Cook County, Mn

Sheriff's Office
Public Safety Telecommunicator/Jailer
Level: 160

What You Will Earn:

The anticipated starting hourly rate for this position is $30.09 (Step 1) -$32.54 (Step 3)/hour depending on experience. With a full future earning potential of $30.09 (Step 1) -$41.18 (Step 9)/hour ($62,587.20- $85,654.40 annually). This position is a full-time 40 hours per week and eligible for full-time countyBENEFITS PACKAGE.

Job Summary:

This position has two primary responsibilities: 911 Dispatching and Jailer. 911 Dispatchers/Public Safety Telecommunicators (PST) receive and prioritize all emergency and non-emergency requests for service. PST communicate with service providers to ensure community and public safety. Each PST acts as an Emergency Medical dispatcher in medical calls, as a crisis negotiator in mental health and suicidal calls as well as domestic assault calls until law enforcement arrives on the scene. Works frequently alone and must make quick decisions without direct supervision. The PST's operate 24/7 including nights, weekends, and holiday shifts. All activities involve the use of computer technology, which requires a high level of accuracy, concentration, attention to detail, multi-tasking, and independent judgment. When acting as the Jailer, duties include, but are not limited to, supervising the health and well-being of inmates, conducting well-being checks, serving meals, and attending to all medical needs, including dispersing medication. The Jailer is accountable for tracking inmate movements and providing timely and accurate reports.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this classification. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

911 Dispatcher

1. Answer Emergency 911 and Nonemergency Phone Calls
   1. Determines the services and information required to transmit to law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and/or other emergency services by emergency radio, telephone, and computer and determines what actions are necessary based on the call by creating an initial call for service (CFS).
   2. Diffuses potentially dangerous situations prior to the arrival of first responders. De-escalates emotionally charged situations and distressed callers via phone through the use of verbal communication skills (verbal judo), in order to redirect behavior and obtain voluntary compliance. Demonstrates respect and professionalism at all times.
   3. Acts as an Emergency Medical Dispatcher (EMD) to provide pre-arrival life support and medical care while emergency responders are in route to the victim's location. Communicates with various officials and agencies (specifics) Federal, State, County, and City Public Safety agencies as well as Public Health and Human Service agencies to provide a link to the PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) at the Law Enforcement Center. Performs periodic radio status checks of officers on patrol to determine their location, activities, and well-being.Direct responding staff and describe instructions to the public who may be experiencing mental health situations, suicidal callers as well as hostile domestic assault situations, and active shooter situations and determine safety for responders and the general public.
2. Serve as the "after business hours" public service answering point (PSAP) for utility companies, public works crews, Public Health & Human Services, Violence Prevention Center, etc., and call/page the appropriate help needed.
   1. Monitors the progress of responders, relays new/additional information, and assists with requests from a service provider in the field.
   2. Performs periodic radio status checks of officers on patrol to determine their location, activities, and well-being.
   3. Measures, verifies, documents, and disperses medication to inmates.
3. Communications
   1. Communicates with officials and agencies to exchange information with the Law Enforcement Center.
   2. Serves as the "after business hours" contact for customers of utility companies, public works crews, Public Health & Human Services, Violence Prevention Center, etc.; connects the caller and the appropriate agency.
   3. Receive weather watches and warnings from the weather service and NOAA and communicates those warnings to the appropriate personnel.
   4. Sends alert notifications through the county-wide emergency mass notification system for employees and the public.
   5. Assists in granting Salvation Army assistance for individuals in need outside of Social Services office hours.
   6. Performs pager tests and sends pages regarding training meetings to all Cook county public safety departments/agencies.
4. Administration
   1. Collects fees for the impounding of dogs/cats, civil fingerprinting, bookings, bail, or other services.
   2. Provides Notary Public services for search warrants, inmate hold orders, other official documents, and the general public.
   3. Completes victim notification when an inmate is released.
   4. Serves as a receptionist to answer all non-emergency phone calls for the inter-office. Takes care of the walk-in visitors at the window. Checks out keys for various community buildings.
5. Computer Systems
   1. Operates numerous complex communications systems, including computer-aided dispatch (CAD), multi-line 911 telephone, multi-line nonemergency telephone, multi-channel radio, video surveillance, courthouse duress system, station controls, and emergency notification systems.
   2. Utilizes GPS to trace cellular 911 calls and determine the location of incidents. Coordinates with cellular companies to "ping" or locate cell phone coordinates in life-threatening circumstances. Provides maps to responding agencies from both land lines and traced cellular 911 calls.
   3. Maintains certifications for national databases and monitors all incoming state and national criminal information received in Portals. For officer safety and when necessary, this information is shared with the field officer when dealing with a suspect.
   4. Maintains the Master Name Index of county residents, properties, phone numbers, and others who have come into contact with the Cook County Sheriff's Office. Along with maintaining thorough knowledge of Cook County geography and characteristics.
   5. Enters Cook County court warrants into BCA and NCIC hot files.

