Communication Officer

Houston County•Warner Robins, GA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Communication Officer performs specialized work receiving and processing requests for emergency assistance for the Sheriff's Department. The role operates communications equipment, telephones, and law enforcement computer systems; screens and prioritizes calls; dispatches appropriate personnel; and maintains communication with callers, emergency responders, and other agencies. It also handles information retrieval, data entry, records, documentation, and routine communications. The position may perform Communications Supervisor duties in that supervisor's absence and may provide training and assistance to coworkers.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
One year of experience in emergency communications, radio communications, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations governing emergency communications and radio transmissions; departmental functions and procedures; communications systems; public safety radio codes; county roads and geography; clerical techniques; office equipment; and basic computer applications.
Skill operating radio equipment calmly and quickly during routine and emergency situations; assessing emergencies; making rapid and accurate decisions; communicating verbally; performing clerical work, typing, and data entry; and using office equipment and relevant software.
Ability to operate specialized computer systems and radio equipment; screen calls and identify the nature of emergencies; exercise sound judgment; work under stress; coordinate multiple activities; organize and prioritize work; write reports; maintain accurate records; follow detailed instructions; speak clearly; interact tactfully with the public; perform calculations; and use office equipment and relevant software.
Ability to work rotating shifts, holidays, and weekends as required.
Ability to operate computer systems, printers, typewriter, calculator, copy machine, shredder, voice recorder, radio communications equipment, TDD, and telephone.
Ability to handle light-work physical demands, coordinate hands and eyes when using automated equipment, manipulate controls and switches, discern color, and communicate verbally and perceive sounds.
Ability to work under considerable stress when confronted with emergencies.

Responsibilities

Operate telephones, communications equipment, and law enforcement computers for police, fire, and E-911 communications.
Receive, screen, monitor, categorize, and prioritize routine and emergency calls from the public and public safety agencies.
Dispatch appropriate personnel and resources, including backup units, ambulances, firefighters, and wreckers, to incident locations.
Maintain communications during emergencies, track police unit locations, help emergency personnel locate addresses, and convey information among responders, the public, agencies, utilities, businesses, and department personnel.
Give callers information or instructions while dispatched units are en route, including pre-arrival medical instructions.
Obtain and provide information such as license plate and driver's license details, missing or wanted person information, criminal histories, warrants, and stolen property records.
Monitor radio traffic from surrounding law enforcement, emergency, and non-emergency agencies.
Use national and state law enforcement computer systems to retrieve and update criminal information and records.
Record calls, activities, and information; maintain radio message logs; and prepare associated documentation.
Enter, review, modify, and retrieve database information, including county business and street address records.
Process, distribute, and maintain departmental documentation and records according to procedures and time frames.
Prepare routine correspondence, forms, reports, and other documents using a computer or typewriter.
Maintain records, logs, files, manuals, policies, procedures, bulletins, and map books.
Communicate effectively over radio channels and respond to routine information requests from officials, employees, the public, and others.
Answer, evaluate, and process telephone calls; provide information, take and relay messages, direct calls, and return calls as needed.
Stay informed about relevant laws, regulations, professional developments, and practices; attend appropriate meetings, workshops, and training.
Train and assist coworkers as needed.
Copy and distribute correspondence, memoranda, reports, and related materials.
Shred obsolete or confidential documents and perform general work-area cleaning and maintenance.
May perform Communications Supervisor duties in the supervisor's absence.
Perform other related duties as required.