Communications Officer (Dispatcher)

Position Summary:

Performs a variety of routine clerical, administrative and technical work in receiving and dispatching routine and emergency information; keeping official records; and assisting in the administration of the standard operating policies and procedures of the dispatch center.

Essential Functions:

• Receive emergency service calls from the public requesting law enforcement, animal control, fire, ambulance or other emergency service; determine nature, location, and priority of emergency; dispatch emergency units as necessary; maintain compliance with established procedures for operating a dispatch system. Receive and forward non-emergency calls to proper personnel or departments; receive and dispatch water, sewer, and street department calls on holidays, weekends, and after hours.
• Maintain contact with all units in assignments using a two-way radio; maintain status and location of law enforcement and fire units; maintain daily log of all field calls and units dispatched. Monitor all communications related to performance of police, fire, EMS, animal control, and public works functions. Maintain written records on a variety of log forms and time cards.
• Answer multi-line telephones, including 911 lines. Communicates effectively, courteously and clearly in English, verbally and in writing; including speaking distinctly, responding promptly, hearing in the normal range, to protect the safety of officers and the public. Comprehend and apply City ordinances, policies, and procedures.
• Simultaneously input, retrieve, and maintain information, reading from both computer screens and print-outs, and operating multiple keyboards at once. Operate multi-channel police radio system. Prepare incident reports and maintain various files.
  Concentrate on assigned tasks through many distractions. May occasionally be required to assist in the searching of prisoners.
  Attends training schools/seminars and other city related events which may require travel (occasionally overnight).
• Maintains log on radio and telephone communications, location of personnel and equipment; in the event of an emergency situation, maintains on-going contact with the responding personnel and keeps them informed of all incoming pertinent information; keeps track of various information such as traffic lights out and streets closed and keeps emergency personnel informed. Reviews all reports from officers for completeness and follow-up.
• Maintains dispatch center work area and equipment in clean and working condition. Operates listed office machines as required. Composes, types, and edits correspondence, reports, memoranda, and other material requiring judgment as to content, accuracy, and completeness. Inputs data to standard office and department forms, both manual compiles and tabulates data. Maintains dispatch documents and records; helps prepare case report. Performs routine clerical duties.
• Works under pressure, exercises good judgment, and makes sound decisions in emergency situations. Effectively and courteously communicates with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens. Types accurately at a speed necessary for successful job performance. Communicates clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Uses TDD and other telecommunications systems to coordinate emergency calls and relay information and assistance requests involving other law enforcement and fire agencies. Communicates with walk-ins and provides general information or referrals as needed. Work in confined area for eight plus hours and remain seated for long periods of time entering data into various computer systems on a constant basis. Be available to work any shift, holiday, and weekends as needed for scheduling purposes and performs other assigned duties as required. Works independently in the absence of supervision.
• Monitors individuals in holding cells for proper conduct, safety, and medical or other needs. Assists in training new employees.
  Monitors flood warning system.

Requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Possess a valid Texas driver’s license
• Have no family violence convictions
• Have no felony or Class A misdemeanor convictions
• Have no Class B misdemeanor convictions within the past 10 years
• Have no court-ordered community supervision/probation above a Class B misdemeanor, and none for a Class B misdemeanor within the past 10 years