Jailer

1. Jail Security
   1. Locks and unlocks doors to enter the jail and Cook County Sheriff's office.
   2. Monitors the Cook County Jail by performing visual checks in the building and on the grounds.
   3. Maintains detailed log of all radio activity, telephone calls, and persons who come into the Law Enforcement Center, as well as all jail and prisoner activity.
2. Inmate Booking
   1. Facilitates booking process when needed to monitor inmate clothing change.
   2. Determines mental and/or medical requirements of inmates prior to incarceration by reviewing medical screening forms.
   3. Creates or updates prisoners' jail files to include current information and past criminal history by running a complete criminal background check in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).
   4. Inspects cells prior to inmate occupation. Provides clean linens and personal hygiene Cleans and disinfects cells when necessary.
3. Inmate Supervision
   1. Coordinates and supervises inmate visitation. Uses universal safety precautions to inspect items brought in for the inmates from an outside source.
   2. Releases and secures work-release inmates. Arranges transportation and escorts for court-ordered treatments, work, or other authorized activities.
   3. Conducts prisoner checks every half hour, or more often if warranted, to ascertain security and well-being.
   4. Monitors inmate phone system for criminal activity and contraband.
   5. Orders and serves meals to inmates in accordance with individual dietary needs.
   6. Dispenses approved medication to inmates after verifying the right inmate, the right drug, the right dose, the right route, and the right time. This information must accurately be tracked in the Jail Management System.
4. Attends mandatory EMD and Jail training to maintain required certifications for employment.

Non-Essential Functions:

1. Transcribes taped statements as needed for criminal cases per the request of the Cook County Attorney.
2. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Associate degree; and
• Three (3) years of administrative experience; or
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job.

Required Certifications/Licenses

• Must have a valid driver's license.
• Become certified within 90 days of hire by the State of Minnesota for the operation of National and State criminal justice computer systems.
• Become certified within 1 year in Jailer Training
• Become certified within 6 months of the hire date:
  1. CPR, First Aid, and medication distribution
  2. Obtain Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) certification
  3. FEMA 100, 200, 700
  4. IPAWS
  5. Notary Public

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, rules and regulations regarding Department of Corrections.
• General computer processing, including knowledge in Microsoft Office and ability to utilize multiple and diverse computer, communication, and security systems.
• Knowledge of FEMA Procedures and policies and procedures of the Sheriff's Office.
• Amber Alert and Missing person files.
• Knowledge of Higher Ground program and County geography.
• Ability to maintain relationships with Cook County law enforcement agencies such as Fire, EMS, etc. (purpose, jurisdictions, processes), State and County Districts.
• Knowledge of Canadian arrest procedures and phonetic and military alphabet.
• Reading comprehension (legal documents, memos, reports, DVS returns).
• Ability to interpret written information and visual forms (maps).
• Ability to utilize multiple and diverse computer, communication, and security systems.
• Continuous learning of processes, procedures, laws, regulations, systems.
• Ability to multitask under stressful and emergency conditions, while using independent judgement.
• Exceptional detail-orientation and ability to prioritize multiple and diverse tasks.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of standard operating procedures while working in conditions that consist of high levels of stress and emotions.
• Uphold public safety expectations regarding standards of service and standards of care.
• Maintain professional presence while working in conditions that consist of high levels of stress and emotions.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication.

Internal/External Relationships:

• Daily contact with the public to respond to questions and requests for assistance.
• Daily contact with first responder units, area emergency agencies, court staff, and other Sheriff's Office staff to exchange information.
• Contact with supervisors to either receive instruction or to communicate decisions that were made in their absence.
• Daily contact with inmates and their families concerning daily living needs, supervision responsibilities, and visiting.
• Daily contact with attorneys, probation officers, and other law enforcement agencies to monitor visits; receive and release inmates to authorities for medical care, court hearings, and warrants.
• Daily contact with Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Jail Administrator, caseworkers, and administrative personnel to discuss inmate problems and behavior, security decisions, guidance, and data necessary for decision-making.
• Daily contact with Jail Administrator to discuss inmates or resolve facility problems.
• Daily contact with courts, judges, and clerks to exchange information; with other law enforcement agencies and Sheriff's Office staff to complete inmate intake process; with community volunteers to meet the programming needs of inmates.

Working Environment:

• Work is mostly carried out in a controlled radio room and jail environment which is a restrictive physical environment (must remain within the dispatch center and jail area unless relieved but may sit or stand as desired).
• Work involves exposure to hazardous chemicals, periodic exposure to contagious diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis, or Tuberculosis, and exposure to disagreeable odors (body odors, dirty clothing, human urine, feces, and vomit).
• Incumbents function in a stressful environment: decisions must be made quickly and accurately, and consequences are usually seen immediately.
• There is frequent contact with individuals who are distraught, angry, hostile, or emotionally upset.
• Rotating shiftwork, subject to work outside normal work schedule, shift extensions, call-ins, and vacation cancellations.
• Incumbents function in a stressful environment: decisions must be made quickly and accurately without direct supervision and consequences are usually seen immediately.

Physical Requirements Of This Position:

• Sit or stand at a desk for extended periods of time and perform long hours.
• Hear and speak effectively to communicate in person and over the phone with the public, employees, and others.
• Visual acuity to read computer screens, printed documents, maps, and EMD cards.
• Manual dexterity to type on a keyboard and use a computer mouse. Perform manual tasks such as handwriting and searching through documents.
• Office work may include reaching for documents and supplies, standing to search through file cabinets, fingering to find files, grasping documents, and repetitive motions such as typing and sorting.
• Lift objects, boxes of files, and other office equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.

"This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer"

Cook County MN will not discriminate against ...