Assistant Chief of Communications

JOB SUMMARY

The incumbent is supervised by the Director of DES and entails command-level administrative and management work in Law Enforcement, EMS, Fire and Rescue services. Incumbent serves as senior executive staff to DES, and is part of the DES senior management team; the incumbent oversees the delivery of a countywide communications system while providing support to Law Enforcement, Fire and Rescue, and Emergency Management services. Personal contacts are with high-level County staff and Communication, EMS, Fire and Rescue personnel to plan and coordinate work and exchange information; with other Communication, EMS, Fire and Rescue personnel to provide work direction, supervision, and guidance; and with the public to provide information and emergency assistance as required. The incumbent plans, conducts and coordinates work in such areas as budget, procurement, personnel administration and training, maintenance and security of buildings, grounds and equipment and provides assistance to other departmental division as required. The work affects the efficiency and effectiveness of EMS, Fire and Rescue and emergency management programs and services, the medical care, rescue and safety of individuals and the preservation of structures and other physical property. The work is performed in accordance with established policies and procedures that are normally applicable, but that may require modification by the employee in unusual situations. The assignments require initiative and resourcefulness, analysis and assessment of unusual problems or emergency situations, and judgment in deciding the appropriate course of action.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Provides cordial, responsive and accurate customer service.

Supervises 25 or more county employees in accordance with the County”s policies and applicable laws.

Plans, assigns and directs work as necessary within the Communications Division.

Oversees and coordinates combined PSAP/Dispatch center.

Performs project duties as assigned.

Conducts performance assessments for Public Safety Dispatcher(s).

Provides needs assessment for the department Director.

Prepares and oversees the department”s Division of Communications budget.

Performs quality assurance and improvement reviews of Public Safety Dispatcher(s).

Develops policies and procedures relative to the operation and daily maintenance of a Public Safety Answering Point.

Develops policies and procedures relative to the operation and daily maintenance of a public safety and local government radio communications system;

Develops policies and procedures relative to the operation and daily maintenance of a computer aided dispatch system.

Applies general management skills in supervision of Communications staff to ensure compliance with standards and protocols and daily operation efficiency.

Presents department”s division activities, updates, goals and objectives to the County Executive staff through both oral and written communications.

Attends continuing education programs as required to maintain all certifications as listed and required.

Attends education programs as assigned.

Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the County”s policies and applicable laws; responsibilities may include interviewing, recommending and selecting candidates for employment; training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising employee performance; counseling, rewarding and disciplining employees; investigating employee grievances; approving and mediating disciplinary action; and addressing and resolving complaints.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Assistant Chief of Communications – A Bachelor”s degree in Allied Health, Business Administration, Business Management or related field or

Related work experience, minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience within the field of public safety telecommunication and 3 years” experience in upper level management or

Equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES

Possession of a valid Class C non-commercial driver”s license issued by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) or the ability to obtain such a license within thirty (30) days after employment.

National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Center Manager Certification Program or Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) Communications Center Supervisor (preferred or completion within one year of appointment).

Must obtain the following certifications within (180) days of employment:

International Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Telecommunicator Course

International Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Medical Dispatcher

International Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Police Dispatcher

International Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Fire Dispatcher

The following National Incident Management System (NIMS) Training is required within the first year of employment:

Managers and Supervisors ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 300, ICS 400, ICS 700, ICS 702, ICS 703, and ICS 800. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Incumbent is required to regularly sit, walk, talk and hear. May, on occasion, be required to work in all outdoor weather conditions. Frequently required to use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or controls and reach with hands and/or arms. Vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Reasonable accommodations may be made for some of these physical demands for otherwise qualified individuals who require and request such accommodation.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is generally sedentary in an environmentally controlled facility. Noise level is usually quiet. May occasionally need to provide a field response to an incident, in which case, the noise level may be loud and require approved hearing protection. GENERAL INFORMATION

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Must be knowledgeable in Maryland Electronic Telecommunications Enforcement Resource System (METERS) and National Criminal Information Center (NCIC).

Knowledgeable use of common office software applications. Ability to read, analyze and interpret highly detailed and complex documents and/or instructions in written, verbal and schedule form. Ability to write and edit detailed and complex reports, policies, procedures, memoranda and correspondence. Ability to respond effectively to highly sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to make persuasive speeches and/or presentations on controversial or complex topics when directed.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to apply principles of logical and scientific thinking in a wide range of practical problems. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference and volume. Ability to apply the basic concepts of algebra and geometry.

Ability to operate public safety radio transmitter/receiver, typewriter and computer after appropriate training and orientation.