Communications Specialist

City of Denison•Denison, TX

12d

About The Position

Performs dispatch duties for the City’s Public Safety 911 Communications Center, helping deliver emergency and non-emergency services to the public. The role processes calls, documents dispatch activity, operates telecommunications equipment and systems, and supports communication between callers and emergency response personnel. The employee is expected to provide excellent customer service, maintain confidentiality, and promote teamwork across City divisions. This is an entry-level position; experience is preferred but not required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid state-issued driver’s license.
Ability to obtain the following within six months of employment: Basic TCOLE Telecommunications Operator certification; NCIC/TCIC Operator certification; approved CPR certification; Emergency Medical Dispatch certification; Telecommunications Device for the Deaf training or certification; and compliance with NIMS 100, 200, 700, and 800.
Ability to keyboard and operate a mouse and telephone handset.
Ability to help provide high-quality telecommunications services to the public.
Ability to answer, process, and accurately document calls for assistance.
Ability to operate various types of telecommunications equipment.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, City departments, outside agencies, emergency response personnel, and the public.
Ability to sit for extended periods and to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift objects up to 40 pounds.
Ability to work amid high stress and emotional or psychological challenges associated with emergency dispatch services.

Nice To Haves

Experience is preferred but not required; the position is entry-level.

Responsibilities

Answer and process incoming 911 and non-emergency calls for assistance.
Obtain information from callers and determine the need and type of service required.
Maintain confidentiality in all processes and information obtained through job functions.
Provide callers with instructions to help stabilize patients or secure potential crime scenes.
Use professional communication techniques to calm hysterical, irrational, or irate callers.
Document and enter call information into the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
Prepare, maintain, and submit dispatch records and documentation.
Monitor incoming radio traffic and dispatch Police, Fire, EMS, and non-emergency personnel to appropriate locations.
Communicate with field units and monitor their locations and safety.
Research and relay call information to responders; perform driver license, vehicle registration, criminal background, and warrant checks; and process wrecker requests.
Operate telecommunications equipment, software, and systems, including TLETS, CAD, RMS, and INCODE Municipal Court Citation Maintenance systems.
Input, update, and verify information in NCIC and TCIC systems, and validate and confirm the status of entries.
Assist in monitoring security cameras and National Weather Service bulletins, and share related information with appropriate parties.
Attend training and develop public safety communications knowledge and skills.
Perform other related duties as assigned or required.