ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS

City of Amarillo, TX•Amarillo, TX

44d•$70,067 - $139,401

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Emergency Communications plays a pivotal role in overseeing the administrative and operational functions of the Amarill Emergency Communications Center ("AECC") (i.e., the City's 911 emergency call center). This position is responsible for supervising and managing a team of emergency communications personnel, ensuring effective scheduling, coordination, assignment, and performance evaluation. The Assistant Director is directly involved in planning and executing the activities of the AECC, including Fire, Police, and EMS communications and dispatch services. This role demands a strategic approach to decision-making, with an emphasis on compliance with federal and state protocols and regulations. The Assistant Director will oversee the management and maintenance of technological systems to support the operations of the center and ensure that all systems are functioning optimally. The Assistant Director fosters collaboration with various emergency response agencies, enhancing coordination and communication during emergencies. By responding to inquiries and complaints, the position also serves as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders. The role is vital to the efficient and effective operation of the AECC, contributing to the safety and well-being of the Amarillo community.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Communications, Emergency Medical Services, Public Administration, or a related field required; seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience, including three (3) years of supervisory responsibility in emergency operations, public administration, or related field.
Must have or be able to obtain and maintain the following licenses and certifications within the first 6 months of employment. TCIC/NCIC Full Access, TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) Basic Telecommunicator's course must be achieved within 12 months of employment.
Must pass a background investigation that includes fingerprinting.
Valid Texas Driver's License required.
Ability to develop and foster positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Extensive knowledge of the operations and functions of the department.
Proficient in the use of a computer for data entry, word processing and accounting purposes.
Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities with little to no management oversight
Ability to use mapping and electronic filing systems and learn new software requirements and communicate those requirements to others.
Skill in effectively communicating verbally and in writing with internal and external stakeholders, including the general public, vendors/suppliers and City employees, public safety partners.
Skill in strategic planning, analytical and critical thinking
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Knowledge of principles and practices of office and records management.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and decision making.
Ability to problem-solve.
Ability to supervise, schedule, train, and evaluate the work of others.
Knowledge of Operational characteristics, services, and activities of an emergency communication and dispatching operation as these relate to Fire, Police, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS).
Knowledge of Operations, understanding of Body of Knowledge as approved by National Emergency Number Association (NENA) Executive Board, telecommunication operations, Information systems, legislation, management of organization and management of employees.
Knowledge of Principles and practices of emergency 911 systems and/or Police, Fire,
Knowledge of EMS records management and property control systems.
Knowledge of Departmental call processes/goals and dispatch processes/response goals.
Knowledge of Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Knowledge of Methods and techniques of emergency dispatching and/or crime reporting and property control.
Knowledge of Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Knowledge of Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Knowledge of CJIS Standards and requirements.
Knowledge of Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations governing emergency communications.

Responsibilities

Supervises staff, which includes prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are trained; ensuring employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary decisions or recommendations.
Coordinates efforts between the public safety departments, including Fire, Police, outside agencies, and other Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to review and enhance operations, resolve problems and provide recommendations to achieve the best practices and responses to public demands for services provided by public safety.
Oversees the review and screening of applications, guiding new applicants through each step of the process by organizing and communicating test scores, gathering criminal history, conducting pre-hire interviews, , coordinating TCOLE appointments, reviewing sensitive data, and confirming the accuracy and content of each individual file for direct approval by The Director if necessary.
Leads the development and administration of the department budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures; and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
Ensures accurate and timely completion of departmental purchasing, accounts payable, and receiving functions, including the processing and oversight for payment vouchers, credit card charges, travel forms, membership renewals, tax payments, etc.
Assists with all new hire and employee separation paperwork processes, including making recommended employment actions.
Manages the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and protocols for emergency call handling, dispatching, and incident reporting. Recommends and administers policies and procedures for the department.
Develops appropriate long-range plans, including strategic capital improvements, staffing, and other initiatives. Ensures proper operation and management of communications equipment systems in the call center, such as computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and other communication devices to include purchases, upgrades, and coordination efforts with hardware/software vendors.
Prepare reports and analyze data on call volumes, response times, and other performance metrics to assess areas for improvement and make informed decisions about resource allocation and operational changes.
Investigates and responds to citizen complaints and inquiries regarding 911 calls and dispatched service calls for Fire, Police, and EMS services.
Reviews and assists in developing training programs for 911 operators and dispatchers to ensure staff have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle emergency events.
Serves as the primary liaison for all public safety agencies regarding emergency communication issues. Negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
Participates in local and regional committees, boards, and commissions to facilitate long-range planning and improvement of 911 communications; prepares and presents operational and statistical reports and other necessary correspondence to the Director of Emergency Management
Address all AECC Open Records requests to ensure completion.
Maintains and accounts for the property assigned to the department and participates in associated inventories.
Provides administrative oversight for applicable Capital Improvement Projects and other various AECC projects each year.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.