Communications Supervisor

WHO MAY APPLY: This is a closed-promotional opportunity open only to current King County Sheriff’s Office Communications specialists who meet the required qualifications.

The Communications Supervisor provides first line supervision to the Communications Specialists who answer 911 Calls and Dispatch to King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) field personnel. This position is responsible for the effective and efficient operation of the Communication Center during assigned shifts. They provide guidance and coaching to staff and exemplify KCSO's core values; Leadership, Integrity, Service and Teamwork.

This is a Civil Service closed-promotional opportunity. This recruitment will establish an eligibility list (valid for one year) for the Communications Supervisor position through a competitive promotional examination process, in accordance with applicable collective bargaining agreements and King County Civil Service Rules.

WHO MAY APPLY: This is a Civil Service closed-promotional opportunity open only to current King County Sheriff's Office employees who successfully meet the requisite experience by time of appointment.

• A minimum of four years as a KCSO Communications Specialist;
• A minimum of 24-months as a KCSO Dispatcher.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: Candidates must have or create a user account with governmentjobs.com. If you need assistance in creating a user account, please select the following link for further instructions. apply.pdf (governmentjobs.com)
 

• Complete the on-line application before the deadline of 11:59 PM October 30, 2022.
• Complete the work history section of the application.
• Answer the supplemental questionnaire.

 
NOTE: Application information must validate your answers to the supplemental questions. If your answers cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the selection process.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted. Applications that state "see my resume" or "see my personnel file" are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Paper and hand delivered applications will not be accepted in lieu of a completed on-line application.
 
For more information regarding King County Civil Service Rules, access these rules at: Civil Service Rules.
 
KEY DATES FOR THE EXAMINATION PROCESS: The following are a list of key dates to assist candidates in planning for this promotional examination process. Specific times, locations, and instructions will be shared following the closing of the application period.

• Application Period: October 12- 30, 2022. 
• Deadline to submit application; no later than 11:59 PM, October 30, 2022. 
• Candidate Assessment Orientation: November 16, 2022 - Designed to help candidates prepare for the assessment center exams. The orientation will take place at King County’s Black River facility. Time to be determined. A recording of this event, or a virtual option, will be provided. 
• Supervisor Promotional Assessment Center: December 14-15, 2022 - Assessment Center location is to be determined. Makeup appointments and/or alternative dates will not be offered. 

PREPARING FOR THE ASSESSMENT CENTER: The Assessment Center is designed to test the candidate's knowledge and skills related to KCSO Communications Supervisor job duties and functions, such as:

• Employee development and training; managing employee discipline and performance. 
• Planning and organizing, problem solving and decision making, analyzing and implementing policies and procedures. 
• Coaching – Counseling – Mentoring – Motivating. 
• Community relations.
• Knowledge and understanding of law enforcement operations relevant to King County and Washington state.
• Candidates will need to possess a thorough knowledge of King County Sheriff's Office General Orders Manual, Standard Operating Procedures and Collective Bargaining Agreement for Teamsters Union No. 763.

To prepare for this promotional examination, candidates should study the Reading List. 

• General Orders Manual GOM.  After the closing of the application period, qualified candidates will receive a static copy of the GOM titled KCSO GOM
• SOP can be found through KCSO's Comm. Center PowerDMS
• The CBA between King County and Teamsters Union No 763, which represents Communications Specialists from January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2024.  https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/executive/labor-relations/contracts.aspx

We recommend the following study method:  

• Review all the GOM chapters and Communications Center SOP for Supervisory related functions and job duties. 
• Evaluate how, as a Supervisor, you would apply this information to the job duties and functions of this position. 
• Discuss these duties and functions with current Supervisors and Operations Manager and learn how to apply them.

The effective date of the reading list is the opening date of this recruitment, October 12, 2022. All documents published after the opening date of this recruitment will not be used.The Communication Supervisor provides administrative support to KCSO's Communication Center's staff and supervises Communications Specialists during assigned shifts. Duties include but are not limited to:

• Model and promote respectful behavior and excellent customer service. 
• Plan, schedule and supervise work activities of assigned staff. 
• Identify training needs and provide necessary coaching and mentoring to staff. Participate in the training of new employees. 
• Prepare, oversee and review various documentation and case reports. 
• Manage shift schedules and resources to ensure adequate staffing. 
• Coordinate responses to critical field situations as indicated and needed. 
• Provide prompt and accurate call-out notifications for unusual occurrences, specialty unit response and command staff. 
• Ensure that employees are in compliance with policies, procedures, rules and regulations and mandatory trainings. 
• Provide regular performance evaluations, and conduct timely formal and informal counseling sessions with individuals in order to develop skills and correct work deficiencies. 
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of and competency in using all equipment and technology used in the Communications Center. Effect immediate repairs and fixes, and notify appropriate technicians for formal repairs as needed.

