Sheriff's Communications Operator

Position Description

This position announcement will be used to fill Full-time, Permanent, Safety-Sensitive, Sheriff's Communications Operator positions within the Sheriff's Office of Anne Arundel County Government.

This is communication work in receiving messages, dispatching Deputy Sheriffs, and answering citizen calls for service from the Sheriff's office 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 retrieving of information from numerous law enforcement databases. Employees assigned to this class are to be efficient, and accurate in receiving, recording and processing of multiple incoming calls and other messages, as well as the ability 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

(Note: The duties and responsibilities enumerated in this class specification are for the purpose of determining a common set of minimum qualifications and salary level for all positions in this class. They are not intended to include all of the essential job functions of all positions in the class.)

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 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, 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

Graduation from high school; 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.

SELECTION PROCEDURES: Applicants will be required to take an aptitude test.

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.

Supplemental Qualifications

Preference will be given to candidates with the following:

• 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.

• Medical/Health Insurance Plans

• Open Access Aetna Select HMO-EPO

• Aetna Open Choice PPO

Dental Insurance

• CIGNA Dental PPO (Buy-Up)

• CIGNA Dental PPO (CORE)

• CIGNA Dental HMO (DHMO)

Vision Insurance

• EyeMed

Employee Life Insurance

• Term insurance of $10,000 for employees at no cost.

• Ability to purchase Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance

Disability Income Insurance

Pension Plan

• Normal retirement after 30 years of service or Age 60 and 10 years of service or election to enroll in the Employees Retirement Savings Plan.

Deferred Compensation Section 457 Plan

Direct Deposit

Credit Union

Holidays

• Twelve days provided per calendar year, thirteen in general election year

Annual Leave

• Less than 5 years

• 13 days

• 5 years to less than 10 years

• 15 days

• 10 years to less than 20 years

• 20 days

• 20 years or more

• 26 days

• Some positions will receive additional paid annual leave in lieu of holidays and personal leave.

Disability Leave

• Accrual at a rate of 15 days a year

Personal Leave Day, five per calendar year

Leave Sharing

Employee Assistance Program

• Free, confidential counseling for employee and family members 4X per year per problem per family member; also counseling on legal and financial issues; assistance in locating childcare and elder care

Flexible Spending Accounts

• Dependent Care Reimbursement

• Health Care Reimbursement

Voluntary Benefits

• Provides you an opportunity to enroll in any or all of the benefits listed below with the convenience of payroll deduction

• Universal Life Insurance with Long Term Care Rider

• United Legal Benefits
  01

The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to accurately and completely respond to each question by providing the information asked in each question. Your responses will be used to initially determine your qualifications and eligibility for this position. DO NOT INDICATE "SEE RESUME" OR CUT AND PASTE YOUR RESUME IN RESPONSE TO THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS. This response and a lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. THIS MEANS YOU MAY BE INELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION IN THIS RECRUITMENT PROCESS. Please check "yes" to show that you have read and understand this statement.

• Yes

• No

02

Do you possess a valid non-commercial Class C motor vehicle operator's license from the State of Maryland or an equivalent license from another State?

• Yes

• No

03

This position is "Safety Sensitive." This means employees in this position are subject to Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) and Alcohol testing. Do you understand this?

• Yes

• No

04

Did you graduate from high school or do you have a GED?

• Yes

• No

05

Do you have two (2) or more years experience in data entry and keyboard functions?

• Yes

• No

06

Please detail how you possess experience in data entry and keyboard functions. Please include your employer(s), positions(s) held and date(s) employed to illustrate your experience.

07

Do you have dispatch experience?

• Yes

• No

08

Please detail how you possess dispatch experience. Please include your employer(s), positions(s) held and date(s) employed to illustrate your experience.

09

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. If a change in hours is necessary, there would be 8 hours notice. Are you able to work a schedule that would require changes to your hours to accommodate absences?

• Yes

• No

Required Question

Agency Anne Arundel County

Address Heritage Complex

2660 Riva Road, First Floor

Annapolis, Maryland, 21401

Phone (410) 222-7595

Website http://www.aacounty.org/Personnel/Index.cfm