Communications Specialist

This is responsible and specialized clerical work in the dispatching of police, fire, and ambulance.

An employee in this class is responsible for receiving and sending messages via radio, OLETS computer, and telephone. The incumbent is also responsible for talking to the public and dealing with their problems or concerns (or for directing them to the correct public official to handle their situation). The work is performed in accordance with a standard routine. General supervision is received from a dispatching supervisor, but the employee is expected to function independently.

This is a night shift position.
The schedule for this particular position will be 6:00pm to 6:00am with a rotating schedule of 36 hours 1 week and 48 hours the next. This schedule will have every other weekend off duty with this rotation.

• Determine by inquiry the exact location of the place or point of emergency and dispatch the proper police, fire, or ambulance;
• Receive and transmit messages on radio, multiple radio frequencies;
• Take telephone calls concerning complaints, pass information on to field units, and make a record of calls via data entry;
• Operate OLETS to conduct criminal history checks for officers and relay information over the radio;
• Operate ODIS computer system which includes logging all radio traffic, phone calls and walk-in reports;
• Enter stolen vehicle and property data into NCIC via computer terminal;
• Control security of the communications center by screening persons desiring admittance to the center;
• Coordinate information as needed between Emergency Management and all public safety vehicles;
• Keep information records on Fire and EMS calls and forward to Fire administration for billing on EMS calls and to meet state regulations;
• Keep logs of numerous other calls that are not maintained on the OLETS or City computer system;
• Prepare statistical reports on police activity as requested by the Chief;
• Maintain NCIC files with supporting police reports;
• Maintain an awareness of appropriate safety practices and procedures and apply that knowledge as needed in daily work;
• Do any other functions that may be required by the Police Chief.

• Knowledge equivalent of a high school diploma and such training and/or experience as would provide the applicant with the below referenced knowledge skills and abilities;
• Ability to operate a computer terminal and radio communications equipment;
• Knowledge of the geography and highway and street systems in the City, or ability to read and interpret maps;
• Alertness and skill in detecting the scope and magnitude of an emergency;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize responses in stressful situations;
• Ability to understand written and oral directions;
• Ability to maintain an effective working relationship with other employees;
• Ability to deal with the public in a tactful and courteous manner;
• Ability to type, enter and retrieve information from a computer terminal;
• Ability to file and retrieve hard copy documents from established filing systems;
• Ability to become a Notary Public;
• Ability and willingness to maintain strict confidentiality;
• Must be bondable;
• Must be able upon hiring to obtain all required certifications.

• Be certified in accordance with Oklahoma State Statutes, as amended (if required);
• Some exposure to unpleasant citizens, must be able to handle tactfully;
• Subject to abnormal stress;
• Must be able to work rotating shifts;
• Must have strength sufficient for possible heavy exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 20 lbs. of force to move objects or persons;
• Work is typically indoors, subject to sitting, standing, or using phone for extended periods;
• Vision required to read and review written correspondence, reports, statistical and technical information, maps, computer screen, etc.;
• Hearing and speech required to communicate clearly and distinctly in English, by telephone and face-to-face, within the confinement of a semi-noisy environment;
• High degree of concentration required when operating radio communication equipment, office machines, etc.;
• Subject to constant noise of a computer,…