What are the responsibilities and job description for the 911 Communications Specialist position at King County?
JOB
Join the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) Communications Team as a 911 Communications Specialist (911 Call Receiver)! KCSO is seeking individuals with a desire to serve their community and who possess exceptional customer service and communication skills. A career as a 911 Communications Specialist offers an outstanding opportunity to directly impact lives by making a difference in critical moments. You'll play a crucial role in improving the quality of life within our community.The King County Sheriff’s Office Communications Team handles calls from unincorporated King County, twelve cities, Metro Transit Police, King County Airport Police, and King County Animal Control. Over half a million people rely on our Communications Specialists and other King County Sheriff's Office personnel. This position is open to the public. This recruitment will establish an employment list (valid for one year) to fill current and future vacancies within the Sheriff's Office. For information regarding King County Civil Service Rules, visit the Civil Service website here.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
As a Communications Specialist, you will: Use telephones and radios to provide critical information and communicate directly with callers and Deputies in the field. As a King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) Communications Specialist, you will handle law enforcement calls only. Requests for fire or EMS assistance are immediately transferred to other agencies.General job duties include, but are not limited to: Receive, prioritize, and route emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and other agencies.Gather information from calling parties and enter the type, location, and all required information for emergency calls into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System. Route calls for service to correct Dispatcher or appropriate emergency agency.Assign response priority by determining whether immediate response could save lives or prevent crimes. Relay pertinent information via radio.Retrieve information from State and National computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, and criminal histories. Relay information to Deputies via radio.Record information and maintain required logs and event cards.Manage multiple radio frequencies and radio communications simultaneously.Communicate effectively with confused, upset, hostile, or distraught people by phone, while gathering the information necessary to send the correct responders and equipment to the scene.Communication center employees may hear and need to respond to graphic descriptions of violence and/or injury.In this role, incumbents must have the ability to: Manage uncertainty and be adaptable. Simultaneously receive emergency calls, take charge of the conversation, and gather critical information.Demonstrate the ability to act calmly, quickly, and with accuracy in a variety of emergency situations. Multi-task complex situations that may be fluctuating within a short time period. Be a quick learner. Comprehend basic principles and terminology applied to law enforcement and emergency management as applied to the operation of the communications center.Make quality decisions. Follow moderately complex oral and written instructions and use knowledge and judgement to make quality decisions. Have the ability to evaluate problems and apply sound judgment in a high stress, critical incident management environment.Instill trust within the organization and community. Interact with the public pleasantly and courteously, often under stressful conditions. Demonstrate Sheriff’s core values, including integrity, in all aspects of work.Communicate effectively. Exhibit patience and remain calm and professional while questioning callers for whom may have limited English proficiency, or with callers who may be verbally abusive, emotionally upset, uncooperative or frightened.Demonstrated ability to write clearly, using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.Be interpersonally savvy. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, law enforcement personnel, and the public. Be resilient. Exhibit composure during high pressure situations that may occur. Demonstrate the ability to maintain personal well-being and resiliency, including the ability to manage stress. Basic computer skills.Work overtime on regularly scheduled workdays, as required by agency needs.Work Schedule: The Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays and weekends. Communications Specialists must be willing to work any shift or workweek, including overtime, as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Complete an online employment application at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. The employment history should go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment (or more to include relevant experience). Incomplete applications, not up to date applications or answering "see resume" will not be considered.Note: Starting pay for new hires will be at step (2) two, which is 33.28/hourlyComplete Technical Exam. The technical exam is administered by Public Safety Testing (PST). Candidates will need to complete the technical exam AND separate typing test through PST. To schedule an exam, please visit PST's website. Select KCSO as agency to ensure your scores are received. This is a scored component of the examination process. Once completed make sure to have your scores released to the King County Sheriff's Office. The typing test is a critical component of your written test score, and you are required to complete the online typing test within 90 days (before or after) your written exam. In order for your scores to be sent you must pass both exams with 35 WPM and 90% accuracy.Complete and submit a complete, detailed and specific Personal History Statement (PHS) through Public Safety Testing (PST). If a PHS is not completed at the time of application, your application will be incomplete. If a PHS is not completed, you will be notified by King County Civil Service and given a deadline to complete your PHS. If one is not completed by the provided deadline, you will be removed from the application process.Review the list of KCSO Automatic Disqualifiers, as well as KCSO background standards as listed in 10.14 of the King County Civil Service Rules and verify your qualification for employment with King County Sheriff's Office. The background of each applicant will be evaluated at each step of the recruitment process. Be thorough and honest at each phase, including in your response to the PHS and KCSO Automatic Disqualifier questions. Each must be complete, specific and up to date. A KCSO Background Detective will review the personal history statement when applications are submitted. Background standards are evaluated throughout all steps of the recruitment and hiring process. Oral Board Exam (Interview) Candidates who have submitted all required application materials, meet the basic requirements for the position and pass the technical exam will be invited to self-schedule for an oral board interview. This oral board is a scored examination and will be used to establish candidate's rank on the Eligibility Lis). This is a scored component of the examination process.Eligibility List & Background Investigation Candidates who pass both the technical and oral board examination will be placed on an eligibility list. Eligible candidates will proceed with the background investigation process in order of their rank on the list. The background investigation process may take up to 8 weeks to complete.The recruitment timeline is subject to change due to resource availability. The hiring and selection process is lengthy, requiring multiple months to complete. The 911 Communications Specialist training academies are tentatively scheduled for the following dates and are subject to change. Any changes in academy scheduling will be communicated with candidates in the backgrounding or onboarding processes with the King County Sheriff's Office.