Dispatch Telecommunicator

The City of Belton • Belton, TX

23d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the direction of the Dispatch Supervisor, the Dispatch Telecommunicator receives incoming calls for police and emergency assistance and dispatches the necessary units. The role also performs general dispatch support work, including record keeping, typing, filing, and monitoring teletype communications. The employee cross-trains in other non-sworn Police Department positions and performs those duties according to the applicable job descriptions. The position receives direct supervision from the Dispatch Supervisor and does not supervise others.

Applicants must be prepared to pass an extensive background check conducted by the Belton Police Department. Work takes place in the Police Department communications section, involves shift work, and may include responding to emergency calls, maintaining unit status, data entry and records work, equipment checks, and support for other departmental desks. A Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Telecommunicator Certification is required or must be obtained within six months of hire.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Telecommunicator Certification, or ability to obtain it within six months of hire.
• Pass an extensive background check conducted by the Belton Police Department.
• Ability to work various shifts as assigned and maintain punctual and regular attendance.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing; work independently; act quickly and calmly under pressure; exercise good judgment in emergencies; and communicate effectively with upset or irate citizens.
• Typing ability at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, learn dispatch, teletype, and office equipment, and establish effective working relationships.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Previous dispatch experience is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency telephone lines; gather information about emergencies and assess and dispatch appropriate services.
• Provide pre-arrival medical instructions on medical emergency calls and relay call information to police officers and first responders.
• Dispatch ambulances as required or requested, police units to fire and ambulance calls within the city, and Animal Control and Code Enforcement as requested.
• Enter, maintain, update, and research information in TCIC/NCIC and TLETS/NLETS databases; respond to inquiries from other law enforcement agencies and departments.
• Assign case numbers to officers over the radio and enter and respond to regional and broadcast messages.
• Answer maintenance service emergencies on weekends and holidays, screen and route incoming calls, and answer Fire Department calls upon request.
• Maintain contact with assigned units, including the status and location of police field units.
• Enter, update, and retrieve teletype network information concerning wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registrations, stolen vehicles, and other matters.
• Enter and confirm warrants, pawn tickets, curfew violations, and criminal trespass warnings in appropriate computer systems.
• Perform record keeping, filing, indexing, clerical work, and maintenance of public safety and activity logs; print information for officers’ reports.
• Rest and inspect equipment as required.
• Cross-train to perform other assigned non-sworn duties and support other departmental desks.
• Assist with training new employees and assist walk-in visitors with complaints, inquiries, and requests.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid employee-only medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance premiums.
• Paid vacation leave.
• Paid holiday leave.
• Paid sick leave.
• Participation in the Texas Municipal Retirement System is required.
• Social Security deductions.

What This Job Offers

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