Communications Operator - New

City of Suffolk•Suffolk, VA

8d•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 and dispatches appropriate emergency personnel and equipment, including Police, Fire, EMS, Animal Control, Public Works, and the Virginia Highway Department, to public safety situations. The role requires tact and firmness when obtaining information from distressed callers, as well as independent judgment and initiative when receiving messages, responding to emergencies, and dispatching calls. The position reports to the Communications Lead Operator (Supervisor). The Communications Operator works in a 911 Center staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. Operators are considered essential personnel and must work during inclement weather and emergency conditions, and as staffing needs require. The position includes a $2,500 signing bonus upon successful completion of initial emergency communications training and emergency medical dispatch training. Applicants must pass CritiCall testing and an extensive Police Department background investigation, including a polygraph. A medical, audio, and psychological evaluation and pre-employment substance abuse test must also be completed with satisfactory results. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions. The City of Suffolk is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes veterans to apply through its Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or GED, plus some experience in clerical or communications work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Ability to communicate effectively, 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 of other departments and organizations.
Must obtain bi-annual CPR recertification.
Must obtain Emergency Medical Dispatch Training.
Must hold or be able to acquire Basic Dispatcher State Certification.
Ability to obtain State certification for VCIN/NCIC.
Ability to pass the CritiCall Employment Examination.
Must successfully complete an extensive Police Department background investigation, including a polygraph examination.
Must complete medical, audio, and psychological evaluations and a pre-employment substance abuse test with satisfactory results.
Must be able to work assigned 12-hour shifts and during inclement weather, emergency conditions, and staffing needs.

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 the appropriate response.
Operate a 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 following applicable FCC rules and regulations.
Record transmitted information in CAD, as appropriate.
Notify other agencies needed to assist Police, Fire, and EMS in emergencies.
Use Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) cards or software to ask vital questions and provide pre-arrival instructions as needed.
Use computer terminals connected to the Virginia Criminal Information Network and National Crime Information Center to obtain information such as driver history, vehicle registration, 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.
Perform clerical duties as necessary and other related duties as required.