Dispatch Communications Officer - Hendricks

General Purpose

The Communications Officer is responsible for answering and assessing both emergency and non‑emergency calls and dispatching the appropriate employees to the incident. We are accepting laterals; if you meet the qualifications, lateral pay will be considered. Probationary 911 Communications Officer pay is $28 per hour.

• Receives emergency calls, gathers maximum information in minimum time, determines appropriate response, and dispatches emergency personnel accordingly, while comforting emotionally distraught persons and providing instructions.
• Maintains all training requirements within the Center and any required outside training.
• Maintains good public relations with citizens and community agencies.
• Monitors radio networks continuously, responds to assistance requests, maintains the location and status of user activity, and transmits information to appropriate users.
• Verifies, enters, maintains, documents, and retrieves IDACS/NCIC information for county and other law‑enforcement departments and agencies (e.g., courts, prosecutors, probation departments), including criminal histories, driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations, gun permits, missing persons, and stolen property; contacts state and local highway, street departments, and institutions regarding severe weather.
• Processes records such as handgun permits and vehicle identification confirmation for the Indiana State Police Firearms section and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
• Maintains efficient operation of the Center’s communications systems and other assigned equipment.
• Recognizes and contacts appropriate vendors during system failures, and functions properly during any system failures.
• Provides pre‑arrival instructions when necessary.
• Monitors all security systems and recording devices pertaining to the operations of the Center.
• Provides road and weather information upon request.
• Maintains current knowledge of county, including municipalities, subdivisions, streets, businesses, and telephone prefixes.
• Pages all required fire department runs concerning general tone, out‑of‑district incidents, and hospital diversions.
• Fax warrants and other information as requested to agencies, and prepares fire run reports.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

To perform this job successfully, applicants must pass each phase of the hiring process:
Computer Aptitude – Critical, Interview, Background Investigation, Psychological Exam, and Medical Exam. Reasonable accommodations may be made for disabilities.

• High school diploma or GED, or one year of related experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Emergency Medical Dispatcher and Communications Training Officer certifications are required.
• Previous experience in a dispatch or call center environment is desired.

• Computer software skills:
  Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Computer‑Aided Dispatch.
• Operation of computerized public safety information systems, radio equipment, telephone systems, alarm systems, and other communication equipment.
• Knowledge of principles, laws, policies, methods, practices, and regulations related to emergency equipment dispatch.
• Clear communication in stressful and sometimes difficult situations.
• Knowledge of police and fire department systems and practices.
• Ability to identify, coordinate, and resolve a wide variety of issues related to emergency dispatch operations.
• Knowledge of radio frequencies, procedures, limitations, acronyms, and codes.
• Knowledge of County geography and area law enforcement.
• Sound decision‑making, exercising independent judgment within established protocols and guidelines.
• Reporting skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with residents, vendors, and other Town departments.
• CPR/AED certification.
• Ability to keep all required licenses, certifications, and in‑service requirements current.
• Ability to operate a computer, printer, copy machine, scanner, fax machine, and other…