Sheriff's Office Support Positions

Cowlitz County•Kelso, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position maintains law enforcement records for the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, assisting and answering inquiries from local law enforcement agencies, criminal justice entities, county agencies, and the public. Responsibilities include processing concealed pistol licenses, public disclosures, warrants, protection orders, and law enforcement reports. The role also involves handling phones and clerical duties after hours for local law enforcement agencies in Cowlitz County. Agencies involved include Probation, Superior Court, District Court, Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, City Attorney’s Office, and the Jail. Local law enforcement includes Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office and the City Police Departments of Longview, Kelso, Kalama, Castle Rock, and Woodland. Applications are accepted through June 26, 2026. Applicants must pass an NCRC Work Keys test by July 1, 2026, to be considered. This is for the purpose of creating an eligibility list for Support Specialist/Law Records Specialist positions. The top candidates are ranked by score, which includes a panel interview, and certified by the Civil Service Commission when an opening occurs. Test scores are valid for 5 years. The test costs $90.00 and is administered by Lower Columbia College (LCC) in Longview, WA. Testing is available by appointment only, Monday through Thursday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Applicants must take the NCRC tests no later than 3 business days after the job announcement closes. The Civil Service Commission requires applicants to pass Level 4 (Silver Level) or higher of each of the three ACT/Work Keys – National Career Readiness Test (NCRC).

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalency.
Must pass Level 4 (Silver Level) of each of the 3 ACT/Work Keys – National Career Readiness Tests (NCRC) through Lower Columbia College (LCC) or provide a passing NCRC Certificate.
Pass a background and criminal history investigation.
Complete a class and pass ACCESS Level I or II certification (depending on classification), which will require re-certification every two years (training provided on the job).
Extensive filing experience, maintaining hard copy and electronic records.
Type at least 50 WPM.
Understand rules of dissemination for requests of records/reports by outside agencies, case parties, and the general public.
Good written and verbal communications skills.
Able to maintain accurate records.
Organizational skills.
Able to handle a multi-task work environment, and manage stress related to work duties and work environment.
Ability to handle job stress and interact effectively with others in the workplace.

Responsibilities

Provide excellent customer service to law enforcement agencies, constituents, and the public in person, over the phone/radio and via email.
Enter, modify, locate and clear warrants and restraining orders in WACIC/NCIC after thorough preparation of appropriate documents.
Enter, modify, locate and clear stolen property, officer safety information, stolen vehicles, missing people and other items into WACIC/NCIC.
Run thorough background checks for all gun related licenses (concealed pistol licenses, applications to transfer a pistol, federal firearms dealer applications, silencers, etc.).
Accurately perform data entry of police reports, ensuring proper information is provided for monthly IBR report submitted to the FBI.
Manage cases for the Prosecuting Attorney and other outside agencies.
Take public disclosure requests and process them, including compilation of information, redacting, approving and releasing information according to Washington State Public Disclosure Laws and Regulations.
Routinely search for information for officers/deputies and dispatch through several available computer systems.
Accurately file and access documents by alphabetical and numerical order.
Assist with deputy and SWAT team callouts when requested.
Operate office machines such as: personal computers with several software programs, calculator, photocopier, multi-line telephone, facsimile transmission devices, state and county computer terminals and other office equipment.
Transcribe statements and reports from recordings.
Assist in bookkeeping and purchasing of office supplies.
Type correspondence.
Greet the public and answer incoming telephone calls, including answering questions, receiving complaints, issuing concealed pistol licenses, specialized forest harvesting permits, and other permits, forms, and reports as necessary.
Perform bookkeeping duties including receiving invoices, matching purchase orders, and accurate record keeping of monies spent.
Keep accurate monthly records by fund and process invoices for payment.
Maintain sexual offender registration computer entries and files.
Process and bill for the service of civil documents, including entering information into the computer and printing needed forms.
Keep statistical information for the Civil Bureau.
Prepare correspondence and projects, as directed by the Administration.
Maintain accurate records of the storage location of all property/evidence so that it is readily available to the courts or investigators.
Work with the State Crime Lab for testing and proper chain of custody.
Return property/evidence to its rightful owner or dispose of it in accordance with RCW statutes after the conclusion of the court process and when released by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office.
Testify in court when required.