- June 23, 2025- November 9, 2025Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.Benefits King County offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs: Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents.Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependentsRetirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation planTransportation program and ORCA transit pass12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidaysGenerous vacation and paid sick leavePaid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leavesFlexible Spending AccountWellness programsOnsite activity centersEmployee Giving ProgramEmployee assistance programsFlexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on positionTraining and career development programsFor additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short-Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.To ApplyIf you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.If you have questions about this job posting or the recruitment process, please contact Civil Service HR Analyst Marc Alvarado at Marc.Alvarado@kingcounty.gov. If you have questions about a career as a 911 Communications Specialist with King County Sheriff's Office, please contact KCSO recruiting at KCSO911jobs@kingcounty.gov
Join the King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) Communications Team as a 911 Communications Specialist (911 Call Receiver)! KCSO is seeking individuals with a desire to serve their community and who possess exceptional customer service and communication skills. A career as a 911 Communications Specialist offers an outstanding opportunity to directly impact lives by making a difference in critical moments. You'll play a crucial role in improving the quality of life within our community.The King County Sheriff’s Office Communications Team handles calls from unincorporated King County, twelve cities, Metro Transit Police, King County Airport Police, and King County Animal Control. Over half a million people rely on our Communications Specialists and other King County Sheriff's Office personnel. This position is open to the public. This recruitment will establish an employment list (valid for one year) to fill current and future vacancies within the Sheriff's Office. For information regarding King County Civil Service Rules, visit the Civil Service website here.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
As a Communications Specialist, you will: Use telephones and radios to provide critical information and communicate directly with callers and Deputies in the field. As a King County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) Communications Specialist, you will handle law enforcement calls only. Requests for fire or EMS assistance are immediately transferred to other agencies.General job duties include, but are not limited to: Receive, prioritize, and route emergency and non-emergency calls from the public and other agencies.Gather information from calling parties and enter the type, location, and all required information for emergency calls into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System. Route calls for service to correct Dispatcher or appropriate emergency agency.Assign response priority by determining whether immediate response could save lives or prevent crimes. Relay pertinent information via radio.Retrieve information from State and National computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles, restraining orders, and criminal histories. Relay information to Deputies via radio.Record information and maintain required logs and event cards.Manage multiple radio frequencies and radio communications simultaneously.Communicate effectively with confused, upset, hostile, or distraught people by phone, while gathering the information necessary to send the correct responders and equipment to the scene.Communication center employees may hear and need to respond to graphic descriptions of violence and/or injury.In this role, incumbents must have the ability to: Manage uncertainty and be adaptable. Simultaneously receive emergency calls, take charge of the conversation, and gather critical information.Demonstrate the ability to act calmly, quickly, and with accuracy in a variety of emergency situations. Multi-task complex situations that may be fluctuating within a short time period. Be a quick learner. Comprehend basic principles and terminology applied to law enforcement and emergency management as applied to the operation of the communications center.Make quality decisions. Follow moderately complex oral and written instructions and use knowledge and judgement to make quality decisions. Have the ability to evaluate problems and apply sound judgment in a high stress, critical incident management environment.Instill trust within the organization and community. Interact with the public pleasantly and courteously, often under stressful conditions. Demonstrate Sheriff’s core values, including integrity, in all aspects of work.Communicate effectively. Exhibit patience and remain calm and professional while questioning callers for whom may have limited English proficiency, or with callers who may be verbally abusive, emotionally upset, uncooperative or frightened.Demonstrated ability to write clearly, using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation.Be interpersonally savvy. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, law enforcement personnel, and the public. Be resilient. Exhibit composure during high pressure situations that may occur. Demonstrate the ability to maintain personal well-being and resiliency, including the ability to manage stress. Basic computer skills.Work overtime on regularly scheduled workdays, as required by agency needs.Work Schedule: The Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays and weekends. Communications Specialists must be willing to work any shift or workweek, including overtime, as assigned.