Public Safety Communications Specialist

McKinney, TX
McKinney Police Department

Salary range: $46,143.34 – $67,831.09 Annually.

Position Summary:

Under general supervision, receive and process requests for police, fire and emergency medical services in high stress situations; answer non-emergency and emergency 9-1-1 phone lines; dispatch and deploy public safety personnel to calls for service; operate various telecommunications equipment. Ability to Work any assigned shift (days, evenings, nights), must be willing to work holidays, weekends and overtime, as needed for scheduling purposes. Perform other assigned duties as required.

Essential Functions:

  • Answer multi-line, 9-11 emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatches and deploys public safety personnel to calls for service.
  • Simultaneously listen to and comprehend both telephone and radio traffic often under loud and stressful conditions.
  • Operate multi-channel public safety radio system.
  • Assist with and record requests for police or fire and emergency medical services from the public and departmental personnel via telephone and radio utilizing a computer-aided dispatch system.
  • Communicate effectively, courteously, and clearly in English, verbally and in writing; includes speaking distinctly, responding promptly, and hearing in the normal range to protect the safety of officers and the public.
  • Communicates with hearing/speech-impaired citizens by operating specialized teletype device(s).
  • Assign appropriate Public Safety personnel to routine and/or emergency calls for service utilizing a computer-aided dispatch system.
  • Provide pre-arrival medical instructions following department prescribed protocol with NAED compliance.
  • Document all activity, locations and statuses in the computer aided dispatch system for public safety personnel, quickly disseminating any additional information.
  • Comprehend and apply city ordinances, policies and procedures.
  • Monitors National Weather Service.
  • Operate City Emergency Warning System and notify key personnel and other agencies in emergency operation situations.
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all documents, radio and phone transmissions and other sensitive information handled through the communications department.
  • Adheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in city and department attendance policies and procedures.
  • Drives to other City locations for meetings, etc. as required.

Requirements:

  • A high school diploma or GED, plus some experience in a high public contact/customer service area that required decision making and problem solving under stressful conditions. Prior experience in a multi-task environment involving data entry, phones, customer service, and/or radio communications.
  • Lateral transfer opportunities for those with two (2) years of experience in any combination of Police, Fire, EMS, Military or other high-volume applicable dispatch environment.
  • Must obtain, Basic Telecommunicator and NCIC/TCIC or Full Access Operator plus Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) within one year from hire date.
  • Must pass a drug screen and background check, driving record check, polygraph, psychological assessment, and medical screen to include hearing test.
  • Must have Class C Texas Driver’s License
  • Be able to work various shifts including nights, holidays, and weekends.