Communications Officer

This position is responsible for assisting in the dispatch of emergency services.

This job is a safety sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Barrow County Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace.

MAJOR DUTIES

Answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls for service; determines nature of the call and the type of assistance needed.

Utilizes the Computer Aided Dispatch System to record, track, log, and assign calls to appropriate personnel.

Relays information over county-wide emergency communications radio system to appropriate emergency response personnel according to department policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Assists callers in high-stress situations such as domestic violence, suicide threats, medical emergencies, burglaries and robberies, auto accidents, and other incidents.

Performs multiple tasks simultaneously such as talking to callers on the phone or radio and typing information into the computer.

Receives, monitors, and dispatches radio traffic for law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical services, and other agencies.

Dispatches appropriate agency personnel to incident locations according to established departmental guidelines.

Enters data into and obtains data from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) networks.

Calls businesses and the public as a support function to obtain or relay information to / from officers.

Provides locations and directions to officers and the public using various mapping tools.

Participates in annual training classes and courses to maintain certification.

Participates in coordinating emergency response and assistance from external agencies.

Notifies appropriate personnel and / or supervisor of critical situations, weather-related information, and problems with communications or computer equipment.

Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.

Knowledge of GCIC / NCIC rules and regulations.

Knowledge of laws pertaining to emergency communications such as FCC regulations.

Knowledge of county roadways, landmarks, businesses, and other geographical information within the county.

Skill in interpersonal communications.

Skill in oral and written communications.

Skill in judgement and decision making regarding scope of work.

Skill in performing duties during stressful situations.

Skill in working with Computer Aided Dispatch System.

Skill in mentoring others.

Skill in computer operations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.

Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship / internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.

Possession of or ability to readily obtain GCIC / NCIC certification, must be obtained within 12 months.

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