EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

City of Amarillo•Amarillo, TX

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Emergency Communications Specialist provides 24-hour emergency communications services. The role receives and evaluates emergency and administrative phone calls for services including police, fire, animal management, and emergency medical services (EMS), then triages and dispatches requests to the appropriate responders. The position also provides life-saving instructions by phone, supports responders with information and communications, and handles related records and follow-up. The starting pay is $23.00 per hour.

Requirements

High School Diploma.
Obtain and maintain TCIC/NCIC Full Access and TLETS training, Priority Dispatch, Fire, Medical, and Law Enforcement protocols within a given time frame.
Basic TCLEOSE certification is required.
Pass a background investigation that includes fingerprinting.
Pass a hearing test and drug screening.
Complete the following before full-time employment eligibility: FEMA IS-100.a, IS-700.b, IS-240.a; TCLEOSE #1013 Basic Telecommunications; CPR Health Care Provider; ADA TDD/TTY; Public Safety Telecommunications Best Practices for Missing and Abducted Children; and Stress Management.
Valid Texas Driver’s License required.
Basic knowledge of Priority Dispatch, Fire, Medical, and Law Enforcement protocols.
Ability to operate computers for data entry and word processing.
Ability to type a minimum of 35 words per minute.
Ability to operate highly technical computer applications, such as GIS or CAD.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to operate small office equipment, including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems.

Responsibilities

Answer 911 and administrative calls, gathering important information for citizen and responder safety.
Receive emergent calls and enter and distribute information to appropriate responders.
Receive non-emergent calls and enter and distribute information to appropriate responders.
Provide life-saving instructions over the phone during medical and traumatic emergencies.
Dispatch police officers to emergent and non-emergent calls as needed.
Dispatch Animal Control as needed.
Perform criminal history checks at officers’ request and confirm and fax warrants when needed.
Run people, places, and property through NCIC at officers’ request.
Accurately enter missing or stolen people, property, and vehicles in NCIC.
Update responders via radio and computer.
Research previous calls and events to provide relevant information, including prior visits to locations and supplemental address or person data, to assist responders and maintain their safety.
Contact outside agencies and departments for follow-up or assistance as needed.
Enter and document reported wrecker service in the tow log in a timely manner.
Train new employees on the dispatching position.
Serve on committees and attend meetings concerning policies and procedures, collaborating with responding agencies and the mentorship program for new employees.
Perform other job-related duties as assigned.