Communications Officer

Department:
Executive Administration

Classification:
Emergency Coordinator 1

Job Category:
Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule:

Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location:

Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type:
On Site Required

Sponsorship Eligibility:
Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 03

Salary:
Salary commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check:
Yes

Financial Background Check:
Yes

Motor Vehicle Records Check:
Yes

Works with Minors check:
Yes

About the Department:

The primary purpose/objective/mission of the University Police Department is to provide a safe and secure environment for all university employees, students, and guests. Embracing the principles of community policing, the department works collaboratively with academic and administrative units, individuals, and organizations in furtherance of the mission of the university. The department delivers a comprehensive program in law enforcement to provide the highest level of safety, security, and service for the students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the university, as they pursue their daily work and study activities, consistent with the laws of the commonwealth, and the policies of the university.

About the Position:

The Communications Officer provides first responder services and performs a variety of communications and operational tasks in support of public safety, security and law enforcement operations, linking those in need of assistance to those who render assistance. The job is considered Essential/Designated personnel and will be required to work a variety of schedules in a 24-hour, 7 day a week configuration which includes nights, weekends, holidays, and during and following natural disasters and emergency situations.

Responsibilities:

* Provides first responder care to the public and other first responders;

* Through call taking and radio dispatching, provides protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and the environment.;

* Triages phone calls, teletypes, and other messages from the public and public safety departments for emergency response; creates records in the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and provides life-saving instructions;

* Answers radio transmissions and phone calls promptly and competently and provides law enforcement pre-arrival instructions and coordinates responses with fire, medical, or mental health crisis response services;

* Triages and prioritizes calls for service and job tasks according to Policies and Procedures;

* Maintains familiarity with street, building, and landmark geography within jurisdiction and immediately adjacent properties.;

* Requests emergency phone pings from cell phone carriers when life threatening emergencies exist;

* Demonstrates advanced situational assessment skills and sound judgment, strong public and internal relations, teamwork and advanced multitasking skills;

* Performs specialized tactical-communication dispatch, monitoring and response to situations requiring it. Communicates effectively and decisively with people in great distress, harm, fear, or injury, while employing experience and training to obtain and disseminate critical information efficiently;

* Monitors and operates emergency communications equipment;

* Receive and transmit radio messages using codes and signals as required by the FCC regulations. Operates MCC-7500E radio console on regional radio network, in compliance with GMU and Fairfax County policies, assigning use of encrypted and non-encrypted channels when necessary;

* Monitors and/or controls all GMUPD assigned channels, regional interoperability channels, and PMARS. Follows equipment outage and notification procedures, troubleshoots technical issues as an end-user. Speaks clearly and articulately, maintaining familiarity with incident protocols and required procedures for relaying confidential or sensitive information via radio;

* Operates multi-line phone system effectively ensuring both emergency and non-emergency calls are addressed and/or transferred when required;

* Operates Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management System (RMS), and Mobile Data Terminal interface in accordance with current department, state, and federal policies and procedures. Obtains, organizes, and enters, and retrieves a variety of data into and from computerized data systems. Records and maintains detailed records in CAD/RMS system for each call for service.;

* Ensures call records document requests for anonymity in compliance with FOIA laws;

* Receives, processes, and documents Crime Solvers Tips accepted via email or phone. Advises patrol supervisor(s) of crime tips when received;

* Monitor panic, burglar, door, fire and BRL security alarm systems, CCTV security systems, and headquarters building access control. Monitors and promptly interacts with systems/applications to include, but not limited to, RAVE Guardian system, Mason Alert system, and First Due. Dispatch response personnel in accordance with established procedures;

* Access, operate, and…