Communications Officer I

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary : Under the general supervision of the Shift Supervisor; the Communications Officer I assists with the shift operation of the Communications Center. This position is responsible for knowing and observing all laws, state and national, and the operating procedures which are directed toward fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of this department. Maintains sharp lines of communication with the public.

Knowledge of the functions of the department’s operations and organization are required for this position. The employee in this position is responsible for the operation of radios, computers, 911 and administrative phone lines, and will receive and dispatch messages, a portion of which will be emergent in nature.

Examples of Work (Essential Functions) :

• Answers 911 and other emergency telephones;
• Determines priority of caller’s request while using Computer Aided Dispatch System, and coordinates appropriate resources;
• Communicates with callers to gain clear and concise information, at times when callers are under extreme stress;
• Determines nature of required assistance, location, and other pertinent information; assigns units according to standard operating procedures to ensure emergency assistance is provided quickly;
• Performs radio dispatch for emergency personnel including Police, Fire, Sheriff, Highway Patrol, Emergency Management, Emergency Medical Service, Wildlife and Parks, and other agencies;
• Provides life-saving instructions to the public in emergency situations;
• Monitors various alarm systems and emergency radio frequencies,
• Takes non-emergency telephone calls, providing information upon request to personnel in the field;
• Processes requests for service in a responsible, timely and, accurate manner on a continual basis;
• Makes inquiries, entries, modifications, and cancellations in the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Kansas Law Enforcement System; disseminate information according to procedures;
• Performs various other communications and record keeping functions as needed, including answering other agencies or department telephones after hours;
• Monitors weather conditions and warnings, and activates the weather warning system according to procedures;
• Keeps accurate records of all calls for service;
• Provides general community information to callers;
• Performs other duties as deemed necessary or as required.

Examples of Work (Marginal Functions) :

Certificate, License : Valid driver’s license, Emergency Telecommunicator, CPR, EMD, NCIC, EPD, EFD, ED-Q and / or CTO. Additional certifications to be provided by BCEC when appropriate.

Required Education and / or Experience : One year related experience, High School Diploma or G.E.D.; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Employee is expected to have acquired the necessary information and skills to perform the job reasonably well after eighteen months as a trainee or prior experience. Continuing education is required in this position. Satisfactory completion of annual proficiency tests and annual criminal background reviews to include serious misdemeanors and felony convictions. Must pass physical and psychological examinations and drug screens as required.

Preferred Education and / or Experience : Two years related experience, High School Diploma or G.E.D.; or Associate’s degree; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Abilities, Knowledge, Skills :

Problem Solving : Problem solving exists in this position. Problems include classifying reported emergencies, determining which resources to send based on availability, location, beat assignment, and Standard Operating Procedures, case evaluation for quality improvement processes.

Decision Making : Frequent decision-making exists in this position. Decisions include handling crisis situations while dispatching the correct resources and relaying all pertinent information.

Accountability : Employee does not have budgetary control over the department and does not participate in the annual department budget process.

Supervision : Supervision is provided and job related decisions are occasionally reviewed by the Shift Supervisor. Employee does not have supervisory authority over subordinate personnel.

Personal Relationships : Demonstrated ability to deal with public service agencies and volunteers. Continual interaction with the public. Must possess the ability to work well with others in limited space under stressful conditions.

Working Conditions : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is exposed to very stressful situations where multiple parties may be talking and communicating, the situation can at times seem chaotic. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position may be called out 24 hours a day or rotate being on call. This position involves shift work, rotating days, evenings, nights, and working weekends.

Physical Requirements : The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, grasp, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Lifting, moving, pushing or pulling up to 10 pounds does not generally occur. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Sustained movements of the wrist, hands, and / or fingers in typing or otherwise working primarily with the fingers rather than the whole hand or arm. Ability to hear 25 decibels or less at 500 hz; 4,000 hz; and points in between, as well as accurately interpret what is heard. Visual acuity that is correctable to 20 / 20.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all essential functions, marginal functions, responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.