Dispatcher

General PurposeProvides for the safety and service of the public and first responders by staffing a high volume, 24‑hour Communications Unit responsible for emergency and non‑emergency call taking and the dispatching of police, fire, EMS and city services.Supervision ReceivedWorks under the supervision of the Communications Supervisor.Supervision ExercisedLimited supervision is exercised in the capacity of Communications Training Officer.Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesIdeal candidates will comprehend the significance of the role of Telecommunicator in the provision of public safety alongside other first responders such as Police, Fire and EMS personnel.Must possess an excellent attitude and the ability to remain positive and professional when under stress, working shift work and/or processing repeat negative and/or traumatic incidents.Must simultaneously take calls, radio dispatch, prioritize calls for service, manage incidents, units and resources, and log incident details in the computer‑aided dispatching software during normal and high volume periods.Must demonstrate a high level of proficiency in hearing, comprehending and documenting radio traffic.Must be dependable and flexible with regards to scheduling and time off. The position requires an indefinite schedule assignment to night or evening shift and includes weekends, holidays and overtime. Overtime is mandated and may occur with little notice.Must remain effective under significant stress when making decisions that may affect the preservation of life and property.Provides for the safety of first responders by monitoring units and following department‑specific operating procedures for police, fire and EMS.Dispatches police, fire, EMS, city services and other agency resources in an accurate and timely manner using multiple radio channels, phones, computers and other means.Manages active and out‑of‑service resources and units during routine and critical incidents.Must have a genuine desire to engage in exceptional service by assisting customers with reaching emergency and non‑emergency services, regardless of politeness, hysteria or hostility during interaction.Must be able to work as part of a team comprised of strong personalities, and have the ability to make critical decisions as an individual.Must have exceptional reading comprehension skill and be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.Answers multi‑line emergency and non‑emergency phone calls and provides pre‑arrival emergency medical instructions, including first aid and CPR.Resolves repeat, unique and sometimes complex problems on a regular basis under normal and high stress conditions.Must be proficient in the use of computers, be able to learn to operate software, databases, and office equipment, and assist the IT department with troubleshooting.Works primarily in a computerized environment requiring monitoring of security/alarm systems, use of records management and computer‑aided dispatch software, TCIC/NCIC/SETCIC/JIMS and other government databases, Windows, Microsoft Office Suite, and other internet‑based programs.Works in a quasi‑military environment within a chain of command.Assists with a variety of departmental support functions during critical incidents and remains stationed at the department or other designated facility for 24 hours a day over multiple days to resolve critical incidents, including hurricanes.Activates emergency alert systems in response to foul weather, chemical releases, active threats and other emergencies. May be responsible for initiating an emergency alert system notification without prompting of a supervisor/director.Obtains required licenses, certifications and training as defined by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, Texas Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and policy, and ensures compliance with accreditation standards, department policy, local, state and federal law.Must exercise a high degree of professionalism with fellow employees and the public.Must satisfactorily perform other job roles and duties as assigned, including but not limited to Communications Training Officer, Emergency Medical Dispatch Instructor, TCOLE instructor, Citizen's Police Academy instructor and other administrative and community relations functions.Peripheral DutiesPerforms other duties related to the effective operation of the Communications Unit as required and clerical duties requiring the use of standard office equipment.Performs special assignments as assigned by the Communications Supervisor.Certifications To Be Obtained Within 6‑12 MonthsTCIC/NCICTLETS/NLETSCPREmergency medical dispatchingCrisis communicationsBasic telecommunicationsTTY/TDD911 equipment trainingEducation and ExperienceGraduation from high school or GED equivalent.Preferred, but not required: one‑year job‑related experience.Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesMust have valid Texas driver's license.Must type a minimum of 40 words per minute.Must have essential hearing and visual ability.Must be at least 20 years of age at time of appointment.United States Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States.Must not have any convictions for Class B misdemeanors or higher, retroactive for 10 years.Must not have any felony convictions, or convictions for driving while intoxicated/under the influence of drugs, assault involving family violence, or any crime involving moral turpitude.Tools and EquipmentMultiple multi‑line telephones, computer equipment, computer‑aided dispatch software, GPS and mapping software, emergency medical dispatch software, records management software, internet‑based programs, software programs including but not limited to Microsoft Office and Adobe, copy/fax/scanning machine, 10‑key, 9‑1‑1 telephone system, security/monitoring systems, telecommunications devices for the Deaf and hard of hearing, and other equipment commonly associated with an office environment.Physical DemandsThe job duties require an employee to work under stressful conditions.The physical demands described 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 duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to grasp, touch, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls, and occasionally reach with hands and arms.The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this position include the ability to adjust focus from near and far distance, to read multiple computer screens and documents of different media type, differing fonts and text sizes, and the ability to use peripheral vision to monitor multiple systems.Specific hearing abilities required by this position include the ability to hear, comprehend and distinguish between multiple, concurrent sources of sound including radios, phones, alerts, and voices.Occasionally, the need arises for this position to drive to other locations.#J-18808-Ljbffr

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