Communications Officer I

Dispatches law enforcement, fire, rescue and public works equipment and personnel in response to both emergency and nonemergency situations and disseminates information to the public and emergency services. Exceptional customer service skills must be exercised to assist a wide range of people. This position must maintain confidentiality. This work is fast-paced and diverse.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Processes 911 and non-emergency calls for all public safety and public works agencies.
• Performs call assessment, obtaining crucial and pertinent information, frequently from hysterical or irate callers; classifies and prioritizes problem, determines and coordinates appropriate response by emergency personnel and equipment.
• Provides necessary emergency medical dispatch instructions to callers’ experiencing medical crisis.
• Monitors public safety units and maintains status of each through the cad system to effectively coordinate response.
• Handles time-sensitive and confidential information, determining dissemination of the same.
• Operates various complex communications equipment such as the nationwide criminal information network (NCIC), 800mhz regional radio system, computer aided dispatch system, mapping system and telephone system.
• Sends receives, disseminates messages to and from other agencies through the Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN)
• Receives, processes, and handles VCIN related task such as VCIN entries, modifications, clear/cancel records; assists in 2nd party cross checks of VCIN entries.
• Provides testimony in criminal court proceedings.
• Makes appropriate notifications, such as alarm notifications, wrecker service, etc., as requested by public safety responders.
• Works various assigned hours and shifts as required for continuous operation of the communications center including mandatory overtime.
• Maintains confidentially.
• Keeps in telephone contact with caller when situations dictate.
• Ensures center equipment is always operating properly and reports need repairs to the supervisor.
• Works with other outside agencies during large scale incidents to coordinate appropriate mutual aid responses.
• Performs related task as required.
• Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested by management. 
• Participates in employee meetings and training as needed.
• Performs special projects as assigned.

Education/Experience/Certifications:

• Any combination of education equivalent to a high school diploma  or  general education degree (GED).
• Associate’s degree or equivalent a plus.
• Two years’ experience and a stable work history preferred.
• Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license, proof of insurance required to drive on county business, and acceptable driving record.
• Must acquire a valid Virginia Department of  Criminal  Justice  Services  Basic Telecommunicator certificate with 24 months of employment as required by  the  Virginia  Department  of  Criminal  Justice   services (DCJS), as well as completion of the DCJS on-the-job training certification.
• Must acquire International Academy of Emergency Dispatch EMD, EFD and EPD course and CPR course within 6  months  of  employment.
• Must acquire  a VCIN  full access  certificate  within  6  months  of  employment, as required by the Virginia Department of State Police VCIN operating manual.
• Must successfully complete IS100, IS 200, and IS 700 National Management (NIMS) training with 6 months of employment.
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 

• Knowledge of the methods of operating the communications system
• Knowledge of radio and teletype procedures
• Knowledge of the geography of the County and location of important buildings
• Skill in typing accurately on a standard keyboard at a rate of no less than 30 wpm;
• Skill in effective communication, both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in the use of computers and software applications related to the essential functions of the job.
• Ability to speak clearly; ability to hear/understand all audio communications systems (i.e. radio, telephone, etc.) within the confines of the communications center; capable of accurately viewing a computer screen (i. E. CAD, ANI/ALI, Teletype, Telephone, etc.) from a seated position as not to interfere with performing other essential duties;
• Ability to perform assigned duties daily with no deviation under extended high levels of stress.
• Ability to speak distinctly; ability to operate all communications equipment.
• Ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility; ability to deal courteously with the public under stressful conditions.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a diverse professional team and / or independently.
• Ability to establish / maintain effective working relationships with employees, county officials, vendors, and the public. Strong quality and service minded.
• Consistently demonstrates ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner to meet current needs and reprioritizes work as necessary.