Communications Officer

This position is responsible for answering emergency and non-emergency calls and for dispatching appropriate personnel. An incumbent in this position may be designated “Senior Communications Officer.”MAJOR DUTIES

• Receives and screens incoming calls from the public and other user agencies; categorizes and prioritizes calls, including 911 calls. 
• Determines and dispatches the appropriate emergency personnel to incident locations; provides emergency medical instructions to callers prior to the arrival of responders as needed. 
• Receives and processes non-emergency calls; forwards to appropriate department; receives and processes after-hours complaints from the general public.
• Inquires, retrieves, and monitors data from ACJIC/NCIC database; ensures compliance with rules and regulations; retrieves and enters information related to warrants, stolen property, and missing persons. 
• Maintains contact with emergency personnel in the field; provides information to the responding units regarding location, directions, changes to circumstances, etc.; responds to information requests from responding units.
• Provides pre-arrival instructions to callers in compliance with Alabama Emergency Medical Dispatch guidelines. 
• Coordinates assistance from other agencies and/or departments as requested, including contacting other agencies for response to specific instructions. 
• Operates telecommunications equipment, including radios, telephones, CAD and mapping systems, AJCIC/NCIC database, telecommunications devices, weather monitoring equipment, etc.
• Monitors and utilizes non-emergency radios as needed.
• Initiates warning sirens when advised by proper authorities and maintains testing of equipment.
• Notifies power and cable companies during emergencies as advised by first responders.
• Dispatches wrecker services as advised by law enforcement.
• Maintains alarm systems and monitors security cameras.
• Must be able to work overtime, non-standard hours, weekends, and holidays and change shifts as needed.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION
 

• Knowledge of emergency communications principles and practices.
• Knowledge of CJIC/NCIC policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of emergency dispatch procedures.
• Knowledge of radio and telecommunications equipment.
• Knowledge of CAD system operations principles.
• Skill in the use of computers and job-related software programs.
• Skill in making decisions in high pressure and emergency situations.
• Skill in public relations.
• Skill in interpersonal relations.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in typing proficiency of at least 25WPM, preferred.
• Skill in the simultaneous operation of systems and equipment to involve and coordinate multi-agency response to calls.
• Must have the ability to maintain emotional stability to work effectively in stressful situations.
• Ability to attend and complete training as assigned. 

 
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
 
The Communications Supervisor assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.
 
GUIDELINES
 
Guidelines include city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.
 
COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK
 

• The work consists of related emergency communications duties. The necessity of responding to unforeseen and emergency situations contributes to the complexity of the work.
• The purpose of this position is to participate in the receiving of emergency and non-emergency calls and in dispatching emergency service personnel as appropriate. Successful performance contributes to the efficient and effective response to emergency and life-threatening situations.

 
CONTACTS
                                                                      

• Contacts are typically with department personnel, other city personnel, representatives of other emergency services agencies, hospital and other medical personnel, representatives of a variety of external agencies, utility providers, wrecker company employees, and the general public.
• Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, resolve problems, provide services, and motivate persons.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT
 

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects.
• The work is typically performed in a Communications Center.

 
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
 
None.
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Must be at least 19 years old.
• Proficiency in typing/ minimum of 25WPM is preferred. 

Salary : $18 - $28