Emergency Communications Specialist

The Emergency Communications Specialist is a professional that performs skilled work operating in a primary PSAP that receives and relays calls for emergency and non-emergency public safety assistance via both radio and phone calls. Dispatch law enforcement, emergency medical/fire, and code enforcement for an Englewood Police Department. Duties may include activities such as: call taking and referral; providing information and assistance to non-emergency callers including referral to outside agencies;

entering call records, maintaining call logs, and compiling call-related statistics; operating computer-aided dispatch systems for public safety law enforcement and medical/fire incidents;. This is a safety-sensitive position that handles confidential information.

Receives direction from: Emergency Communications Supervisors

The following statements are illustrative functions of the job and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be required. The Police Department retains the right to modify or change the duties of essential and additional functions of the job at any time without notice.

• Receive and prioritize emergency and non-emergency calls and digital requests for help from the public requesting police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services; gather, analyze, and report critical information during life-or-death situations such as crimes in progress, medical emergencies, and fire/rescue incidents, and dispatch units according to policy.
• Operate a variety of public safety communications equipment including a multi-channel radio, 911 emergency telephone equipment, text-to-911 equipment, advanced location systems, computer-aided dispatch systems, instant recall recorders and reverse 911 program.
• Read/interpret maps for the public, field personnel, and other agencies in order to assist in locating certain geographical areas; interpret telephone call locations from maps by applying knowledge of local geography in order to provide appropriate and timely assistance.
• Provide assistance, information and directions to non-emergency callers; refer and/or transfer calls to outside agencies as appropriate
• Coordinate and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and fire-fighting agencies; coordinate and assign resources as necessary in emergency and non-emergency situations; maintain contact with all units monitoring status and location of police, fire and emergency medical service units and code enforcement units.
• Effectively communicate, orally and in writing, with members of the public as well as internal team members. Teamwork is a vital component of success in this job.
• Take protective actions for first responders by providing life-safety information during responses such as officer down and MAYDAY calls.
• Provide assistance, information and directions to emergency and non-emergency callers; refer and/or transfer calls to outside agencies as appropriate.
• Retrieve information from State and National computer networks regarding wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, stolen vehicles and other related information; relay information to officers in the field.
• Enter automated records of activity into the computer; maintain a variety of logs relating to public safety dispatch activities; compile statistics on calls received.
• Review policy and procedures with trainees; work directly with trainee on shift to ensure proper techniques, call routing, and appropriate level of response; may provide input to supervisors on trainee progress as requested.
• Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

• Operations, services and activities of a public safety telecommunications and dispatch center.
• Operational characteristics of modern public safety telecommunications equipment including computer aided dispatch systems.
• Techniques of questioning for both emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Dispatching techniques with use of radio system for communicating and receiving information.
• Customer service principles and problem resolution techniques.
• Principles and practices of record keeping and documentation.
• Geographic features and locations within the area served.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.
• Applicable tools and equipment operations.
• Applicable Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.

• Accurately type.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Effectively communicate and elicit information from upset and irate callers.
• Establish priority of emergency situations.
• Maintain composure, alertness and concentration while working under mental and physical stress for extended periods of time.
• Work in an environment that requires rapid multi-processing.
• Adapt instantaneously to changes in call events.
• Work a rotating…