COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER - BASIC CERTIFICATE

Douglas County Sheriff's Office is creating a hiring list for a full time position to include excellent full-family benefit package, OPSRP/PERS retirement and availability of deferred compensation retirement savings.

This position works a 4/10 rotating shift schedule and is eligible for membership with the Douglas County Law Enforcement Association bargaining unit. 

This position receives emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and relays information to the proper Public Safety Agency.  Provides communications and resource information to the field units of Police, Fire, Ambulance and others.

PLEASE READ THE ATTACHED "Disqualifiers" BEFORE COMPLETING A DOUGLAS COUNTY APPLICATION FORM.

Essential Job Duties: 

• Receives calls and dispatches Police, Fire and Ambulances within a central communication center; answers 9-1-1 and non-emergency lines, assists callers with medical aid instructions as necessary;
• Checks records, warrants and information updates;
• Creates and retrieves computer entries;
• Answers emergency and non-emergency questions, routes callers to proper resource;
• Performs emergency and non-emergency radio communications to field units. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Two years of work-related support experience of a progressively responsible nature (examples of which may include, but not limited to, prior experience in: communications/dispatch, law enforcement, medical, law office, or clerical) or satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience and training. Within one year of employment, must receive tele-communicator and emergency medical dispatch certifications.  Requires a minimum typing speed of 45 wpm determined by the keyboard test. Preference will be given to applicants with dispatch or communications experience.

The ideal communications officer will have excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communications skills and be able to simultaneously perform multiple tasks of listening, talking and entering information. 

Work is primarily performed in a crowded, noisy office environment and employees must be able to work all shifts, which includes nights and weekends.  Requires bending, color identification, gripping with hands and fingers, hearing alarms and voice conversation, keyboarding, kneeling, lifting/carrying up to 14 pounds, pulling, pushing, reaching, sitting, standing.  Will wear telephone headset for long periods of time.Selection Process: Applicants will advance through the following phases of the selection process:
1. Initial screening based on minimum qualifications
2. Skills Test
4. Oral interviews
5. Extensive background investigation (including criminal, personal and work-related elements)
6. Chemical detection screen
7. Physical exam
8. Hearing exam

Applications will be further evaluated during the background investigation for honesty, integrity, and maturity.

REQUIRED SKILLS EXAM(S): 
Qualified applicants will be invited to exam(s) that will test typing speed and accuracy, ability to recall and process information, situational judgment, etc.  

Physical Examination: Employment is contingent upon a pre-employment drug screen.  Presence of non-prescribed drugs, including marijuana, on drug screen results will result in disqualification pursuant to the County's drug and alcohol policy.  To determine if physically qualified to perform the essential functions, employment offer is conditional upon satisfactory results of a post-offer medical and hearing exam conducted at County expense.

Note: Applicants may be disqualified after unsuccessful completion of any phase of evaluation.

To learn more about this position, please review the position classification.
 

Salary : $21 - $26