Emergency Communications Officer

Role Overview

Performs intermediate telecommunications work under frequent stressful conditions. Work is in the receipt of emergency and non-emergency calls for service from the public, law enforcement, and fire and rescue communities, as well as maintenance of radio communications with same emergency units. Extensive training is completed during initial months of employment, followed by a period of close supervision until a degree of proficiency is demonstrated in each phase of work. After the training period is completed, work is performed under regular supervision.

Role Description

• Receiving, classifying, processing and dispatching emergency service calls; receiving, recording and forwarding non-emergency service calls; preparing and maintaining records and files; preparing reports.
• Receives, screens, processes and monitors emergency 911 calls from the public and other police/public safety agencies by radio and telephone; evaluates, categorizes and prioritizes calls; determines location of incidents and confirms jurisdiction of requests.
• Gathering, analyzing, and reporting critical information during life-or-death situations such as crimes in progress, medical emergencies, and fire/rescue incidents;
• Dispatches appropriate agency personnel to incident locations; determines nature of emergency, type of responder needed, number of units needed and nearest available units; dispatches law enforcement units, fire fighters, ambulances, wreckers, breathalyzer operators, VDOT, utility crews or others as appropriate; coordinates services/actions with other fire/rescue and law enforcement agencies.
• Operates telephones, communications equipment and computers associated with police, fire, rescue and emergency medical communications; operates general office equipment such as a typewriter, printer, copy machine, facsimile machine, shredder or calculator.
• Managing communications of emergency personnel responding to incidents and assisting with incident operations during events such as active shooter and officer down responses; monitors status/location of responding emergency units; assists emergency personnel in locating addresses; provides pre-arrival medical instructions as appropriate; conveys information between callers and emergency personnel, general public, public safety agencies, utilities, businesses, alarm companies, department personnel or other individuals/agencies; responds to requests from officers for backup, emergency units, information or other assistance; notifies hospitals of major accidents.
• Responds to non-emergency calls from the public or other individuals; directs callers to various agencies as appropriate; takes/relays messages for department employees or other departments; pages various county personnel as needed.
• Responds to requests from authorized individuals for license plate, driver’s license, missing/wanted person, criminal history, warrant, location of individual, stolen property, telephone number, or other information.
• Operates teletype terminals on NCIC/VCIN networks; monitors VCIN computer; provides information to deputies; inputs and retrieves a variety of data.
• Administering care by providing pre-arrival medical instruction or directing callers through procedures such as CPR, childbirth, or controlling of blood loss while emergency medical services are enroute;
• Enters warrants issued by numerous jurisdictions into system; enters incident reports completed by officers or investigators; enters all information pertaining to report.
• Enters or clears stolen property and wanted or missing subjects into VCIN and NCIC systems; requests criminal histories.
• Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks associated with maintaining work areas.
• Performs related tasks as required.
• Bilingual a plus!

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

General knowledge of the methods of operating the communications system; general knowledge of radio and teletype procedures; general knowledge of the geography of the County and location of important buildings; ability to type and enter data at a reasonable rate of speed; ability to speak distinctly; ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility; ability to deal courteously with the public under stressful conditions; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or GED with certifications and training as indicated below in the Special Requirements section and moderate experience in communications basics or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

Ability to satisfactorily complete the in-house public safety communication officer training program; ability to satisfactorily complete the Department of Criminal Justice Basic Dispatcher Academy; ability to obtain and maintain Public Safety Telecommunicator I, Fire Service Communications, Active Shooter, Crisis Intervention Training, Virginia Criminal Information Network/National Crime Information Center, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, Incident Command System 100,200, National Incident Management System 700, Radiological Training at North Anna Power Plant, and Emergency Medical Dispatch Certifications; ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously; ability to successfully complete probationary period.

Orange County is an equal opportunity employer. Orange County does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected class as established by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $37,535.00 - $48,795.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 12 hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Holidays
• Night shift
• On call
• Overnight shift
• Overtime
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Orange, VA 22960 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $37,535 - $48,795