Telecommunicator 1-2

Description

This position is open until filled.
The Human Resources Office is unable to provide status updates by telephone.
The salary range is listed above. Starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience.

The Telecommunicator performs responsible public safety communications and office support work for the law enforcement, fire, and rescue functions in the County, including gathering medical information to provide Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) information to responders. An employee in this class receives incoming routine and emergency calls and dispatches emergency and non-emergency calls for personnel in the County using 2-way radios, computer aided dispatch, telephone and TDD machines. Work is performed in accordance with Departmental policy and State and federal law. Work is performed under regular supervision and is evaluated through observation, monitoring of radio communication, discussion, and review of reports.

Essential Job Functions

• Receives routine and emergency telephone calls and personal requests for assistance concerning crimes, fires, rescue needs, or general information; identifies the locations of callers to choose and dispatch the proper law enforcement, fire, or rescue department or unit.
• Operates a variety of electronic equipment to maintain contact with Sheriff and Police personnel, multiple fire units and emergency rescue personnel, and other law enforcement units; dispatches officers to answer requests for assistance.
• Interviews callers to determine nature of concern and provides information about the situation as it develops and/or background information from the DCI; provides pre-arrival medical instructions using EMD system.
• Operates terminal connected with the DCI to obtain driver’s history, vehicle registration data and criminal record information; checks warrants; runs vehicle inquiries and driver license history checks for law enforcement agencies.
• Maintains communications logs and reports including the nature of calls, actions taken, and the times involved.
• Monitors public and private fire and security alarm systems; activates monitors to dispatch volunteer agencies; transfers appropriate calls to state patrol.
• Monitors activities of law enforcement officers on patrol and makes radio contact to ensure safety; takes and transmits personal and Departmental messages.
• Takes and transmits after-hours calls for municipal utilities and County social services, mental health, and animal control.
• Works in the communications center to receive calls during weather and other emergencies such as hurricanes, ice and snow; informs emergency response personnel, local hospitals, rest homes, nursing homes and County departments of severe weather warnings provided by National Weather Service and other agencies.
• Performs routine maintenance of office equipment and work area.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:
Requires a high school diploma or equivalent and six (6) months related experience in customer service and public contact, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Communications and dispatching experience is preferred.

Telecommunicator I – Pay Grade 64
Licenses or Certifications:

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Possession of First Aid and CPR certification or obtain within 6 months of hire.

• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Possession of First Aid and CPR certification.
• Certified Medical (EMD) and Fire (EFD) Emergency Telecommunicator through the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch within or obtain within 6 months of hire.

• Knowledge of local government operations, policies and plans, and modern office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other similar programs.
• Knowledge of the operation of an electronic radio and telecommunications system and related Federal Communications Commission regulations.
• Knowledge of the functions, practices, and procedures of the Sheriff’s Office, Police Department, multiple fire departments, emergency rescue units, and other law enforcement agencies.
• Knowledge of the physical layout of the County.
• Skill in operating a two-way radio and multi-line telephone system.
• Skill in prioritizing and organizing work.
• Skill in relaying accurate information in a time sensitive manner.
• Skill in verbal and written communication.
• Ability to accurately receive and transmit radio communications.
• Ability to assess people and situations, to apply sound judgment, to remain calm under stressful conditions, and to elicit sufficient and essential information for dispatching and assisting field personnel.
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly.
• Ability to maintain accurate and complete work activity records and files, including operating computer terminals.
• Ability to work simultaneously on different calls with different agencies and staff.
• Ability to meet and deal with employees and the public in an effective and courteous manner.
• Ability to get along with others, and work effectively with the public and co-workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evening meetings.
• Ability to multi-task and work within deadlines.
• Ability to deal with confidential and sensitive matters.
• Ability to use computers for data entry, word processing, and accounting purposes.
• Ability to operate a copying machine.
• Ability to use tact, firmness, decisiveness, and judgment in obtaining necessary information from people who are under extreme stress and choosing appropriate courses of action.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is sedentary work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. Requires mental acuity including the ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, the ability to express ideas by means of the spoken word and have close visual acuity to operate computer equipment, and maintain and review written and computerized records and reports.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a relatively safe, and secure work environment.

Please Note:
If offered a position, official transcripts/verification of education must be submitted directly to the Human Resources Office from the educational institution(s) listed on application. Positions requiring a minimum education/certification must also have official documents submitted to the Human Resources Office. Unofficial transcripts may be submitted by the candidate with the application for consideration of meeting minimum job requirements.

Vance County is an Equal Opportunity Employer