Dispatcher / Jailer

Job Summary

To assist in the protection and safety of the citizens, visitors, businesses and institutions of Aitkin County and their property by receiving requests for emergency and non-emergency services within Aitkin County. To promptly dispatch law enforcement, fire, ambulance or other emergency services as are appropriate. To provide radio communication and other communication support to County, City and State law enforcement and other agencies as required. To serve as primary/master control of the Aitkin County Jail from within a secured area within the jail facility, responsible for direct security, custody and control of the county correctional institution and its inmates. 

Essential Functions

This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other essential and nonessential functions as assigned or apparent to meet the ongoing needs of the department and organization. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential requirements of this position.
    1.    Closely monitors all means of communication including, but not limited to: radio, telephone, fax and email. Receives calls for emergency and non-emergency public safety and correctional services, serving as the first point of contact for such services within Aitkin County.  Dispatcher/Jailers also monitor all two-way radio communications within the jail facility as well as emergency inmate intercoms located in each jail cell. 
    2.    Prioritizes requests for emergency and non-emergency services by following policies and procedures established by the Dispatch Supervisor, Jail Administrator and Sheriff.
    3.    Determines the necessary information to collect for 911 emergency, non-emergency and administrative requests for service according to policies and procedures established by the Dispatch Supervisor and Sheriff; organizes, verifies and accurately records information and generates reports (IRs).
    4.    Identifies and dispatches the appropriate agencies to respond to calls for services; effectively and professionally communicates critical information to those agencies responding and ensures communication between responding agencies.
    5.    Is responsible for the direct security, custody, and control of the county correctional institution and its inmates, as well as expected to respond to incidents within the jail when necessary.
    6.    Ensures operation and functionality of all public safety communications systems in the dispatch area including required tests of radio systems and civil defense systems. 
    7.    Ensures operation and functionality of all jail doors, electronically and keyed, all interior jail and exterior campus cameras, and report any issues to the Dispatch Supervisor or Jail Administrators to ensure the safety of all jail staff and inmates. 
    8.    Monitors weather conditions and provides weather updates to field personnel and jail staff regarding severe weather and sounds civil defense sirens when directed during major emergencies and natural disasters. 
    9.    Follows policy and procedure to update, monitor, query, generate reports and communicate information to field personnel from federal, state and local computer systems and databases including, but not limited to: NCIS, MINCIS, stolen/wanted vehicle file, missing person file, Verifies information for all calls, warrants, missing persons/items, OFP's/DANCO's, and criminal history and background databases.
    10.  As needed, perform pat downs of same gender inmates, escorting visitors and/or inmates in facility or to court, transport inmates between facilities and respond to any emergency within the jail as staffing allows.
    11.  Monitor operation and functionality of county security system monitoring all alarms and cameras within the Aitkin County Government Center, Aitkin County Judicial Center, and other county facilities so equipped and to coordinate response with Courthouse Security Deputy/Bailiff and/or Law Enforcement.

    •    Performs other related duties as assigned or apparent.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required. 
• Prior experience as a 911 Dispatcher or a 911 dispatch certification within the last five years is desirable, but not required. 
• Current CJIS certification is also desirable. 
• Must have the ability to focus and work productively with continual interruptions.
• Must have clear speech, excellent verbal communication skills, ability to hear normal range of radio and speech, and ability to visually observe persons and conditions. 
• Must have ability to work independently, maintain a calm and professional manner at all times, and have the ability to physically restrain inmates if necessary. 
• Must be able to work rotating shifts, including days, nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
• CJIS (Criminal Justice Information System) Certification issued by MN BCA required within 6 months of hire. 
• Must pass a tuberculosis screening and receive Certificates of Training in CPR, First Aid, and AED within 6 months of hire.
• Valid Minnesota driver’s license required. 

Employment reference checks, a criminal background check, and pre-employment physical and drug test will be performed as part of the pre-employment process.