Communications Specialist

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

Department: Police Department

FLSA Status: Nonexempt

JOB SUMMARY

Highly specialized and demanding work that involves receiving, prioritizing, and accurately dispatching all calls for service in a timely manner to the appropriate agency for the City of Page.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Handles a high volume of public contact necessitating good customer service skills.
• Communicates with a wide variety of citizens in various emotional states.
• Answers 9-1-1 and routine calls, including cell phone calls from Page and surrounding areas. Determines jurisdiction and accurately dispatches in a timely manner to the appropriate law enforcement, fire, and/or EMS units.
• Receives and dispatches a variety of calls.
• Answers calls from the hearing and speech-impaired by operating a telephonic device for the deaf (TDD).
• Responds to radio traffic generated by Page Police and Fire Department as well as Greenhaven Fire Department.
• Communicates by radio with numerous other public service, law enforcement and EMS agencies.
• Enters, modifies, confirms, clears, and retrieves data from the ACIC/NCIC criminal justice terminal.
• Maintains a log of all officer traffic, radio traffic, telephone calls and window traffic by entering the information into a computer-aided system (CAD).
• Retrieves information as needed for officers, administrators, other agencies, courts, lawyers, etc. from the CAD system.
• Enters all involvements and dispositions.
• Trains new dispatchers.
• Performs Notary services.
• Participates in Serving Our Seniors (SOS) Program for the elderly.
• Monitors all doors to control access to the Police Department.
• Works closely with social services agencies that provide resources within the community.
• Answers after hour calls for community social programs and contacts personel as needed.
• Participates in internal and external education programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED; and
• One (1) year of previous clerical experience in positions involving public contact with some prior work exposure to law enforcement and public safety functions preferred;
• or any equivalent combination of related education and experience.

Licenses or Certifications:

• None.

Special Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• No felony convictions.
• Required to obtain and maintain ACIC/NCIC Level A terminal operator certification within three (3) months of employment.
• Must successfully complete a department-administered background investigation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of computers and electronic data processing; working knowledge of modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of jurisdiction to facilitate dispatching out-of-town calls.
• Ability to demonstrate typing skills to meet the demands of the job. Prefer 35 words per minute.
• Ability to effectively deal with the public; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; ability to handle stressful situations.
• Ability to quickly and retain information learned.
• Ability to learn and strictly adhere to department procedures.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all police matters.
• Ability to use communications console, including computer-aided systems; personal computer including word processing software; E-911 system; ACIC/NCIC computer; copy machine; fax machine; Motorola radio; TDD.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must be able to meet minimum physical and medical standards as set forth by Page Police Department.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work requires decision-making that could lead to major community or organizational consequences if this position fails to make the appropriate decision(s) at the time.

Page has the right to revise this job description at any time. This description does not represent in any way a contract of employment.