Communications Dispatcher I (APD E911)

City of Atlanta • Atlanta, GA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Performs radio communication dispatch and telecommunication duties for the Atlanta Police Department, including communicating with city and county police officers, units, and EMS personnel and maintaining their status to ensure safety. The position answers multiple telephone lines, dispatches emergency calls, handles fast-paced situations, provides information and assistance to the public, and maintains records, files, and logs. The dispatcher also provides communications support to Atlanta Fire Rescue Department units. Works under direct supervision and follows standard procedures and written instructions. The position is open until filled and pays $21.29 per hour. Applicants must be flexible to work various shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays; shift differential pay is available for evening and overnight shifts.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must pass a communications dispatcher performance test measuring the ability to receive, retain, and process emergency information.
• Must obtain Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) certification and Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council Communications Officer (P.O.S.T.) certification within six months after appointment.
• Must be flexible to work various shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Knowledge of dispatching and communication systems and local law enforcement practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of techniques and procedures for operating emergency communications equipment, customer service standards and best practices, and terminology, principles, and methods used within the department.
• Strong listening and verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly and coherently.
• Computer proficiency, including the ability to use a variety of applications and software.
• Ability to use empathetic listening techniques and speak with a clear, well-modulated voice.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and stressful working conditions, including heavy workloads and emergency calls.
• Ability to speak English rapidly, clearly, and concisely; handle emergency calls continuously under time constraints; and communicate, interpret communications, and accurately enter data into a computer system simultaneously.
• Ability to perform sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and negligible force frequently or constantly to move objects.

Nice To Haves

• Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) certification and Georgia Peace Officer Standards and Training Council certification as a Communications Officer (P.O.S.T.) are preferred.
• Six months of experience in customer service or other direct customer-contact work is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform multiple tasks simultaneously and take appropriate action during stressful, life-or-death situations while remaining calm.
• Answer multiple telephone lines, handle 911 calls within Atlanta Police Department jurisdiction or transfer them to the appropriate agency, handle other calls appropriately, and update call lists.
• Maintain field unit status to support the safety of police officers and firefighters responding to accidents, hazardous incidents, traffic control, pursuits, calls in progress, and other incidents.
• Communicate over law enforcement and police radio channels, initiate and respond to calls, issue case numbers, and notify service providers such as animal control, wreckers, cab companies, and utilities when needed.
• Dispatch emergency calls for Atlanta Fire Rescue Department and provide communications support to its units during emergency and non-emergency activities.
• Provide the public with directions, referrals, responses to complaints and concerns, and other requested information about the community or a situation.
• Contact utility companies to resolve issues such as gas detection and power failures, and contact telephone companies for help obtaining the address of distressed callers.
• Use judgment and initiative when dispatching emergency calls and other requests, determining procedures, maintaining standards, and resolving problems.
• Maintain records, files, and logs.
• May oversee temporary or contract workers as needed and perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

• Shift differential pay for evening and overnight shifts
• Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities during the employment process and at work

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED