Communications Operator - (Certified)

City of Suffolk•Suffolk, VA

8d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, the Communications Operator performs radio and communications work in the Suffolk Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center on an assigned 12-hour shift. The operator answers emergency 911 and non-emergency calls, gathers information from callers, and dispatches appropriate emergency personnel and equipment to public safety situations. The role requires tact and firmness when communicating with distressed callers, along with independent judgment and initiative when receiving messages, responding to emergencies, and dispatching calls. The position reports to the Communications Lead Operator (Supervisor). Communications Operators work in a 911 center staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. They are considered essential (ALPHA) personnel and are required to work during inclement weather and emergency conditions, as well as according to staffing needs. A medical, audio, psychological evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse test must be completed with satisfactory results. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities. Employees may also be assigned incidental duties not specifically listed. The City of Suffolk is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes veterans to apply.

Requirements

High school graduation or GED.
Basic Dispatcher State certification.
Current or previous certification in VCIN/NCIC.
Proof of completion of Emergency Medical Dispatch training.
Current CPR certification.
At least two years of experience in public safety dispatching.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Ability to speak clearly and precisely over the telephone and radio.
Ability to exercise tact and firmness when obtaining information from distressed callers.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative in receiving messages, responding to emergencies, and dispatching calls.
Must satisfactorily complete a medical, audio, and psychological evaluation and a pre-employment substance abuse test.
Applicants are subject to the listed automatic disqualifying factors, including specified criminal history, driving history, and other disqualifications.

Nice To Haves

At least two of the following certifications are preferred: DCJS General Instructor, DCJS Specialty Instructor, Crisis Intervention Team Certification, or Communications Training Operator.
Other skills may be accepted as a substitute for a preferred certification at the discretion of the Chief of Police or designee.

Responsibilities

Operate a multi-line telephone system and TDD to receive, answer, screen, and process incoming calls for service.
Respond calmly and tactfully to emergency 911 and non-emergency callers to obtain complete and accurate information for entry into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
Prioritize calls for an appropriate response.
Operate the radio console to dispatch Police, Fire, EMS, and Animal Control to calls for service.
Monitor the status and location of field units.
Relay messages and information to emergency response personnel using appropriate radio terminology and in accordance with applicable FCC rules and regulations.
Record transmitted information in CAD as appropriate.
Notify other agencies needed to assist Police, Fire, and EMS during emergencies.
Use Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) cards or software to ask vital questions and provide pre-arrival instructions as needed.
Use Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center terminals to obtain information such as driver histories, vehicle registration data, criminal records, and stolen property information.
Monitor security alarms for businesses, courts, schools, and other locations.
Facilitate language interpretation between non-English-speaking callers and interpreters.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing, and speak clearly and precisely over the telephone and radio.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with employees, supervisors, and representatives of other departments and organizations.
Perform various clerical duties as necessary.
Work assigned 12-hour shifts and report for work during inclement weather, emergency conditions, and as staffing needs require.