Trainee – Public Safety Communications

Description

Performs a variety of dispatch duties on behalf of the City’s Public Safety Communications Center; provides for the delivery of emergency and non-emergency services to the public; prepares dispatch records and documentation; operates various types of telecommunications equipment; and performs other related duties as assigned.

• Answers and processes incoming 911 and non-emergency calls for assistance from the public.
• Requests and obtains information from callers; determines the need and type of service required.
• Provides detailed pre-arrival instructions to callers necessary to assist in stabilizing patients and/or securing potential crime scenes.
• Applies professional communication techniques to calm hysterical, irrational, or irate callers.
• Documents and enters call information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Prepares, maintains, and submits various types of dispatch records and documentation.
• Monitors incoming radio traffic; dispatches Police, Fire, EMS, and/or non-emergency response personnel to appropriate call locations.
• Maintains communication with field units; monitors the location and safety of field personnel.
• Researches and relays call information to responders; performs driver license, vehicle registration, criminal background, and warrant checks; processes wrecker requests.
• Operates various types of telecommunications equipment, software programs and systems including TLETS, VIN Assist, Positron Phone, Firehouse, Higher Ground, RMS, and Municipal Court Citation Maintenance systems.
• Inputs, updates, and verifies the accuracy of information in the NCIC/TCIC systems; validates and confirms the status of entries.
• Assists in monitoring security cameras, Doppler Radar, and National Weather Service Bulletins; gathers and disseminates related information to appropriate parties.
• Provides referral services/support to other City departments including Public Works, Streets, Sanitation, Environmental Health, Transit, and the Municipal Court.
• Attends training and develops public safety communications knowledge and skills.
• Maintains compliance with established Public Safety Communications policies and procedures.

• High School Diploma or equivalent; no experience is required as this is an entry-level position.
• Basic TCLEOSE Telecommunications Operator, NCIC/TCIC (Less Than Full Access) Operator, TTY, NOAA Skywarn Observer, EMD, CPR, and National Incident Management System (NIMS) IC certifications are required within six months of employment.
• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s License.

Work is performed in a public safety communications environment, working 12 hour shifts that require six (6) employees to be on staff at all times. Subject to sitting for extended periods of time, standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting of objects up to 40 pounds. Exposure to high levels of stress and emotional/psychological challenges common to the delivery of safety sensitive emergency dispatch services is involved.

• 15 vacation days
• 11 paid holidays
• 15 sick days
• Retirement Plan (Texas Municipal Retirement System) with a two to one match
• Paid Health/Dental/Life Insurance
• Cafeteria Plan
• Emergency Leave
• Longevity Pay
• Free employee health clinic
• Tuition reimbursement