Communications Deputy

The goal of the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office is to become the finest law enforcement organization in the state of Louisiana. To accomplish this goal we must be selective in hiring, diligent in training and thoughtful in supervision.

The applicant screening process is designed to identify applicants who possess the aptitude, character and desire to pursue long-term careers as professional law enforcement officers.
If you have the personal qualities necessary to become a professional deputy, your interest in employment is welcome and appreciated.

Like most organizations, newly hired employees start at entry-level positions. Unless there are exceptional circumstances, these positions are in corrections, patrol, communications, and clerical fields.

In order to be considered for employment, certain minimum requirements must be met. To be hired, applicants must be:

• at least 19 years old
• have a high school or equivalent diploma
• must reside in Ascension Parish
• must be a registered voter in Ascension Parish

Other factors which strongly influence the employment process are previous work experience, previous law enforcement experience, two years or more of college education, a clear driving record, no history of prior criminal activity, and a responsible credit history.

SUMMARY

Communications Deputies are responsible for receiving and processing 911 and non-emergency calls from the public, broadcasting information to suitable law enforcement, fire, medical, and other related service units, and acting upon responder requests.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The most important and essential job function of the position is to have an attitude of service to others.  Attitude is essential to maintain positive relationships with co-workers, respond professionally, calmly, and politely to members of the community, work as a team member, function under pressure, and respond in a professional manner to supervision.  Other duties and responsibilities are listed below.

·         Answer and process telephone calls promptly and professionally from a variety of sources including citizens, law enforcement and public safety officials, dignitaries, and others

·         Process 911 calls

·         Process all radio traffic using two-way radio and other communication systems including computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and monitor GPS vehicle tracking system

·         Use typing and computer skills to input and receive information from the National Crime Information Computer (NCIC) and other criminal justice databases

·         Dispatch appropriate law enforcement, fire, medical, or other emergency resources in a timely manner

·         Use a wide range of informational resources including communication manuals and approved websites

·         Notify specialized divisions for callouts

·         Utilize multitasking skills to enter information into the CAD, phone system, IAED protocol programs, and NCIC, while processing radio traffic and phone calls

·         Maintain a working knowledge of the geography of Ascension Parish and basic knowledge of the geography of adjacent parishes with the ability to read and interpret maps quickly and accurately

·         Other duties as directed by a supervisor

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform the duties of a Communications Deputy.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

High school diploma, general education degree, or equivalent.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Speak at an appropriate speed, volume, and clarity to be easily understood while broadcasting over the radio and speaking on phone.

Read, listen, and type (multitask) during stressful situations.

Compose or reply to emails and complete Office forms.

Effectively communicate with the public and members of this Office.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Basic computer skills include utilizing Microsoft Office applications, criminal justice databases, or Office websites.

Proficient touch-typing skills with a minimum of 25 wpm.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions in written, oral, or diagram form.

Ability to analyze situations with a proactive approach to problem solving and the initiative to resolve problems.

Ability to gather information and differentiate critical from non-critical information.

Ability to deal with complex problems involving several variables.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Obtain and maintain IAED EMD, EFD, EPD, CJIS, CPR, and all required public safety telecommunicator certifications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of a Communications Deputy. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands include the following.

·         Ability to walk, sit, stand, use hands to type and utilize a mouse, reach with hands and arms, speak and hear, and stay acutely alert for the duration of a shift of 10 to 12 hours or up to 16 hours.

·         Lift or move up to 10 pounds.

·         Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

·         Communications Deputies are required to view multiple computer screens while performing the duties of this job.

·         Communications Deputies are required to use multiple computer keyboards and more than one mouse.

MENTAL STABILITY

The nature of this important public safety position requires that an employee maintain a high level of mental stability. The employee must demonstrate reasonable judgment in a variety of stressful and non-stressful situations.

 The employee must maintain a positive attitude, positive interpersonal relationships, and be free from debilitating anger or hostility. There must be no evidence of problems with drugs, alcohol, or other addictive behavior or the necessity for psychotropic medications that would affect the employee's ability to perform the essential functions of this job.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of a Communications Deputy. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 Communications Deputies are occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Communications Deputies may be required to remain at the 911 Center for the duration of the shift based on call volume and operational status of the agency.