Successful candidates will have met, by time of appointment, the minimum length of service of four (4) years as a KCSO Communications Specialist and 24-months as a KCSO Dispatcher, with the following demonstrated abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to lead by example and promote a team mindset using exceptional interpersonal skills. Function as a positive role model for employees, instilling trust and confidence. 
• Effectively use analysis, experience and judgment to make quality decisions and logical decisions under pressure. 
• Ability to manage and respond to changing events while remaining calm and professional. 
• Provide exceptional customer service and effectively communicate with assigned personnel, other supervisors, management, and the public in all aspects of the job. 
• Recognize performance problems and determine effective corrective training, developmental or disciplinary measures. 
• Read, interpret and analyze policies, procedures, collective bargaining agreements, rules and regulations. 
• Motivate individuals and teams to accomplish work objectives and goals in a tactful, productive and supportive manner. 
• Effectively utilize computers, software, and communications systems in all aspects of the job; including administrative/office equipment to communicate, including various telephones, recording devices, and radios.

WORK SCHEDULE: Typical business work schedule is 40 hours per week. Additional hours and/or modified schedules may be necessary to respond to workload needs. This position is overtime eligible.
  
CONTACT: If you have questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Civil Service HR Analyst, Sara Bradley at 206.477.0148 or by email at sabradley@kingcounty.gov
 
UNION MEMBERSHIP: Positions in this classification are represented by the Public Safety Employees Union (PSEU).

PROMOTIONAL EXAMS: The King County Communications Supervisor promotional hiring process is based solely upon merit, efficiency, and fitness; and is being conducted under the authority of the King County Civil Service Rules, and in accordance with RCW 41.14.080, as amended. For more information regarding King County Civil Service Rules you can access these rules at: Civil Service Rules
 
APPEAL RIGHTS:  King County Civil Service Rules, Section 8.6, outline the appeal process for Civil Service exams.

PROMOTIONAL TESTS - TIES IN SCORES:  In accordance with Civil Service Rule 8.12.2 – Communications Specialists who receive tie scores within the classification grades for which they are competing, will have such ties resolved by going back to their prior promotion dates of next lower grades and if necessary until their dates of first employment are reached. In each instance the tie is broken by the individual and/or individuals with senior standing.
 
COMMISSION REVIEW OF EXAMINATION RESULTS:  In accordance with Civil Service Rules 8, Section 8.4.1, Commission Review of Examination Results, prior to certification from a new employment list, the overall test results must be accepted by the Commission.  If the Commission rejects the results, it must state publicly its reasons for so doing.  Notice of this discretionary power of the Commission will be clearly stated on all recruiting announcements.
 
CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBILITY LIST: The County and the PSEU Local 519 have previously agreed that the assessment center shall be given a total examination weight in determining the candidate's final ranking on the certified eligibility list for the rank of Communications Supervisor.
 The candidates who successfully pass the required Assessment Center exam will be referred to the Communications Supervisor certified eligibility list, in rank score order in accordance with all applicable provisions of the King County Civil Service Rules. The eligibility list will be used to fill vacancies for up to two years based on the list certification date.
 
FILLING VACANCIES:  King County Civil Rules, Section 10.3, outline how the King County Sheriff will appoint eligible candidates.

Forbes recently named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.

Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play.

Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles--we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement

King County Executive Branch employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. If you are the successful candidate for the position you applied for, the County will send you a conditional offer letter.

As a condition of employment, prior to a final offer of employment, you will be required to:

• submit proof of vaccination, or
• have an approved request for medical or religious exemption and an approved accommodation. Philosophical, political, scientific, or sociological objections to vaccination will not be considered for an exemption or accommodation.

People are considered fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks after receiving the final dose of a vaccination approved by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Executive Branch includes employees in the Executive branch, the Assessor's Office, Elections, the King County Sheriff's Office, and the Executive Office.

King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer

No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.

To Apply

If you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.

Salary : $97,490 - $107,182