911 Communications Specialist

Job Description

This position is responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls and for dispatching appropriate personnel. An incumbent in this position may be designated "Senior Communications Specialist."

In this position the Communications Specialists works rotating shifts including overnights, weekends and holidays.

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Examples of Duties

• Operates an intelligent workstation consisting of computer aided dispatch, integrated radio and telephony technology, GIS mapping technology and other related communications equipment to ensure the timely and effective dispatching of emergency and support services.
• Receives and responds to emergency, non-emergency and administrative calls; interrogates callers, analyzes information, priorities events and makes determinations of response requirements; provides prearrival and post-dispatch instructions.
• Dispatches and manages police, fire, rescue and other resources.
• Receives and transmits radio and telephone communications to and from units operating in the field.
• Monitors public service radio frequencies; tracks and records the location of field personnel and resources.
• Completes regular and special reports and maintains files, logs and records.
• Inspects equipment for proper operation and reports malfunctions to supervisor.
• Activates civil defense sirens and pagers for emergency and inclement weather situations.
• Completes required training.
• Performs related duties.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain NCIC certification.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of emergency communications principles and practices.
• Knowledge of NCIC policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of emergency dispatch procedures.
• Knowledge of radio and telecommunications equipment.
• Knowledge of CAD system functions and maintenance.
• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in planning, organizing, analyzing, decision making, and problem solving.
• Skill in making decisions in high pressure and emergency situations.
• Skill in public relations.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.

• Knowledge of supervisory concepts and practices.
• Skill in training and supervising personnel.
• Communications Training Officer (CTO) Certification.