Communications Officer (911 Dispatcher)

OBJECTIVES:

The Public Safety Communications Officer performs specialized radio and communications work. This position operates radio, telephone and related communications equipment and software to receive and relay critical information to responders. Prioritizes and assigns appropriate response for emergency and non-emergency incidents. Maintains logs and records all activity as required. Provides support information to police officers, firefighters/paramedics, the public and other agencies as required. Responsible for answering emergency calls, non-emergency calls, incoming administrative lines and providing pre-arrival instructions to callers.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• REPORTS TO: The Communications Shift Supervisor
• DIRECTS: Does not supervise any employees
• OTHER: Works with all protective service personnel to coordinate effective response in emergency situations

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Communications Officer is responsible for the following duties:

• Answers incoming 9-1-1, TTY emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Prioritizes calls and determines proper routing utilizing established guidelines and operating procedures.
• Makes outgoing calls as necessary or requested;
• Directing all callers to appropriate departments and/or agencies as needed;
• Maintains accurate records in Computer Aided Dispatch, Records Management and Mobile Software as related to daily operations following local standard operating guidelines. ;
• Evaluates information to determine appropriate response including; jurisdiction, resources and personnel ;
• using established protocols to provide pre-arrival instructions to emergency callers until appropriate units arrive on scene;
• Monitors multiple radio talkgroups and ensures interoperable radio communications, responds and documents all radio traffic.
• Maintains officer safety by insuring adequate back-up and by attaining continuous status checks according to standard operating procedures;
• Monitors information related to emergency management and uses various software to increase citizen and responder awareness. ;
• Maintains credentials and successfully access national and state databases in accordance with local, state and federal policies and guidelines including but not limited to; inquiry, clear, cancel, modify, request, confirmation and validation.
• Provides information service to the general public; and
• Maintains familiarity with major streets, public buildings industrial plants, and the general geographic layout of area jurisdictions and map identification.
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned or required.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

The Communications Operator is required to lift and carry up to 20 pounds and to pull, push, or drags up to 50 pounds of materials and supplies. The Communications Operator must be able to stand or sit for extended periods. He or she must be able to wear a headset to communicate over the phone. The Communications Operator uses eyes, ears, hands and fingers to perform assigned duties and responsibilities rapidly and works various hours and days to accommodate required overtime or shift work. He or she must also be able to stand or sit for up to four (4) hours minimum. This position requires the employee to have 20/20 vision with or without corrective lenses and must first perceived forced whispered voice at greater or equal to five (5) feet with or without a hearing aid. The job of Communications Operator is performed mainly indoors in a climate-controlled environment.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND TRAINING:

The Communications Operator must have the ability to learn the methods, practices, equipment, and materials used for emergency communications; the ability to speak clearly and distinctly; the ability to exercise good judgment; the ability to react calmly and quickly; the ability to prepare concise and accurate reports; and the ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing. The Communications Operator must possess a working knowledge of computers and have above average typing skills. He or she must also possess skills in coordinating and handling multiple tasks simultaneously. The Communications Operator must have the ability to perform in a highly stressful environment; must be able to attend required out of town and/or overnight training courses as necessary; and must have the ability to form and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, other city departments, and the general public.

EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• A valid Texas driver's license.
• Meet proficiency requirements from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education as mandated by the State of Texas. (Intermediate Telecommunications from TCOLE preferred)

Failure to obtain a Telecommunication Certification from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education within one (1) year of employment will result in termination of employment.

SAFETY SENSITIVE:

This position is a safety-sensitive position. All safety-sensitive positions require selected candidates to undergo and successfully complete a post-offer, pre-employment background check to include, criminal background, driving record, drug testing and physical examination. Individuals holding this position will be subjected to random drug testing on a regular basis.