JOB
POSITION DUTIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
SUMMARY OF DUTIES:
The Public Safety Communications Specialist I (PSCS I) – Trainee position at the City of Tucson’s Public Safety Communications Department participates in both classroom and on-the-job training with a Communications Training Officer (CTO) and will learn to answer and process emergency and non-emergency calls, gather and record information into computer systems, assess the level and type of response needed, and act as a point of contact for citizens requesting assistance or information related to other City of Tucson services.
Work is performed under the supervision of the Public Safety Communications Supervisor. This position does not supervise.
Working Conditions:
Department operates 24/7, 365 days per year and Individuals in this position will be required to work nights, weekends and holidays. Scheduled hours/days are subject to change.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: *
Call Taking & Customer Service (40%) - Essential
Screens and answers all incoming calls to gather information from 3-1-1 non-emergency and 9-1-1 emergency calls for service. Assists callers with non-emergent issues (3-1-1) by providing them with City resources and information that address their concerns or questions. Assists callers with potential life-threatening and emergency issues (9-1-1) requiring Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical (EMS) response by providing immediate life-saving instructions prior to first responder arrival. Operates multiple administrative telephone lines and utilizes language service providers and Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) when necessary. Uses various geographical maps to pinpoint callers' location.
Call Assessment & Decision Making (35%) - Essential
Uses call data to prioritize and determine if an emergency or non-emergency response is needed. Utilizes defined dispatch protocols to input incident data into Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system under strict time constraints for emergency response. Utilizes intuitive triaging platform to record information gathered from calls, assess level and type of response needed, and to provide lifesaving instructions.
Department Collaboration (10%) - Essential
Provides assistance for requests to appropriate public safety agencies and City departments and tracks public work orders and property watches. Enters, retrieves, and updates information from 3-1-1, and non-emergency law enforcement communication networks related to wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and other information. Partners with Crisis handlers for calls requiring emergency mental or emotional attention. Enters service requests for maintenance and repairs of City resources, facilities or other issues into City of Tucson’s 3-1-1 request and work management system.
Mentoring (10%) - Essential
Offers assistance and support to new personnel throughout their employment by sharing knowledge and experience. Assists in special projects and provides backup as needed.
Other Duties (5%) - Non-Essential
Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

• All duties, responsibilities, and percentage of time listed are subject to change.

QUALIFICATIONS:
POSTION SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS
Must be at least 18 years of age
Must obtain Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) Network Terminal Operator Certification (TOC) within 6 months of employment
Must obtain CPR Certification within 6 months of employment
Must pass Background and Polygraph Non-NIDA Drug Test
Must pass Hearing Test

• PSCS I-Trainee will obtain ACJIS and CPR certification during training.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Familiarity with Windows computer programs with minimum typing speed of 40 WPM
Familiarity with computer systems and data entry
Spanish/English bilingual skills
Previous experience in a call center or public safety field
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION:
Position Title:
Public Safety Communications Specialist I - Trainee
Department Name:
Public Safety Communications
Department Link:
https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Public-Safety-Communications
FTE%:
FLSA:
Non-Exempt
Position Type:
Regular
POSTING INFORMATION
Posting Close Date:
Applicants must submit their completed application by 05-04-2024 at 11:59 p.m. MST
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please see the special application instructions below and follow the directions for applying to this position.
Special Instructions:

• Starting Hourly Rate is $18.00; increase of $2.00 upon successful completion of training

Experience working as an emergency 911 operator or dispatcher
Fluent in more than one language
Background Check: This position has been designated to require a criminal background check.
CITY OF TUCSON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), national origin, veteran status, age, disability, genetic testing, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination, you may file a complaint with the City of Tucson's Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney General's Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD). Click for more information from ACRD about employment discrimination and how to file a complaint with ACRD
The City of Tucson employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at EmployeeLeaves@tucsonaz.gov or 520-791-2619.