Communications Officer. Stafford LilyLifestyle

Communications Officer

Communications Officer $24.59/hour or $51,154.90/year (no prior experience as a 911 Dispatcher) Lateral candidates are eligible for 100% credit for up to 10 years of prior service as a 911 Dispatcher Evening & Night Shift Differential Pay - $1/$1.5 per hour Built in Overtime due to rotational shift schedule

Communications Officers work an assigned 12-hour shift (7:00 AM - PM or PM to AM) rotating 3 days on >2 days off >2 days on >3 days off pattern

Required:

Please  (Download PDF reader) to view a list of automatic disqualifiers for this position. These must be reviewed and acknowledged as part of the application process.

Under general supervision, receives and prioritizes non-emergency and E911 calls from the public for law enforcement, fire, rescue and other emergency services. Employee dispatches emergency personnel and public safety officials to emergency situations throughout the County. Employee also receives incoming phone calls to the communications center including emergency and non-emergency calls. Employee may be assigned to work any of four functional areas within the Emergency Communications Center: VCIN, Call-taking, Sheriff's Office Radio or Fire Radio.

Receives emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, rescue and other assistance; adopts appropriate course of action, in accordance with State and federal laws, local ordinances, policies, procedures, and protocols, as well as within established chain of command. Interprets and prioritizes E911 calls for appropriate actions; determines nature of call and type of assistance needed; routes calls for expedient handling. Dispatches appropriate Sheriff's department, fire and/or rescue units using E911 radio and telephone systems;

provides information on location, type of emergency or any other relevant information; provides geographical information, including subdivision names, cross-streets, landmarks, etc.; provides pre-arrival instructions by telephone as needed. Operates a variety of emergency service communications systems; utilizes two-way radio system in accordance with federal and state laws and guidelines; documents all malfunctions in communication system and related equipment; reports errors in mapping and/or database.

Communicates with a variety of public safety officials and personnel and medical personnel. Monitors and conducts tests of the County's natural warning and alarm systems. Maintains records of calls; logs all dispatches, recording time of call and dispatch, dispatch action and disposition of calls or requests. Maintains confidentiality of all matters concerning law enforcement, fire, rescue and other public safety and emergency operations.

Participates in continuous training program to improve communications and skills. Verifies warrants and accesses computer to provide information to law enforcement personnel; enters information on stolen property and missing persons in national and state computer; transmits computer responses on all hit confirmations. Answers administrative telephone lines Sheriff's Office and Fire/Rescue after hours. Performs other related duties as required.

General knowledge of the methods of operating communications systems, radio and teletype procedures. General knowledge of the geography of Stafford County and location of important buildings. Skilled in multitasking, decision-making and critical thinking. Skilled in verbal and written communications, active listening/hearing. Skilled in teamwork, conflict resolution, problem solving, and analytical thinking. Ability to type quickly and accurately, speak clearly and distinctly, effectively operate all communications equipment.

Ability to remain professional with the public under stressful conditions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public. Ability to be dependable, flexible, ethical, mature, respectful, empathetic and tolerant.

High School Diploma or equivalent, supplemented by computer keyboard training required. Must be able to type at a minimum speed of 35 wpm.