COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR, SECURED FACILITIES

 

DEFINITION


 Under direction of a custody supervisor or other supervisory official
 in the Department of Corrections, the Juvenile Justice Commission, or
 County Corrections Facility, performs a variety of technical,
 clerical, and communications functions, receives/transmits emergency
 and nonemergency radio and telephone messages, assists in the mail
 processing, collection, and distribution system within the
 institution, and under supervision of the operations officer, develops
 and adjusts daily work schedules for custody staff; does other related
 duties as required.

 NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative
 purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform
 all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties
 performed on the job may not be listed.

 
EXAMPLES OF WORK:


 Receives and transmits a variety of calls/messages utilizing radio and
 telephone systems.

 Records calls broadcasted.

 Records and maintains information/data involving daily operations as
 requested by supervisory personnel (for example, inmate counts,
 unusual incidents, incoming/outgoing communications, and so forth).

 Enters and/or sends information using manual or computerized record
 keeping systems and updates records.

 Receives calls regarding emergency situations, determines nature or
 location of emergency assistance calls, and notifies appropriate
 personnel using predetermined codes.

 Determines nature of incoming calls and routes to proper area.

 Places calls to obtain emergency assistance.

 Dispatches emergency personnel or equipment.

 Provides information on request in accord with established
 procedures/regulations.

 Issues and receives keys, paychecks, mail, and other items.

 Opens and closes security doors/gates and distributes security and
 other equipment other than firearms, chemical agents, or mechanical
 restraints under supervision of a custodial supervisor.

 Under supervision of the operations officer, develops and adjusts
 regular/special work schedules for custody staff; checks leave
 requests, and informs supervisor if action may be necessary to ensure
 adequate post coverage and takes action as instructed.

 Maintains lists for voluntary/involuntary overtime.

 Receives tardiness/absence calls from employees and reports
 information to appropriate personnel.

 May assist in updating leave time balances.

 Reviews schedules and other documentation to identify/resolve
 questions regarding time and attendance records.

 Operates and adjusts radio equipment and inspects equipment to ensure
 proper functioning, and notifies appropriate personnel of problems
 with communications systems.

 Receives, sorts, opens, and distributes incoming mail within the
 institution and maintains schedules of deliveries.

 Collects and sorts outgoing mail for delivery to the US Post Office
 and maintains schedules of collections and deliveries.

 Maintains, repairs, and adjusts mail processing machinery/equipment.

 Maintains records of postal fees including metered postal accounts,
 special handling/delivery items, air mail, registered mail, and other
 postage accounts.

 Prepares reports of unit activities.

 Maintains records and files.

 Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic
 and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency,
 office, or related units.

 REQUIREMENTS:

      EXPERIENCE:

      One (1) year of experience in work involving the receiving,
 transmitting, and relaying of radio messages and the performance of
 clerical or secretarial tasks.

      LICENSE:

      Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid
 in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee
 mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.

 KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

 Knowledge of methods for operating a centralized radio communication
 system.

 Knowledge of methods for operating a centralized telephone
 communication system.

 Knowledge of procedures for dispatching emergency and nonemergency
 equipment and personnel.

 Ability to operate computer terminals.

 Ability to communicate orally.

 Ability to follow oral or written orders, directions, or plans.

 Ability to compare numerical, written, or printed material for
 accuracy.

 Ability to interact with various people who are in differing
 situations.

 Ability to apply laws, rules, or regulations to given situations.

 Ability to keep accurate records.

 Ability to provide clear instruction/guidance to callers in emergency
 situations.

 Ability to file using manual and/or computerized filing or data
 management systems.

 Ability to relay instructions or questions accurately/clearly.

 Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording
 and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

 Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English
 sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign
 Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of
 communication.

 Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as
 they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable
 accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation
 cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship,
 such persons may not be eligible.

 CODES: 14/O15 - 40805           MCK            12/13/03
            LG - 40804

 This job specification is for state and local government use.