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Complete an online employment application at www.kingcounty.gov/jobs. The employment history should go back at least 10 years if you have 10 years of employment (or more to include relevant experience). Incomplete applications, not up to date applications or answering "see resume" will not be considered.Note: Starting pay for new hires will be at step (2) two, which is 33.28/hourlyComplete Technical Exam. The technical exam is administered by Public Safety Testing (PST). Candidates will need to complete the technical exam AND separate typing test through PST. To schedule an exam, please visit PST's website. Select KCSO as agency to ensure your scores are received. This is a scored component of the examination process. Once completed make sure to have your scores released to the King County Sheriff's Office. The typing test is a critical component of your written test score, and you are required to complete the online typing test within 90 days (before or after) your written exam. In order for your scores to be sent you must pass both exams with 35 WPM and 90% accuracy.Complete and submit a complete, detailed and specific Personal History Statement (PHS) through Public Safety Testing (PST). If a PHS is not completed at the time of application, your application will be incomplete. If a PHS is not completed, you will be notified by King County Civil Service and given a deadline to complete your PHS. If one is not completed by the provided deadline, you will be removed from the application process.Review the list of KCSO Automatic Disqualifiers, as well as KCSO background standards as listed in 10.14 of the King County Civil Service Rules and verify your qualification for employment with King County Sheriff's Office. The background of each applicant will be evaluated at each step of the recruitment process. Be thorough and honest at each phase, including in your response to the PHS and KCSO Automatic Disqualifier questions. Each must be complete, specific and up to date. A KCSO Background Detective will review the personal history statement when applications are submitted. Background standards are evaluated throughout all steps of the recruitment and hiring process. Oral Board Exam (Interview) Candidates who have submitted all required application materials, meet the basic requirements for the position and pass the technical exam will be invited to self-schedule for an oral board interview. This oral board is a scored examination and will be used to establish candidate's rank on the Eligibility Lis). This is a scored component of the examination process.Eligibility List & Background Investigation Candidates who pass both the technical and oral board examination will be placed on an eligibility list. Eligible candidates will proceed with the background investigation process in order of their rank on the list. The background investigation process may take up to 8 weeks to complete.The recruitment timeline is subject to change due to resource availability. The hiring and selection process is lengthy, requiring multiple months to complete. The 911 Communications Specialist training academies are tentatively scheduled for the following dates and are subject to change. Any changes in academy scheduling will be communicated with candidates in the backgrounding or onboarding processes with the King County Sheriff's Office.- June 23, 2025- November 9, 2025Forbes named King County as one of Washington State's best employers.Together, with leadership and our employees, we're changing the way government delivers service and winning national recognition as a model of excellence. Are you ready to make a difference? Come join the team dedicated to serving one of the nation's best places to live, work and play. Guided by our "True North", we are making King County a welcoming community where every person can thrive. We value diversity, inclusion and belonging in our workplace and workforce. To reach this goal we are committed to workforce equity. Equitable recruiting, support, and retention is how we will obtain the highest quality workforce in our region; a workforce that shares and will help advance our guiding principles - we are one team; we solve problems; we focus on the customer; we drive for results; we are racially just; we respect all people; we lead the way; and we are responsible stewards. We encourage people of all backgrounds and identities to apply, including Native American and people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ , people living with disabilities, and veterans.King County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) EmployerNo person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. Our EEO policy applies to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, selection for training, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation.Benefits King County offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and support our employees' health and well-being. Eligible positions receive the following benefits and have access to the following programs: Excellent medical, dental, and vision coverage options: King County provides eligible employees with options, so they can decide what’s best for themselves and their eligible dependents.Life and disability insurance: employees are provided basic coverage and given the opportunity to purchase additional insurance for both the employee and eligible dependentsRetirement: eligible King County employees may participate in a pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and a 457(b) deferred-compensation planTransportation program and ORCA transit pass12 paid holidays each year plus two personal holidaysGenerous vacation and paid sick leavePaid parental, family and medical, and volunteer leavesFlexible Spending AccountWellness programsOnsite activity centersEmployee Giving ProgramEmployee assistance programsFlexible schedules and telecommuting options, depending on positionTraining and career development programsFor additional information about employee benefits, visit our Benefits, Payroll, and Retirement Page.This is a general description of the benefits offered to eligible King County employees, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the CBA prevails. NOTE: Benefits for Term Limited Temporary (TLT) or Short-Term Temporary (STT) positions, including leave eligibility and/or participation in the pension plan through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems, will vary based upon the terms and details of the position. Short Term Temporary positions are not eligible for an ORCA transit pass.To ApplyIf you are interested in pursuing this position, please follow the application instructions carefully. If you need this announcement in an alternate language or format, would like to request accommodation or assistance in the application or assessment process or if you have questions, please contact the recruiter listed on this job announcement.If you have questions about this job posting or the recruitment process, please contact Civil Service HR Analyst Marc Alvarado at Marc.Alvarado@kingcounty.gov. If you have questions about a career as a 911 Communications Specialist with King County Sheriff's Office, please contact KCSO recruiting at KCSO911jobs@kingcounty.gov
