Public Safety Communications Officer (911 Dispatcher)

STARTING RATE: $22.52 per hour

HOME DEPARTMENT: Police Department

POSITION SUMMARY:

Dispatches appropriate police, fire, and/or EMS personnel; processes emergency and non-emergency calls; provides information and assistance to callers; maintains communication with callers and response personnel; prepares and maintains emergency communication records; operates and maintains various types of communications equipment; access to state and federal law enforcement databases; coordinates and performs a variety of dispatch functions on behalf of the 911 Communications Center and performs other related duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Answers, processes, documents, and prioritizes emergency and non-emergency calls for service from citizens, officers, local businesses, and other law enforcement agencies; obtains necessary information from callers to provide pre/post arrival instructions for medical, fire and police emergencies.
• Dispatches appropriate police, fire, and/or EMS personnel; tracks the location and status of response units; maintains communication with field personnel; obtains and relays information including but not limited to incident locations, directions and caller/patient updates.
• Accesses and operates multiple confidential databases and programs to process information.
• Maintains contact with City personnel and outside agencies during times of emergency; coordinates mutual aid to neighboring fire, EMS and law enforcement agencies.
• Updates and maintains contact information and lists for City departments, various police divisions and other local community emergency services
• Monitoring and operating multiple job-related software programs on various computers that include but are not limited to Computer Aided Dispatching (CAD), a multiline non-emergency and 9-1-1 phone system, & communicating on a multichannel emergency radio system.
• Operates and assists in routine testing and maintenance of equipment including computers, radios and various communications devices; assists with routine maintenance and cleaning of the communications center including but not limited to: work stations, breakrooms, kitchen, storage rooms and common areas.
• Communicating clearly both verbally and in writing; utilizing maps and other resource materials; prioritizing and task switching during high levels of activities; controlling stressful emergency situations calmly and concisely; acquiring and maintaining a working knowledge of city streets, geography, boundaries, thoroughfares, landmarks, businesses, and locations of police, fire and EMS stations and districts; entering, retrieving, and compiling data from a variety of databases. Skill in typing and using computer systems.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• A High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of least 18 years of age.
• One year (1) experience preferred in either an emergency dispatch center or closely related experience in fields such as: customer service, call centers or fast paced work environments.
• Must pass a skills test including an acceptable working knowledge of computer operations, data entry with an emphasis on accuracy and speed; 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.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES REQUIRED:

• Must possess a valid Texas Driver’s license.
• Licensed Public Safety Telecommunications from Texas Commission on Law Enforcement required within one year of employment.
• TCIC/NCIC certification from Texas Department of Public Safety required within six months of employment.
• CPR certification required within one year of employment.
• Emergency Medical Dispatch Certification required within one year of employment.
• Must show consistent progress throughout and complete all modules in allotted time frame of the City of Schertz's 9-1-1 Telecommunications Training program.
• Must be a U.S. citizen at time of hire.

To view the full Job Description and Police Department Hiring Standards, click the attachments.

The salary range listed is based on qualifications and level of experience.

Job Post Closing Date: Open Until Filled