Communications Specialist In Training - 0626

City of Greenville • 204 Halton Road (Public Safety Complex) - Greenville, SC

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The purpose of the Communications Specialist-in-Training position is to develop and prepare trainees for employment with City of Greenville as a Communications Specialist I. To successfully complete the program, trainees must demonstrate proficiency in performing a variety of emergency dispatch assignments while learning Greenville City Police Department policies, methods and techniques required to carry out the duties of the job. Training is performed under close supervision by a Certified Training Officer (CTO) and will be completed in several phases including 1) Phone phase: answering emergency and non-emergency phone calls; 2) Main radio phase: transmitting message via radio, data terminals and phone; 3) Back up radio; and 4) Fire radio including dispatching of police and fire. In addition, training will include the introductory portion of National Crime Information Center (NCIC) including the system security, entry, update and verification of data such as missing and/or wanted persons and stolen vehicles, boats, license plates, guns, or other articles. Upon successful completion of the program, trainees will hold the following certifications: APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST), APCO Fire Service Communications (FSC), Telecommunicator Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (T-CPR), FEMA IS-0100 Introduction to Incident Command System (ICS), and NCIC Certification. Trainees will be required to successfully complete the hiring process with the City of Greenville in order to be hired as a Communications Specialist I. The City of Greenville Public Safety Communications Center operates on a 7-day, 24-hour basis and Police Dispatchers are required to work a variety of schedules including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience in customer service.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to pass a comprehensive law enforcement background check.
• Must pass pre-employment aptitude exam.
• Valid South Carolina Class D Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in a public safety environment and operating telecommunication equipment that includes, computers, or base radios.

Responsibilities

• Answer Emergency and Non-Emergency Phone Calls: With a trainer overseeing the work performance, trainee will answer 911 lines, non-emergency lines, and ring down phones in Communications Center and creates calls according to agency protocol. Multi-task and enter calls into computer system while on phone with callers. Problem solves to determine which public agency would be best to assist in a situation. Talk to callers using specific techniques to gather information from hysterical, angry, and complacent callers. Act as a resource for field responders and to the public for situations not handled by police and fire personnel. Notify Sheriff's Office, EMS, Highway Patrol, and other agencies of emergency situations that might concern them. Make calls to alarm companies, key holders, citizens, utility companies, various City departments, and other agencies as needed. Conference callers to the language line, crisis lines, TDD, and other support numbers as needed when appropriate.
• Dispatch Field Response Units: With a trainer overseeing the work performance, dispatch police, Greenville Tech, fire, forensic, and animal control calls to field response units. Maintain accurate/up-to-date record of each unit's status and location. Multi-task by processing field requests using the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), and other software systems. Prioritize calls for service and dispatch according to call priority. Ensure Road Sgt/supervision is aware of any/all calls for service that are holding. Provide notifications for assistance with towing vehicles, public works, sanitation, etc. Maintain records of units working off-duty assignments. Maintain room awareness to update field responders with pertinent information. Monitor the 3SI tracking system for local banking facilities.
• Perform Administrative Duties: With a trainer overseeing work performance, review incoming teletypes for relevancy to this jurisdiction. Respond or notify others as necessary to the circumstances. Enter and verify data for missing persons, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, and tags into the FBI computer system (NCIC.) Enter towed vehicles in agency database for tracking purposes to aid in locating vehicles and maintaining records. Review the report for the Community Care calls for endangered/at-risk citizens and determine the need to enter calls for dispatch. Determine the need to activate the Critical Incident Notification System and perform additional notifications as needed.
• Document/Monitor and Maintain Equipment: With a trainer overseeing the work performance, document all work aspects by entering calls for service, completing forms, or entering information into various computer systems. Check all equipment at the beginning of each shift. Report equipment malfunction that requires special attention. Repair or resolve basic equipment malfunctions to ensure continued operation of equipment. Perform a daily shutdown of computers. Maintain key holder information, cautions, and response information pertinent to locations in the CAD system. Maintain officer names and phone numbers, other agencies', and support's phone numbers in the CAD system.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

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