Telecommunicator

The Telecommunicator effectively communicates with people, including juveniles and children, by giving information, instructions and directing them to the proper division or agency; receives emergency and non-emergency calls and in-person requests for assistance and information, and directs the requests to the proper division or agency; and dispatches police units and fire departments via radio, and relays relevant information to police and fire units via radio and maintains ongoing status of emergency responder personnel and units.

The Telecommunicator operates and manipulates the enhanced emergency 9-1-1 system and the console radios to dispatch police, fire and EMS units; monitors security camera screens for the building; conducts computer searches through local and state files for wanted persons and stolen property, and disseminates that information to the requesting offer; maintains manual and automated recordkeeping systems, including maintaining logs and completing routine reports on arrests and calls for service; enters and clears warrants in TCIC/NCIC systems; and operates computers, telephones, radios, recording equipment and related communication equipment.
The Telecommunicator may perform other related duties and tasks as required, and shall have the physical, mental and emotional abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position.

The facility is operated 24 hours a day, therefore, shift assignments may include days, evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. The Telecommunicator must be able to work any of these shifts. Due to the unpredictable and critical nature of the work, the Telecommunicator must be willing and available to work additional hours beyond assigned shifts, sometimes with little or no notice.

Pre-Employment Requirements: These minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE) must be met in order to qualify for licensure as a Telecommunicator in Texas.

1. Citizen of the United States of America.
2. Earned a High School diploma or a G.E.D.
3. Have never been convicted, pled guilty, nor have been on a court-ordered community service or probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class A misdemeanor or a felony.
4. During the last 10 years, have not been convicted, pled guilty, been on community service or probation, or deferred adjudication for a Class B misdemeanor in this state, other state or while serving in the military.
5. Have never had a military court martial that resulted in a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge.
6. Minimum age of 18 years old.

Background Investigation: All candidates for full-time employment with the Sheriff’s Office undergo a comprehensive background investigation prior to being made a final offer. The investigation may include but is not limited to a records check, credit review, verification of credentials and interviews with personal and professional references.

Required Testing: Candidates must take and pass a standardized aptitude test and polygraph, and can type a minimum of 35 wpm. Telecommunicators must pass a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) test to be certified before completion of one year of employment, or termination will occur.

Psychological Evaluation: To meet the minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), a psychologist will interview and test the candidate using various cognitive assessments. The psychologist will summarize the clinical impressions and make recommendations regarding the candidate’s overall psychological makeup and compatibility with the position.

Medical/Physical Screening: To meet the minimum standards set by the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), a physical and drug testing exam is conducted by an employer-approved physician. A pre-employment drug screening test is in accordance with the Smith County Sheriff’s Office’s intent and commitment to provide a drug-free workplace.

• Receives, records and responds to simultaneous multiple emergency calls for assistance including the ability to correctly prioritize and communicate the responses for the appropriate personnel and support agencies.
• Works to problem-solve and troubleshoot in all areas pertaining to dispatching.
• Works under pressure, exercises good judgment and makes sound decisions in emergencies.
• Makes critical decisions in the absence of Standard Operating Guidelines (SOG).
• Learns the knowledge to perform the functions of the position.
• Communicates effectively and elicits good information from upset and irate citizens.
• Types accurately and at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Understands and is willing to follow written and oral instructions.
• Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, in emergent and non-emergent situations.
• Recalls, identifies and categorizes information accurately.
• Ensures accuracy of information by proofing work to detect errors.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Exemplifies the values of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office by working as part of the team, and demonstrates professionalism, compassion and empathy.
• Complies with all policies and procedures of the Smith County Sheriff’s Office.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

• Must be able to perform work that is extremely sensitive in nature, requiring considerable tact, discretion and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations sufficiently to handle multiple tasks, communicating with others, reading and writing, reading computer screens with varying fonts and colors, operating assigned equipment, listening on a headset and listening to multiple conversations at one time.
• Must be able to learn existing software programs such as Microsoft Office, Spillman and Odyssey. An electronic record management system is used throughout the Sheriff’s Office.
• Must be able to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.

• High School diploma or G.E.D. required.
• Formal education in human services or criminal justice desired.
• One year or less experience. Experience in criminal justice or related field, or any combination of education and experience that has been achieved, and is equivalent to the stated education and experience of required knowledge, skills and abilities sufficient to successfully perform the duties and responsibilities.