Telecommunicator

Job Description

TELECOMMUNICATORS WORK A ROTATING 36 HOUR WEEK FOLLOWED BY A 48 HOUR WEEK, WHICH COULD FLEX DOWN TO A 44 HOUR WEEK DETERMINED BY STAFFING. THIS ALLOWS FOR 4 TO 8 HOURS OF OVERTIME PER PAY PERIOD.

Example of Duties

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Operates a computer aided dispatch system in conjunction with a radio system to dispatch appropriate field units via radio, relays information to mobile units, and receives and processes information for departmental officials while constantly monitoring and maintaining contact with field units.
• Operates radio systems for Police, Fire, EMS, Fire Marshal, and other City services.
• Relays and updates necessary information to appropriate City departments and public safety agencies promptly.
• Answers incoming multi-line Emergency 9-1-1 telephone calls and delivers lifesaving medical instructions.
• Answers and directs all incoming non-emergency multi-line phones, including calls to the jail, administration, records, CID, animal control, traffic division, and calls for services that are received at the department. Contacts other law enforcement agencies, citizens, wrecker companies, utilities, railroads, City departments and other support functions to properly handle and process calls for service.
• Processes and retrieves data from the TCIC/NCIC system, monitors incoming teletypes, and other information as required by departmental, state, and federal guidelines.
• Provides training to new and existing employees and maintains specialized training certificates and licenses.
• Confirms and processes international, national, state, and City warrants and other documents according to policy and related laws.
• Works a variety of schedules in a 24 hour, 7 day a week in the Communication Center which includes nights, weekends, and holidays, and is considered essential personnel that work through emergency situations to include hurricanes and other disasters.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent is required
• Ability to pass Criticall computerized testing
• Ability to pass all pre-employment screenings including personal interview, thorough background investigation, and psychological exams

Preferred Licenses or Certifications

• Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification
• TCOLE Basic Telecommunications Certification and License with the ability to receive access from the National Crime Information Center
• At least one (1) year of related work experience preferred, but not required

Supplemental Information

Knowledge of:

• English grammar, spelling, punctuation
• Functions E911 equipment and and telecommunication devices for the hearing and/or speech impaired
• CAD commands, nature codes, and functionality
• TCIC/TLETS procedures
• ProQA dispatching systems and card sets
• Phone systems and directories
• City and departmental policies and procedures; state and local laws and ordinances
• FCC laws concerning using a radio to communicate with field units
• Warrant procedures and processing requirements
• Training and FTO program software
• Surrounding agencies and jurisdictional boundaries
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective and appropriate working relationships
• Keyboarding and data entry
• Listening, comprehension, articulation and decision making
• Providing customer service
• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature
• Operating 9-1-1 equipment and other emergency medical dispatching systems

Ability to:

• Pass extensive pre-employment screening, background investigation, polygraph, and psychological exams
• Obtain TCOLE Basic Telecommunications Certification and other require Licenses within one year of hire date
• Receive access from the National Crime Information Center
• Obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification within one year of hire date
• Gather and disseminate information, clearly, accurately, and rapidly
• Remain calm and level-headed in high stress situations
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents along with electronic files
• Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
• Meet schedules and deadlines of work assignments

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

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

• The position is generally sedentary. Employees sit most of the time, but may walk or stand for brief periods of time.