Communications Officer

Emergency Dispatch Center Communications Officer

The Harris County Sheriff's Office is seeking an Emergency Dispatch Center Communications Officer. This position is located in Houston, TX with a salary of $46,987.20 annually. The job is a regular full-time position.

The Emergency Dispatch Center (EDC) Communications Officers shall be responsible for receiving, processing, and disseminating calls for service efficiently to attain an appropriate and timely public safety response. Communications Officers must be willing to work during any declared Office of Emergency Management event and accept different hours and days off depending on the demands of the EDC. Communication Officers shall be responsible for carrying out all other assignments as directed by supervisory personnel. Duties and responsibilities include :

• Answer telephone calls and radio communications, resolve issues, provide information, and communicate effectively
• Handle confidential and sensitive information in a discreet manner
• Receive, process, and disseminate calls for service efficiently to attain an appropriate and timely public safety response
• Independently initiate action consistent with existing policies and procedures, based upon observed situations, and utilizing sound judgment
• Type correspondence, and reports and assist in the processing of documents as required
• Communicate and liaise with Command Staff, employees, other agencies, and the public in a knowledgeable, efficient, and courteous manner
• Perform other assignments and duties as required and / or necessary

The minimum requirements for this position include :

Knowledge of Chapter 49 Penal Code and Transportation Code is required. Skills include proficiency with computer and related software, i.e. Word and Excel, and excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

Continued employment is contingent upon the successful completion of Telecommunicator training and passing all testing required to obtain the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Telecommunicator certification within a year of employment.

Hours : 40 hours per week / shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory overtime as deemed necessary to fulfill operational needs.

Salary : Paid biweekly based on 26 pay periods per year, plus benefits. Starting at $44,470.40 annually / $1,710.40 biweekly, increasing to $47,964.80 annually / $1,844.80 biweekly after 24 months.

Harris County offers a competitive benefits program, including comprehensive group health and related benefits plan as well as a defined benefit retirement plan. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, wellness, life insurance, long-term disability, employee assistance program, vacation, holidays, paid parental leave, professional development opportunities, dependent care reimbursement plan, healthcare reimbursement account, and 457 deferred compensation plan.