Lateral Emergency Communications Specialist I-III Grade 3-5

Frederick Police Department•Frederick, MD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is for a certified and experienced communications specialist within the Frederick Police Department's Emergency Communications Center. The role involves receiving and processing all emergency 911 calls and non-emergency calls, and providing dispatch services using a computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system. Supervision is provided by a Communications Supervisor and/or Assistant Communications Supervisor, with potential technical or functional supervision from the Police Department's sworn supervisor or Watch Commander. Positions at this level are responsible for providing general instruction and on-the-job training to new dispatchers.

Requirements

Must be a U.S. Citizen and at least 18 years of age.
High school diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
Vehicle Operator’s license with satisfactory driving record that meets insurability standards of the City’s insurance carrier is required.
Knowledge of principles of appropriate conflict resolution techniques.
Knowledge of principles and procedures related to the operation of computer aided dispatch systems.
Knowledge of department General Orders and precedents pertaining to the dispatching of emergency equipment.
Knowledge of standard radio and telephone communications receiving and transmitting equipment.
Knowledge of standard broadcasting procedures and rules.
Knowledge of the operation of common radio dispatch equipment.
Knowledge of public safety classification codes.
General knowledge of laws and ordinances to properly classify calls for service.
General Knowledge of the geography of The City of Frederick.
Ability to work day, evening and night shifts.
Ability to work Holidays and Weekends.
Ability to actively listen and speak to people plainly and clearly by radio and phone, often in some state of distress.
Ability to greet citizens with a positive attitude and provide assistance to citizens either on the phone or in person.
Ability to comprehend and make inferences from written material.
Ability to use logic and reasoning to reach conclusions and approaches to problems.
Ability to multitask by effectively deploying Public Safety resources as required; simultaneously tracking their movements, updating responding units and citizens as information is obtained.
Ability to follow instructions.
Ability to empathize and show compassion.
Ability to remain calm in distressing situations.
Ability to operate a computer aided dispatch system, computer systems, and other office equipment quickly and accurately.
Ability to problem solve—to prioritize the most important situations and think quickly on your feet.
Ability to exercise good judgment and make sound decisions in emergency situations and with minimal supervision.
Ability to possess tact; courtesy; reliability; accuracy; emotional stability.
Ability to learn geographic features and streets of The City of Frederick.
Ability to type at a speed of a minimum of 30 words per minute.
Ability to write and speak clearly and concisely and spell correctly utilizing the English language.
Ability to effectively communicate with and elicit information from upset and irate citizens.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions utilizing the English language.
Ability to enter various types of Court Paperwork into the required databases.
Ability to validate various types of METERS/NCIC entries on a monthly basis.
Ability to perform quality control/second checks on METERS/NCIC entries.
Three (3) years of Dispatching experience in a Maryland Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for Specialist II.
Five (5) years of Dispatching experience in a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for Specialist III.
Certified as Communications Training Officer (CTO) for Specialist II and III.
Minimum of 40 hours of advanced training as recommended or approved by Manager of Emergency Communications for Specialist III.
CPR Certification for Specialist II and III.
CN1 Certification in METERS (Maryland Electronic Telecommunications Enforcement Resource System) for Specialist II and III.
Certifications from IAED (International Academy of Emergency Dispatch) for Emergency Medical, Emergency Fire and Emergency Police Dispatch for Specialist II and III.
All requirements of entry-level.
International Academies of Emergency Dispatch certifications.
CJIS Certification or experience.
Train, coach, and provide detailed instructions and assistance to new dispatchers.
Exercise independent judgment and work with a minimum of supervision.
Ability to demonstrate proficiency in entering various types of Court Paperwork into the required databases.
Ability to demonstrate proficiency in validating various types of METERS/NCIC entries on a monthly basis.
Ability to demonstrate proficiency in quality control/second checks on METERS/NCIC entries.
Ability to act as team leader and supervisor liaison for Specialist III.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual.
Customer Service experience.
Dispatching experience within a Police or Fire dispatch environment.
CJIS certification.
International Academy of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) certification(s).
Recommendation from Communications Supervisor for Specialist II.

Responsibilities

Using a computer aided dispatch (CAD) system, receives emergency calls from the public requesting police or other emergency service.
Determines nature and location of emergency, determines priorities, and dispatches police or other emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures.
Receives and processes emergency and non-emergency calls.
Maintains contact with all units on assignment.
Maintains status and location of police units.
Monitors video surveillance monitors located throughout headquarters.
Enters, updates, and retrieves information from a variety of computer systems.
Receives requests for information regarding vehicular registration, driving records, and warrant information, and provides pertinent data consistently while performing other tasks.
Monitors several complex public safety radio frequencies.
Asks vital questions and provides pre-arrival instructions for emergency and non-emergency calls.
Identifies appropriate number and type of equipment or apparatus to dispatch.
Operates a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones and computer systems.
Arranges for tow trucks and public works emergency service or contact appropriate agencies.
Performs a variety of record keeping, filing, indexing, and other general clerical work.
Tests and inspects equipment as required.
Maintains the highest level of confidentiality on all information received from all computer systems and phone calls.
Completes minor administrative tasks as delegated by the Communications Supervisory staff.
Assists with court paperwork entry, Quality control 2nd checks and validations in CJIS.
Provides their shift mates technical guidance as needed.