Job Information

DEKALB COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
150 N MAIN STREET
SYCAMORE, ILLINOIS 60178
815-895-7260
https://dekalbcountyilsheriff.org/

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Bookmark: http://nationaltestingnetwork.com/publicsafetyjobs/fullJobDetails.cfm?agencyjobid=2308&jobid=6&agentid=1278

Updated: June 21, 2024

Position Title: Telecommunicator

Testing on NTN will be open continuously until further notice. Testing results will be pulled periodically by the Sheriff as vacancies occur.

Candidates are required to complete NTN's Ecomm National exam, Typing Test and Ecomm Computer Simulations to move forward in the hiring process.

Salary Information: Starting pay $57,241 ($27.52/hr)

Benefit Information:

• Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
• Life, Health, & Dental Insurance
• Bargaining Unit – Metropolitan Alliance of Police (MAP)
• Education incentive pay
• Annual and Sick leave benefits
• Paid academy training, uniform allowance, supplied uniforms and certain equipment
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457)

Department Contact
Joe Rood, Communications Lieutenant
815-895-7209
jrood@dekalbcounty.org

Department Overview: The Sheriff’s Office mission is to serve and protect all citizens of DeKalb County by providing the highest quality of law enforcement and correctional services in the most professional manner. DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office telecommunicators are responsible for the constant flow of information into and out of the Sheriff’s Office. The Telecommunicator’s primary duty is to ensure officer and public safety by providing rapid and accurate information and response to emergencies. The DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Communications Center serves as a continuous 24 hour a day Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Telecommunicators are licensed EMD-Dispatchers through the Illinois Department of Public Health. This designation allows our dispatchers to start providing immediate aid when a 911 call is received. Telecommunicators are responsible for providing dispatch services to 12 fire departments and 10 police departments, as well as dispatch for Sheriff’s Deputies. The Communications Division staffing consists of 1 Lieutenant, 4 Sergeants, and 18 Telecommunicators for the Communications Center. Sheriff’s Office Telecommunicators are responsible for all computer entries in local, state, and national databases for warrants, missing persons, stolen vehicles, etc.

County Information: DeKalb County is approximately 632.7 square miles, located 63 miles west of Chicago. There are 19 townships in the county with the county seat located in Sycamore, IL. DeKalb County is also home to Northern Illinois University located in DeKalb and Kishwaukee Community College located in Malta, IL.

Population: 99,400+

Job Requirements

Age:
18

Citizenship Required:
YES

High School Grad / GED:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

Driver's License:
YES

Ability to Read/Speak English:
YES

Vision:
YES or corrected to 20/20

College:
Not Required

Prior Experience:
Not Required

Hiring Process:

Written ECOMM Test and other exams through NTN
Complete Department Application. Please visit: https://dekalbcountyilsheriff.org/administration/job-opportunities/ to complete the application.
Oral Interview with Sheriff’s Merit Commission
Must pass a background investigation to the Sheriff’s satisfaction.
Polygraph Exam
Psychological Exam

DeKalb County is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

JOB SUMMARY:

The work of this position involves responsibility for the protection of life and property, and providing crucial communication between citizens and emergency service. The Telecommunicator provides communications support to police and fire department personnel and provides information and assistance to the general public; related duties, as assigned. The Telecommunicator is part of the County-wide 9-1-1 emergency center, and an integral part of Corrections and courthouse security.

The position of Telecommunicator is assigned to the Communications Section of the Sheriff’s Office and reports directly to the Communications Sergeant/Supervisor or Telecommunicator in charge. The position is expected to work under extreme stressful situations and maintain confidentiality at all times. In addition, there is extensive contact with the general public and other County employees in person and through the telephone, radio and LEADS terminal. The position is governed by the Sheriff of DeKalb County and Federal and State regulations concerning radio transmissions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Receive all incoming emergency calls for police and fire departments, in addition to police non-emergency calls and after-hour calls to the Sheriff’s Office.
Receive and transmit message by radio, telephone and LEADS terminal for police, fire, and Coroner’s Office.
Handle multiple channels of communication simultaneously for several Police, Fire, and EMS Agencies.
Operate a multi-line telephone system and enter data into a computer-aided dispatch system.
Monitor other local police radio frequencies and Coroner’s Office, Highway Department, Fire Departments, and citizens volunteer group frequencies.
Dispatch police, fire, ambulance, and other emergency equipment immediately upon receipt of emergency calls by use of computer aided dispatch.
Perform emergency medical dispatch and pre-arrival instructions for emergency medical calls.
Provide information and assistance to the walk-in public.
Computer data entry such as but not limited to warrants, Order of Protection, missing persons, stolen vehicle/items, maintain police desk reports, other files, and computer data according to departmental and state policies.
Prepare follow-up reports, when necessary.
Make computer entries and inquiries of LEADS and NCIC, and other law enforcement information banks.
Make entries into, monitor, and/or operate burglar and fire alarm panel.
Report equipment malfunctions and dangerous/hazardous conditions to the appropriate authority, monitor and broadcast highway conditions.
Cross-train officers and telecommunicators, as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of municipalities and the operations of modern law enforcement agencies.
Knowledge of DeKalb County and surrounding areas.
Ability to use two-way radio. LEADS terminals and multi-line telephone.
Ability to use computers, visual displays, telecommunications device for the deaf and the teletype.
Multitask especially during emergency situations.
Demonstrate ability to work under pressure.
Ability to exercise good judgement.
Demonstrate ability to work with the public and other employees.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instruction.
Good written and oral communications skills, actively listens and communicates effectively through clear speech and hearing.
Ability to work independently.
Possession of the physical capabilities necessary to perform all of the job requirements.

SCHEDULING
The position involves regular and irregular shift work and shift rotations necessary to provide radio/dispatch services 24 hours/day, 7 days/week, 52 weeks/year (weekends and holidays included). Work shifts are normally 12 hours in duration, but may be extended in the event of emergency, disaster, manpower shortage, work load, or work-in-progress.

EQUIPMENT USED
Multi-line telephones, personal computers, radio systems, LEADS terminals, books, manuals, computer aided dispatch system and monitors, T.D.Y. equipment, and alarm panel.

EQUIPMENT USED
Applicants are advised that areas for disqualification from further consideration include, but are not limited to, the following:

Illegal Drug Use - Marijuana use will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Applicants who have used any other illegal drug within the past five (5) years will be disqualified.
Any felony conviction
Driving Record - This includes receiving a DUI/DWAI within the past five (5) years, having your driver's license suspended for any reason within the past five (5) years, and having five (5) or more tickets within the past five (5) years.
Outside activities which may be deemed a conflict of interest
Revelation or discovery of assaultive behavior
Documented record of prior poor work performance
Unsuccessful completion of any basic requirement
Inability to perform the essential functions of the position
Police history - type, frequency, and nature of contacts(s)
Providing false or misleading information during the application/selection process

It is the policy of the Sheriff's Office to not discuss the reasons why applicants were not selected for hire. There is no flexibility to this policy. Applicants may be notified of their disqualification at any point in the selection process. If you receive such a notice, it simply means that you do not meet our standards at this time. Receiving this notice does not indicate that you are ineligible to apply with other agencies.

LATERAL HIRES
Lateral candidates DO NOT need to test with National Testing Network. If you are a current Telecommunicator/dispatcher and are interested in a lateral opportunity, please contact DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office Executive Assistant, Ashley Carlson at amcarlson@dekalbcounty.org

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