Telecommunications Supervisor

About the Role

The Telecommunications Supervisor at the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) plays a critical role in ensuring the secure and efficient operation of the agency’s communications network. This position supports the DJJ’s mission to transform young lives, strengthen families, and promote safer communities through targeted prevention and rehabilitation.

Under the direct supervision of the Public Safety Administrative Sergeant, the Telecommunications Supervisor oversees administrative duties within the Telecommunications Control Center (TCC), ensures compliance with SLED and other regulations, and responds to TCC emergencies on a 24/7/365 basis. This role involves supervising telecommunications operators, maintaining communication systems (radio, NCIC, and computer networks), and serving as the agency’s Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC).

Responsibilities

• Provide Telecommunications Operators with required training, including field training and continuous education as designated by the agency.
• Serve as the TCC’s primary training officer and inform subordinates of changes in regulations and procedures.
• Assist in developing policies and procedures for equipment and dispatch operations.
• Ensure agency compliance with CJIS/SLED guidelines for NCIC duties, including maintaining NCIC records, certifications, recertifications, and purging of records.
• Validate records, confirm statuses, and serve as a liaison to law enforcement agencies regarding the recovery of wanted juveniles.
• Establish and update NCIC protocols and operations for the NCIC terminal and Telecommunications Operators (TCOs).
• Maintain the Pre-registry Sex Offender account for SLED and ensure compliance with state law.
• Participate in SLED audits and maintain agency compliance.
• Inspect and ensure proper usage of communication equipment.
• Provide training for voice and data communications.
• Supervise the installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of all communication equipment.
• Maintain and train staff on the Agency’s ID system, troubleshoot issues, deactivate IDs of separated employees, and send notifications for separated staff.
• Coordinate fingerprinting and ID scheduling, gather identifying documents for SLED submission, and determine eligibility based on findings.
• Plan, schedule, and review the work of subordinate staff; counsel employees as needed.
• Conduct EPMS appraisals, interview new employees, administer corrective discipline, and recommend disciplinary actions when necessary.
• Maintain employee information, identification, and fingerprint cards.
• Conduct and oversee DNA testing and fingerprinting of juveniles; serve as administrator for the Livescan fingerprinting device.
• Oversee activities in logbooks, radio logs, and NCIC files; make documents available for supervisory inspection upon request.
• Pull criminal histories and driving records for Public Safety patrol officers and investigators.
• Maintain and inspect radio logs and NCIC logs.
• Perform the duties of a Telecommunications Operator when needed and other related tasks as required by supervisors.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Journey-level work experience in the maintenance and repair of electronic communications equipment, telecommunications, or computer operations. An associate degree in a technical communications discipline may substitute for the required experience.
• Class IV Telecommunication Operator certification by the Law Enforcement Training Council (per 23-23-40 of the South Carolina Code of Laws).
• Thorough knowledge of voice communications systems and central telecommunication system operations.
• Knowledge of FCC, SLED, and FBI regulations related to NCIC and verification information.
• Skills in operating electronic voice and data communications equipment.
• Ability to supervise, train, and communicate effectively with subordinates and other stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships.
• Preferred experience as a Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) or Assistant TAC (ATAC).

This is an essential position requiring availability for 12-hour rotating shifts, 24/7/365. The role involves prolonged standing for fingerprinting and processing, effective radio and phone communication, and proficient computer and database usage to share information with requesting agencies. The position may involve direct or indirect contact with youth under DJJ jurisdiction, and applicable training will be provided.

Preferred Qualifications

• High school diploma and six years of experience with voice communications systems or central switchboard operations. An associate degree in a technical communications discipline may substitute for the required experience.
• Three years as a certified SC CJA Telecommunications Operator and two years of supervisory experience as a Telecommunications Operator.

Benefits

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Health, dental, and life insurance.
• 15 days of annual (vacation) leave per year.
• 15 days of sick leave per year.
• 13 paid holidays.
• State retirement plans and deferred compensation programs.
• Discount programs such as TicketatWork and WeSave.

Schedule

12-hour rotating shifts, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.