Telecommunications (Police Dispatcher)

Primary Purpose:

To respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance and information. Provide dispatch and communication support services for police, fire, emergency, and related services.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Clear and valid Texas driver's license
• High School diploma/GED
• Obtain telecommunications certificate within one (1) year of employment

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to understand and follow detailed written or verbal instructions
• Ability to perform basic math
• Ability to communicate effectively with others
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to correctly prioritize workload
• Ability to work varying shifts, holidays and overtime

Experience:

• None

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Answer multi-line telephones including E-911 lines.
• Communicate effectively, courteously and clearly, verbally and in writing; includes speaking distinctly, responding promptly, and hearing in the normal range, to protect the safety of officers and the public.
• Simultaneously listen and comprehend both telephone and radio traffic and monitor security systems.
• Document all activity, location and status in the computer aided dispatch system for police personnel, quickly disseminating any additional information.
• Work in a confined area for minimum of 8 hours or more and remain seated for long periods of time entering data into various computer systems on a constant basis.
• Operate multi -channel police radio system.
• Assign appropriate police officer personnel for routine and emergency calls for service.
• Concentrate on assigned task through many distractions.
• Must not pose a direct threat to the health/safety of self or other.
• Operate and perform daily maintenance of equipment, e.g. tape logger.
• Operate all communications equipment in low-light conditions, discerning distinct colors used with the CAD system.
• Assist and record requests for police, fire and emergency medical services from the public and department personnel, via telephone, radios and in person.
• Attend training schools/seminar and other city related events that may require travel (occasionally overnight).
• Type 40 WPM
• Independently make and carry out decisions;
• Competently perform under stress when confronted with emergency and critical situations
• Perform a variety of tasks, often changing quickly from one task to another without loss of efficiency and composure; work without constant direct supervision.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Full-time employees receive:

• Paid medical, dental & life insurance for employee;
• Low-cost vision plan;
• Retirement plan: Member contribution rate 5% matching ratio (City to Member) 2 : 1, years required for vesting 5, retirement eligibility (Age/Service) 60/5, 0/20
• Employee assistance program;
• 12 paid holidays per year;
• Vacation (80 hrs of vacation a year for less than 5 yrs of service, 120 hrs of vacation a year for 5 yrs + of service;
• 80 hours of sick leave a year;
• 2 personal days a year

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals; handheld radio, microphones, keyboards, switchboards.
• Posture: Frequent sitting, standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension, and overhead reaching.
• Lifting: Light lifting and carrying (25 pounds and under).
• Environment: Work indoors; frequent exposure to noise, and vibration; may work alone; occasional prolonged or irregular hours.
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress, Work with frequent interruptions.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.