Communications Operator - New

City of Suffolk • Suffolk, VA

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Under direct supervision, performs radio and communications work in the Suffolk Police Department’s Emergency Communications Center on an assigned 12-hour shift. Answers Emergency 911 and non-emergency calls for service. Dispatches appropriate emergency personnel (i.e., Police, Fire, EMS, Animal Control, Public Works, Virginia Highway Department, etc.) and equipment to public safety situations. Employee must exercise considerable tact and firmness in obtaining information from distressed persons. Employee must exercise independent judgment and initiative in receiving messages, responding to emergency situations, and dispatching calls. Reports to the Communications Lead Operator (Supervisor). To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description. The Suffolk Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Requirements

• Graduation from high school or GED and some experience in clerical or communications work; or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Must obtain bi-annual CPR re-certification.
• Must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch Training.
• Must hold or have the ability to acquire the Basic Dispatcher State Certification.
• Ability to obtain State certification for VCIN/NCIC.
• Ability to pass a CritiCall Employment Examination, which evaluates whether or not the applicant possesses the skills and abilities necessary for success on the job.
• Must successfully complete an extensive Police Department background investigation, to include polygraph examination.
• Must complete a medical, audio, psychological evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse test with satisfactory results.

Responsibilities

• Operates multi-line telephone system and telecommunication device for the deaf and hearing impaired (TDD) to receive, answer, screen, and process incoming calls for service.
• Responds calmly and tactfully to callers on Emergency 911 and non-emergency lines to obtain complete and accurate information for entry into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Prioritizes calls for appropriate response.
• Operates radio console to dispatch Police, Fire, EMS, and Animal Control to calls for service.
• Monitors the status and location of field units.
• Relays messages and information to emergency response personnel using appropriate radio terminology, while adhering to the applicable Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations.
• Records transmitted information into CAD, as appropriate.
• Notifies other agencies needed to assist Police, Fire and EMS in emergencies.
• Utilizes Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) cards or software to ask vital questions and provide pre-arrival instructions as needed.
• Operates a computer terminal connected with the Virginia Criminal Information Network and the National Crime Information Center to obtain such information as driver's history, vehicle registration data, criminal record information, stolen property information, etc., as necessary.
• Monitors security alarms for businesses, court, schools, etc.
• Facilitates language interpretation between non-English speaking callers and interpreters to provide assistance needed.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to speak clearly and precisely over the telephone and radio.
• Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with employees, supervisors, and representatives from other departments and organizations.
• Performs various clerical duties, as necessary.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Benefits

• SIGNING BONUS $2500 New Dispatcher $2,500 to each new dispatcher upon successful completion of initial emergency communications training & emergency medical dispatch training.

What This Job Offers

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