Communication Officer

Incumbent serves as Communication Officer in the E-911 Department, responsible for receiving emergency and non-emergency calls and taking appropriate action, including dispatching information to various response units.

Receives emergency calls, gathers maximum amount of information in minimum amount of time, determines appropriate response, and dispatches Department officers and other emergency personnel, such as Indiana State Police, Emergency Medical Services, and Fire.

Receives non-emergency calls, determines nature of call, responds to inquiries, routes caller to appropriate person, takes messages, or dispatches personnel, such as County and State Highway, Animal Control and Conservation Officers, wreckers, Coroner and Child Protective Services.

Monitors radio frequency activities of various other law enforcement and public safety agencies within the county and surrounding counties, and notifies and/or dispatches local emergency personnel as situations demand. Regularly communicates with field units, assessing unit safety and need for backup, dispatching backup units and other emergency personnel as necessary.

Receives teletypes pertaining to, but not limited to, criminal histories, driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, gun permits, runaways, missing persons, and stolen property.

Maintains accurate records/logs of all complaints, restraining and protective orders, and warrants served and recalled. Maintains complete and accurate log of all radio traffic calls, assigns unit(s), follows up on disposition of call, and enters information on log sheet.

Answers alarms and dispatches police officers for local businesses and residences.

May clock jail personnel in/out, and periodically assist with jail operations in absence of Jail Officers and/or Matron, such as monitoring security cameras, operating control board, communicating with inmates and booking female detainees.

Periodically attends prescribed training programs as required. Dispatches notices regarding Fire and EMS training and meetings.

Performs related duties as assigned.

High school diploma or GED.

Ability to acquire/maintain required certifications, including IDACS Communications, Emergency Medical Dispatch, and First Responder/CPR.

Ability to meet all Department hiring and retention requirements, including incumbent not posing a direct threat to the health and safety of other individuals in the work place.

Working knowledge of and ability to make practical application of customary practices, procedures, rules and regulations of the Department and County, and area law enforcement, EMS and fire demands.

Ability to accurately record all information as required. Ability to maintain confidentiality of Department information as required

Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and punctuation, and ability to type with speed and accuracy and properly use assigned equipment, including radio console, computer, typewriter, fax machine, Enhanced 911 system, intercom phone, Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), copier, tape recorder, dictaphone, and paging systems.

Ability to physically perform the essential duties of the position, including sitting for long periods with little or no opportunity for breaks during shift, and above average split-ear hearing with ability to decipher information received simultaneously.

Ability to effectively listen, comprehend, and communicate with co-workers, other County departments, various law enforcement agencies and emergency response agencies, and the public during varied emergency and non-emergency situations, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.

Ability to successfully and professionally obtain proper information, take control of hysterical, hostile, and/or misinformed individuals, and clearly and calmly respond during emergency/stressful situations.

Ability to take authoritative action as situations demand, appropriately dispatch personnel, condense large amounts of information into coherent remarks.

Thorough knowledge of County geography and ability to use and understand maps. Working knowledge of and ability to properly use radio frequencies, codes, procedures and limitations, and a variety of acronyms and codes.

Ability to work alone and with others in a team environment with minimum supervision and work on several tasks at the same time, often under time pressure.

Ability to work irregular, evening, weekend, and/or extended hours as directed or required.

Incumbent performs a wide variety of communication duties according to service needs of the public. Incumbent makes independent decisions and takes authoritative action in response to situational demands, with work primarily reviewed for adherence to instructions/guidelines, soundness of judgement, appropriate service to the public, and compliance with Department policies and procedures and legal requirements. Errors in decisions or work are usually prevented through procedural safeguards and complete prior instructions from supervisor, and are detected through supervisory review and/or notification from other departments, agencies or the public. Undetected errors may result in inconvenience and/or work delays to other agencies or the public, or endangerment or loss of life to Department personnel and/or others.

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with a wide variety of individuals, including co-workers, other County departments, various law enforcement agencies and emergency response agencies, and the public primarily for purposes of receiving and responding to emergency/non-emergency calls and dispatching personnel. Incumbent regularly engages in non-routine contact with callers requesting emergency assistance in situations that may jeopardize public safety.

Incumbent reports directly to Team Leader.

Incumbent performs a majority of duties in an office environment and is frequently exposed to stressful situations associated with emergency requests for assistance. Incumbent performs duties in a restricted seated position for long periods with little or no opportunity for breaks during shift. Incumbent works irregular and/or extended hours as required.