Telecommunicator

Job Title

Position Summary and Job Duties

This recruitment will be used to fill 2nd and/or 3rd shift positions.

The incumbent's primary responsibility is to provide emergency and non-emergency communications response to individuals and entities requesting police, fire or emergency medical services. Through professional information gathering, the incumbent determines the nature of the call, whether a response is necessary and what type of assistance or information is needed. For calls requiring police/fire/EMS response, the incumbent dispatches the appropriate agency to the scene, maintaining proper logs and paperwork (computer and/or manual) of all units dispatched.

The incumbent is additionally responsible for retrieving and accurately relaying to requesting field units, information contained in the local, state and national computer systems, and for entering and maintaining law enforcement data in the appropriate computer system(s).

• Dispatches, via a radio console or other electronic means, emergency and other calls requiring police and/or fire and/or EMS response according to priority and availability of field units.
• Maintains strict radio discipline at all times.
• Monitors dispatched units' activities and receives and transmits to field units updated information as it's received.
• Complies with FCC regulations and agency policies/procedures in the transmission of all radio traffic

20%- Records and documents information on calls for service and other dispatch related functions.

• Enters incident data into CAD system.
• Maintains various automated and manual logs, records and files relating to call-taking and dispatching activities.
• Testifies at adjudication hearings, when necessary.

20%- Assists with emergency and non-emergency call-taking functions.

• Answers 9-1-1 voice and telephone device for the deaf (TDD) telephone calls requesting emergency services.
• Questions callers to determine the nature and location of the problem.
• Extracts and records essential information and, when appropriate, provides emergency medical pre-arrival instructions as dictated by predetermined emergency dispatch protocols.
• Calls back disconnects to determine nature and location of the problem and enters information into computer aided dispatch (CAD) system as appropriate.
• Answers administrative telephone lines, provides routing non-technical information upon request, and refers all other inquiries to the proper person or department.
• Utilizes mapping and other Next Generation 911 technologies to process calls for service.

5%- Operates the TIME System (Transaction, Information Management Enforcement) and other databases

• Retrieves and accurately relays to requesting law enforcement field units, information contained in local, state and national computer systems (e.g. information regarding motor vehicles, driver's licenses, wants and warrant, etc.).
• Enters and maintains law enforcement data in the system(s) as appropriate.

3%- Performs testing of equipment

• Periodically tests the electronic and mechanical equipment to indicate proper performance.
• Operates emergency warning equipment (e.g. tornado sirens).
• Operates Backup Site systems on an annual basis.

1%- Attends required training as assigned. 1%- Performs other duties as assigned.

Oral and Written Communications:

Must have the ability to actively listen to others for an understanding of their needs and situations; ability to speak English with sufficient clarity to be understood by others on the telephone, radio or in person.

Must be able to assertively control conversations in order to quickly and accurately gather pertinent information, and be able to communicate this information professionally and precisely to the proper recipient. Must be able to read and understand written correspondence, memoranda and directive. Must have the ability to report events and information in writing legibly and accurately, using proper English grammar and structure.

Interpersonal Relationships:

Must be consistent in dealing with people; must be able to detach from callers' emotions, yet project an image of empathy (i.e., avoid personal involvement). Must have the ability to maintain appropriate and constructive behavior and attitude in response to difficult or adverse situations. Must have the ability and willingness to accept criticism and/or discipline; the ability and willingness to accept responsibility for actions.

Must have the ability to work cooperatively with supervisors and establish cohesive, effective relationships with peers. Must demonstrate the ability to effectively work in multi-cultural and diverse communities.

Judgment:

Must have the ability to act in a decisive manner, using good judgment. Must have the ability to maintain objectivity in the decision making process; the ability to effectively prioritize situations and information and make appropriate decisions based on information received. Must have the ability to learn and apply new information; the ability to handle a variety of rapidly…