Emergency Dispatcher

Job Summary

Responsible for performing technical radio communications involving the deployment of police, fire, public works, animal control, code enforcement, and EMS personnel according to request for service.

The 911/Public Safety Telecommunicator I is assigned to the Helotes 911/Public Safety Communications Center and reports to the 911/Public Safety Communications Supervisor and/or the 911/Public Safety Telecommunicator III in the absence of the Supervisor. The 911/Public Safety Telecommunicator I is a non‑supervisory position.

Uses tact, diplomacy and a helpful attitude in all contacts with the public and other employees; communicates effectively and courteously with the public, council, and coworkers in person, in writing and by phone.

• Provides extensive support to the community and all emergency services providers.
• Effectively communicates and disseminates information accurately.
• Provides exceptional response to all calls for emergency services and citizen complaint resolutions.
• Answers calls for service, prioritizes and accurately communicates emergency information and determines and directs appropriate resources to a reported incident.
• Assigns emergency and non‑emergency field units, as appropriate, to the incident.
• Maintains communications with police, fire, emergency medical service and other personnel, providing necessary support to field personnel via radio, telephone, computer and MDT’s.
• Maintains the status and locations of all field units.
• Enters, updates, retrieves and communicates crime‑related information from computer databases and the TLETS information system.
• Maintains detailed information utilizing the computer‑aided dispatch module of the records management system.
• Follows all procedures in place relating to data entry to ensure consistency of data entry and to enhance retrieval ability.
• Effectively utilizes TCIC/NCIC/TLETS for all searches relating to vehicle registration confirmation, stolen/wanted searches, driver’s license checks, computerized criminal history records, administrative messages, stolen/wanted confirmations and other system transactions.
• Provides support to the vehicle impound program by entering abandoned and impounded vehicle information into TCIC, as required.
• Maintains files on all impounded vehicles and releases impounded vehicles to owners providing proof of ownership and paying the required impound and towing fees.
• Performs a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing and other general clerical work, as necessary or required.
• Maintains databases for, but not limited to, parking permits, alarm permits, animal control impound/lost/found.
• Required to assist in other duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of all local, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations governing telecommunications, including TCIC/NCIC, TLETS, and NLETS.
• Knowledge of basic telephone techniques and public relations.
• Knowledge of National Incident Management System (NIMS) and procedures to address multi‑agency emergency responses in the event of disasters.
• Knowledge of the multi‑channel radio system and all components of the system.
• Knowledge of the telephone system and telephone console features.
• Knowledge of the computerized 9‑1‑1 system and all system components necessary for the proper use of the system.
• Knowledge of the records management system and computer‑aided dispatch system and the procedures related to the entry and retrieval of system data.
• Knowledge of the incar laptop computers and the ability to follow all of the TLETS rules and procedures for accessing the TLETS system on the laptops.
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in problem solving, oral and written communications, and maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to transfer calls accurately and utilize backup systems in the event of equipment failure.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all emergency service organizations, including, but not limited to, local, state, and federal organizations.
• Ability to troubleshoot system malfunctions and contact appropriate resources without unnecessary delay to maintain…