; assists bail bond agents and public by receiving bail bonds or cash for citations and individuals incarcerated in the detention facility; assists detention with visitation by providing proper forms and screening of visitors; accepts fees for services provided by the Sheriff’s Department.
• Reviews and is active in assessments and improvement of their performance of the position assigned to include but is not limited to: agency system audits, call reviews, training and assigned tasks by the Communications Supervisor or Designee in a timely fashion.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Telecommunicator II:

• In addition to performing duties assigned to Telecommunicator I; assists in the training of new employees in call taking, dispatching, clerical procedures, and NCIC/NCJIS/NLETS operating procedures and proficiency.
• May serve as an ATAC (Assistant Terminal Agency Coordinator).
• As an ATAC assists with processing various files issued through this office
• Completes NCJIS and NCIC warrants, validations, and entries
• Completes reviews of entries into the NCJIS/NCIC/RMS system, providing objective, positive feedback to the employee that completed the entry into the systems.
• Maintains and Develops improvements in the Communications Training and Evaluation Program with new trends and updating procedures.
• Maintains and updates all contact information and procedural forms manuals.

Telecommunicator III:

• In addition to performing duties assigned to Telecommunicator I/II; assists in the training of new employees in call taking, dispatching, clerical procedures, and NCIC/NCJIS/NLETS operating procedures and proficiency.
• Trains and assesses Dispatcher I/II in Law Enforcement incidents/Fire incidents/EMS incidents/Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) by providing Quality Control of all calls completed and providing feedback and remedial training in this field.
• Completes audits of the RMS (Records Management System-RIMS) for accuracy and completeness of person, vehicle, incident location and premise records.
• Completes UCR/NIBRS data collection and reporting on behalf of Eureka County. Provides backup for the Sheriff’s Office Communications Supervisor / Sergeant in their absence to provide direction to the Communications Division.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

The knowledge and ability listed may be acquired through different types of education, training and experience. An example of a typical way to acquire the qualifying knowledge and ability is listed below:

Telecommunicator I: High School diploma/GED; AND one (1) years of administrative/clerical support experience is preferred.

Telecommunicator II: High School diploma/GED; AND three (3) years of experience as a Dispatcher, Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD), Communications Training Officer and ATAC (Assistant Terminal Agency Coordinator.

Telecommunicator III: High School diploma/GED; AND five (5) years of experience as a Dispatcher, ATAC (Assistant Terminal Agency Coordinator), CTO-Communications Training Officer and an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) evaluator.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

Radio-telephone operations and procedures; procedures used in operating Computer Aided Dispatch and 9-1-1 systems; policies and procedures of receiving and processing emergency calls; specialized computer systems/software currently used in the Communications Department; business arithmetic; geographic features and directional information; policies and procedures of warrant and NCIC/NCJIS functions; General law enforcement codes, practices and methods; call screening techniques and phone etiquette; standard office practices and procedures; including records management.

Skills in

Performing technical, specialized, complex, difficult or technical office support work; reading and explaining rules, policies and procedures; train staff in work processes and procedures; compiling and summarizing information and preparing periodic or special reports. Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities; working under pressure, exercising good judgment and making sound and timely decisions in emergency and non-emergency situations; understanding and following oral and written instructions; communicating clearly and concisely in writing during emergency and non-emergency situations; recalling, identifying, and categorizing information; performing the full range of public safety call taking/dispatching and 9-1-1 duties; effectively listening to, communicating with, and eliciting information from upset, emotional and irate individuals; dealing successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone; contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.

Special Requirements:

Ability to successfully pass a background investigation to qualify certification to operate NCIC, NCJIS, and related systems including being able to certify and train others on these systems. Required certification must be maintained and current throughout duration of employment. Valid Nevada Driver's license.

Physical/Mental Demands & Working Environment:

Mobility to work in a typical office setting and use standard office equipment; stamina to remain seated for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 25 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person, over the telephone and over the radio. Work is performed in a high call volume emergency telecommunication environment, where there is limited opportunity for physical movement and the telecommunicator must remain alert and responsive while observing computer display screen for uninterrupted periods of time; may be subject to extended work periods without relief, periods of high call volume, and stressful situations. The ability to interact professionally, communicate effectively, and exchange information accurately. Ability to appropriately handle stress and interact with others, including supervisors, coworkers, clients, customers and periodic contact with distressed, angry and upset individuals. Ability to handle the stress of frequent interruptions of planned work activities by emergency calls, radio noise, and unplanned events. Generally clean work environment with limited exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, or odors. Employee will have access to EAP and Peer Support Networks should the need arise.