Emergency Communications Specialist / Dispatcher

Emergency Communications Specialist

Receives citizen and other incoming 9-1-1 emergency or non-emergency calls; analyzes nature of call depending on life and death status as circumstances are described by conversation; provides verbal emergency or non-emergency assistance or information and, depending on situation priority, directs or dispatches call information to appropriate City individuals / departments for immediate or follow-up action.

Answers calls and, as appropriate, provides verbal instructions, assistance and information; directs for action all 9-1-1 lines, and Police and Fire emergency lines according to standard procedures.

Quickly assesses type, nature and status of emergency or non-emergency call and dispatches for priority follow-up to Police, Fire, EMS, Animal Control, and other City departments.

Answers and relays teletype messages, radio messages, mobile data messages, intercom messages and interoffice messages.

Monitors multiple radio frequencies and operates equipment within standard and non-standard emergency and non-emergency situations and conditions.

Monitors City and other security alarm systems and, when an emergency occurs, notifies and dispatches the appropriate City assistance.

Operates computer systems to enter City and Criminal Investigation Division (CID) warrants; logs in to Texas Crime Information Center (TCIC), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and regional and Tarrant County computer systems to monitor and maintain up-to-date records on stolen items, vehicles, checks and wanted individuals, etc.

Records and maintains department activity records.

Performs related duties as directed when such duties are a logical and appropriate assignment to the position.

Regular and timely attendance are required for this position.

Interacts professionally and respectfully with the public, coworkers and others in the course of daily work.

Must be able to use judgement (developed through education, training and experience) and standard operating procedures to segregate calls by their emergency or non-emergency status.

Ability to elicit information from callers who are under considerable stress.

Good typing skills, particularly with numbers, and prefer familiarity with computer and radio operations and communications equipment.

Requires consistent use of analysis, mental judgment, and discretion often at a very rapid pace due to workload demands that can result in a high pressure / high stress work climate.

Must have the ability to multi-task.

Must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, written communication, leadership, and decision-making / problem solving skills.

Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends and holidays.

High school diploma or equivalent. Requires Basic Telecommunicator License and passing of State licensing test issued by Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) within one year of hire.

Due to Criminal Justice Information Security (CJIS) requirements, the candidate must never have been convicted, put on court-ordered community supervision, or probation for any criminal offense above the grade of Class B misdemeanor or a Class B misdemeanor within the last ten years from the date of the court order. Class A Misdemeanor Conviction, Deferred Adjudication or Felony Conviction are permanent disqualifiers.

All applicants must pass department required testing, oral interview board, and drug / physical screening.

Must pass a Federal / National criminal background investigation and credit check, psychological screening, and polygraph exam.

Must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record as defined by City policy and the ability to obtain a Texas driver's license in accordance with Texas State law.

Must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, Titmus vision screening, Ishihara vision screening, and audio (whisper test) screening.

Works under stress when confronted with emergency, critical, or dangerous situations; performs a variety of tasks, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure; works without constant supervision; courteously assists citizens and the general public and other employees with situations that are frequently complicated or serious in nature; maintains confidentiality with criminal and investigative information; and must concentrate on assigned tasks through many distractions.

WORKS FLEXIBLE HOURS TO INCLUDE ALL SHIFTS; NIGHTS, WEEKENDS, AND HOLIDAYS AND ACCEPT ON-CALL DUTY STATUS.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is regularly required to perform light to medium work that involves walking or standing, use the computer keyboard and mouse, use hands to finger, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear, stand, walk, and stoop, or crouch. This position requires occasionally lifting and / or moving up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. This job requires the ability to work in an office environment where the noise level is usually moderate.