Emergency Communications Officer

Lawrence, KS

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

All duties are performed in accordance with department and state regulations, Federal Communication Commission regulations and the National Crime Information Center policies. Responsibilities include utilizing multiple computer systems to include computer-aided dispatch (CAD), telephones, alarms and emergency notification systems. Make rapid, accurate and complete data entries. Follow established policies and procedures. Report software/hardware problems to the supervisor and perform minor adjustments and basic maintenance. Monitor and/or operate alarm systems to include intrusion, fire, armed robbery, anti-theft, National Weather Service and Civil Defense warning systems. Route emergency information to proper personnel. Operate a radio base station sending and receiving messages with emergency service personnel and agencies in accordance with FCC regulations and established procedures. Hear and understand the content of simultaneous/multiple voice transmissions while monitoring multiple radio frequencies. Identify frequencies by observing multicolored light indicators on the radio console or hearing and distinguishing voices and/or tones. Use proper methods of transmitting that involves activating buttons located on the radio console and relaying information to responding units and shift supervisors in an accurate and concise manner. Log pertinent information and monitor the status and location of on-duty units. Answer police department telephone business lines, administrative lines and 911 emergency lines for the University. Use proper communication techniques in answering inquiries dealing with complaints. Prioritize by importance. Use communication techniques to calm excited and/or verbally abusive callers to gather incident specific data. Dispatch emergency services to include police, fire and medical, as needed. Make telephone notifications to personnel and administrators relaying pertinent information, as appropriate or as requested. Log telephone calls as required. Manage a text telephone for TTY/hearing impaired. Operate a highly technical data transmission and retrieval computer using proper codes to send, relay and receive information from other criminal justice agencies. Provide general information, as requested, by emergency service responders, administrators and the general public. Coordinate communications in routine and emergency situations. Manage the total communication operation that frequently involves multi-tasking. Participate in training as directed by supervisor and/or the department. May be requested to work special/emergency assignments including but not limited to major crime scenes, large University events and/or disaster sites. May assist the public by providing information concerning the University, department policies/procedures and job-related topics.

Responsibilities

• Utilize multiple computer systems to include computer-aided dispatch (CAD), telephones, alarms and emergency notification systems.
• Operate a radio base station sending and receiving messages with emergency service personnel and agencies.
• Answer police department telephone business lines, administrative lines and 911 emergency lines for the University.
• Operate a highly technical data transmission and retrieval computer using proper codes.
• Coordinate communications in routine and emergency situations.
• Participate in training as directed by supervisor and/or the department.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or completion of a G.E.D. equivalency.
• U.S. citizen or non-U.S. citizen legally able to perform the work in or for the United States.
• Must possess a valid form of identification for background check and hiring requirements.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must pass a thorough background check.
• Must be free of any diversions for or convictions of felonies or their equivalent.
• Become NCIC certified prior to the end of the initial six-month probationary period.
• Must be able to work assigned 10-hour shifts with rotating days off.
• Hearing correctable to a range that will allow normal radio and telephone conversation.
• Vision correctable to a range that will allow reading of computer display terminals, maps, and printouts quickly and accurately.
• Ability to perform all essential job functions and not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of self or others.
• On occasion, be available to be called in to work or held past the normal shift schedule with little or no advance notice.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in an emergency/non-emergency communications network operation.
• Experience in using multiple phone systems.