Public Safety Communications Officer

Charlottesville, VA
Albemarle County Sheriff

Salary: $48,288-$98,302.

Position Summary:

The Emergency Communications Center (ECC) provides all emergency communications services for Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia. The ECC receives all 9-1-1 calls in the area and serves as the central dispatch for the three local police departments, three rescue squads and fire calls. The ECC is a nationally recognized center, having earned CALEA Accreditation as well as being designated as an APCO National Certified Training Program and Virginia Accredited Emergency Medical Dispatch Communications Center.

Essential Functions:

  • Receives emergency and non-emergency requests for service by telephone, text message, video, or other methods and determines appropriate response according to location and nature of problem and procedures of the department(s).
  • Provides pre-arrival and post-dispatch instructions.
  • Provides information to callers when in-person response by police, fire, or rescue agency is not warranted.
  • Transfers calls to Poison Control Center, surrounding jurisdictions’ Emergency Communications Centers, or 9-8-8/Mental Health Crisis Centers; monitors transferred telephone calls to ensure pick-up and appropriate response.
  • Operates and enters information into the computer aided dispatch system.
  • Places outgoing calls to partner agencies to coordinate emergency and non-emergency response.
  • Completes required monthly training to ensure special procedures are reviewed with supervision.
  • Operates other related equipment, including voice recording units, telecommunication device for the hearing impaired, RIOS Interoperability System, Backup Telephone System, and NG-911 telephone system.
  • May assist with the training of new employees to include classroom and continuous on the job training.
  • Performs other related duties as required.
  • Performs all essential functions of a PSCO-I.
  • Operates and monitors multiple emergency radio frequencies for an assigned area of focus (Fire/EMS or Police).
  • Ensures that all call information is relayed to the responders and entered into the CAD record.
  • Maintains communications with responding emergency units to assist them in any manner necessary to complete proper response.
  • Relays vital information to field responders.
  • Prioritizes, dispatches, documents response and disposition of emergent and non-emergent requests for service, according to policy and procedures.
  • Operates and monitors local, state, and national weather and disaster warning and mass-notification systems.
  • Operates and monitors national and statewide criminal information network teletype system if area of focus is Police (not applicable for Fire/EMS).
  • Implements emergency call-out procedures as appropriate.
  • Performs all essential functions of a PSCO-II.
  • Maintains proficiency and ability to work all PCSO roles within the ECC including dispatch and monitoring response activities for police, sheriff, fire, EMS, mental health crisis teams, security and others.
  • Manages the system status of assigned field response agency and keeps chiefs, commanders, and directors informed of notable changes.
  • Operates and monitors multiple emergency radio frequencies and talk groups.

Requirements:

  • Graduation from high school or possession of a GED. Prior work experience involving public contact and/or with an emergency response agency preferred.
  • Prior experience in like roles will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and may be utilized for PSCO-II/III placement. This position may be hired as PSCO I, II, or III depending on agency needs and vacancy.
  • Completion of appropriate training prescribed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for this level of position. Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Ability to obtain and maintain EMD, EFD, and EPD through International Academy of Emergency Dispatch certification within 90 days of hire.