Communications Officer/Dispatcher

Communications Officer PD/11

Police Department

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls and for dispatching appropriate personnel.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Receives and screens incoming calls from the public and other user agencies; categorizes and prioritizes calls, including 911 calls.

• Determines and dispatches the appropriate emergency personnel to incident locations; provides emergency medical instructions and crisis intervention services to callers prior to the arrival of responders as needed.

• Receives, monitors, and dispatches radio traffic for specific fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies.

• Inquires, retrieves, and monitors data from AJCIC/NCIC databases; ensures compliance with rules and regulations.

• Maintains contact with emergency personnel in the field.

• Responds to drivers’ license and vehicle information requests.

• Monitors weather conditions and provides information as necessary; dispatches severe weather alerts as appropriate.

• Participates in training exercises.

• Dispatches wrecker services to crash scenes.

• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of emergency communications principles and practices.

• Knowledge of AJCIC/NCIC policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of emergency dispatch procedures.

• Knowledge of Barbour County roads, geography, and landmarks.

• Knowledge of radio and telecommunications equipment.

• Knowledge of CAD system functions and maintenance.

• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.

• Skill in making decisions in high pressure and emergency situations.

• Skill in public relations.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Communications Shift Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include AJCIC/NCIC guidelines, state and federal regulations, training guidelines, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related emergency communications duties. The necessity of responding to unforeseen and emergency situations contributes to the complexity of the work.

• The purpose of this position is to receive emergency and non-emergency calls and to dispatch emergency service personnel as appropriate. Successful performance contributes to the efficient and effective response to emergency and life-threatening situations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with department personnel, representatives of emergency services agencies, representatives of other local governments, the news media, and the general public.

• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and motivate persons.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects, uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguishes between shades of color.

• The work is typically performed in an office.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain AJCIC/NCIC certification.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER – We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $13.38 – $20.15 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Night shift
• Overtime
• Weekend availability

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver’s License (Required)

Work Location: One location