Communications Officer

General Description

The purpose of this job is to receive, classify, process and dispatch all emergency and non-emergency calls for service utilizing E911, business telephone system, computer aided dispatch and other systems. This position works under close supervision according to set procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Receives, screens, and processes emergency 911 calls from the public and other police/public safety agencies by radio and telephone; evaluates, categorizes and prioritizes calls; determines location of incidents and confirms jurisdiction of request.
• Dispatches appropriate agency personnel to incident locations; determines nature of emergency, type of responder needed, number of units needed and nearest available units; dispatches law enforcement units, fire fighters, ambulances, wreckers, VDOT, utility crews or others as appropriate; coordinates services/action with other fire/rescue and law enforcement agencies.
• Monitors calls after the initial dispatch, including providing pre-arrival medical instructions to callers in accordance with the Emergency Medical Dispatch guidelines.
• Monitors and updates activity of all on duty units via the Computer Aided Dispatch.
• Completes and maintains all testing, training, and certification as required by constituted authority or mandated by statute.
• Performs the necessary functions to enter, delete and maintain information in the electronic data files.
• Works various assigned hours and shifts as required for continuous operation of the ECC.
• Responds to non-emergency calls from the public or other individuals; directs callers to various agencies as appropriate; takes/relays messages for department employees or other departments; contacts various county personnel as needed.
• Responds to requests from authorized individuals for license plate, driver’s license, missing/wanted persons, criminal history, warrant, location of individual, stolen property, telephone number, or other information.
• Apprises the Shift Supervisor of any training requirements, personnel or equipment issues on regular basis.
• Performs general cleaning/maintenance tasks associated with maintaining work areas.
• Monitors security systems and security monitors.
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Requires High School graduation or GED equivalent supplemented by one (1) year of work experience.

Special Certifications and Licenses

Possession of or ability to acquire CPR, APCO Fire Service Communications, VCIN/NCIC Operator certification, Basic Dispatch, National Incident Management System on Introduction (NIMS), Introduction to Incident Command System ICS-100, ICS 700, HIPPA, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Association of Public-Safety Communication Officials (APCO) EMD within one year of employment.

Job Details