Communications Officer

Communications Officer

Camden County Sheriff's Office

$19.68 per hour

APPLY ONLINE AT: Camden County Sheriff's Office Career Page

JOB SUMMARY

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 Officer” when in possession of Emergency Medial Dispatcher certification.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Receives and screens incoming calls from the public and other user agencies; categorizes and prioritizes calls, including 911 calls.

• Determines and dispatches the appropriate emergency personnel to incident locations; asks vital questions of callers and provides pre-arrival instructions to callers prior to the arrival of responders as needed.

• Communicates with officers in the field regarding possible hazards, threats, and challenges.

• Monitors and operates radio systems for the county, fire and EMS agencies, and local municipal governments; monitors channels for other agencies.

• Inquires, retrieves, and monitors data from GCIC/NCIC databases; ensures compliance with rules and regulations.

• Enters warrants into NCIC; reviews for accuracy and completeness; clears warrants as appropriate; enters and clears stolen property information.

• Maintains contact with emergency personnel in the field.

• Responds to driver’s license and vehicle information requests.

• Maintains call logs and other related records.

• Receives and transmits calls to K9 units as requested.

• Tests and performs minor equipment maintenance.

• Participates in training exercises.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs other work as required or when directed by administration.

• In the event of an emergency, all Camden County employees are considered essential and may be required to perform alternate duties.

The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform. The omission of specific statements of duties or responsibilities does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of emergency communications principles and practices.

• Knowledge of GCIC/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 making decisions in high pressure and emergency situations.

• Skill in public relations.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Communications Shift Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include GCIC and NCIC guidelines, state and federal regulations, training guidelines, and county and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related emergency communications duties. The necessity of responding to unforeseen and emergency situations contributes to the complexity of the work.

• The purpose of this position is to receive calls emergency and non-emergency calls and to dispatch emergency service personnel as appropriate. Successful performance contributes to the efficient and effective response to emergency and life-threatening situations.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with department personnel, representatives of emergency services agencies, representatives of other local governments, vendors, and the general public.

• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and motivate persons.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects and distinguishes between shades of color.

• The work is typically performed in a communications center.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to a high school diploma.

• 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.

• Ability to meet current requirements set forth by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Council for the State of Georgia.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain GCIC/NCIC certification.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain Emergency Fire Dispatch certification.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain CPR certification.