Communications Officer

Position Title: Communications Officer I

Reports to: Communications Supervisor

Department: Police

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Summary of Position:

This is telecommunications work in monitoring City services radios, answering incoming telephone calls, and dispatching emergency services personnel and equipment. Work involves the operation of radios, telephones, alarm board, computer terminals, printers, and recording equipment. Police, fire, emergency medical service, and animal control calls are received 24 hours every day from the public.

The position dispatches personnel, vehicles, and equipment to the scene of an emergency based on the location and nature of the call. The position also monitors radios for status of City employees and calls. State and national information networks are maintained and records for all calls are established.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Complete GPTSTC Basic Communications Officer Training Course.
• Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency voice and telecommunication device for deaf (TDD) calls: determines nature of call, correct signal or code, simultaneously enters information into the computer aided dispatch (CAD) system and at times may have to simultaneously dispatch the call.
• Dispatches Officer to emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Determines whether callers require medical assistance and contacts the proper agency for EMS/Fire dispatch.
• Forwards information to the appropriate emergency response units or agencies.
• Complete and maintain GCIC/NCIC certification.
• Utilizes computer to enter, send and retrieve information from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) such as driver’s license, weapon registration, vehicle tag, article information, etc. for law enforcement personnel.
• Enters warrants, vehicles, articles and missing persons.
• Validates warrants.
• Processes bonds.
• Attends the lobby window and assists the public with general request for assistance and information.
• Exercises discretion in the performance of the work and regularly uses independent judgment.
• Monitors the video recording equipment used to monitor the different areas of the police department.
• Performs general office duties including but not limited to filing, copying, typing, and distributing reports, mail, and other documents.
• Maintains current knowledge of City/county main thoroughfares, access routes, and construction in progress.
• Performs assigned work as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Must be certified as a terminal operator within 6 months of employment.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.
• Must be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
• Skilled in the use of a computer, and oral and written communications.

Other Job Requirements/Information

• Ability to plan, organize, analyze and make decisions; to maintain complex records and to prepare reports utilizing these records; to plan, establish, and coordinate priorities.
• Some knowledge of or the ability to learn public safety rules, regulations, terminology and methods of operation.
• Some knowledge of or ability to learn police dispatch procedures.
• Some knowledge of or ability to learn telephone and radio operating requirements and techniques.
• Some knowledge of or ability to learn the street system and geography of the City and the location of important buildings and areas.
• Ability to make quick and sound decisions and clearly and effectively communicate orally in crisis situations.
• Must be able to work various shifts which include working on weekends and holidays.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment background investigation, to include but not limited to, a physical examination with drug screening and an oral interview.

***For additional information regarding job specifications see attached job description.***

At-Will Employment:

This classification specification does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the position change.

Employment with the City of Doraville is at-will in accordance with Georgia law.

Equal Opportunity:

The City of Doraville is an Equal Opportunity Employer.