Public Safety Telecommunicator

Wright County•Buffalo, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs intermediate skilled technical work in the operation of the 911 Telephone System and the Sheriff's Emergency Communications System, receiving and transmitting information via radio, telephone, and computer terminal. Work is performed under the moderate supervision of the Communications 911-PSAP Manager. Receives and appropriately responds to all incoming calls; operates the County 911 emergency telephone system, the Sheriff's Office radio communications equipment, and Statewide ARMER radio system. Answers all incoming calls both emergency and non-emergency; determines nature and urgency of calls; collects required information. Observes automatic alarms to detect intrusions and fires; responds accordingly. Dispatches patrol officers, firefighters, paramedics, ambulances and other emergency vehicles in response to calls throughout the County and contracting municipalities using computer-aided dispatch systems (CAD) and maintains contact with field units to monitor response and any support requirements. Creates and updates electronic or manual records and logs of activity as required. Updates records such as: missing persons; obscene and harassing phone calls; protection orders; all alarms located within the County and procedures for handling; all businesses, their owners and contact information; all emergency numbers used in daily operations; towing records; etc. Uses various computer systems to monitor calls and access and enter information as required such as the Minnesota Criminal Justice System, various Interstate Agency, State, and Federal websites, PowerCad, Power911, PowerMap, RMS via Positron, Beacon, Odyssey, and Statewide Supervision. Performs a variety of support duties for the Sheriff's Office as needed; serves as County "Warning Point" for Civil Defense and operations County-wide warning system for natural and nuclear disasters; performs light housekeeping duties to maintain the Communications Center; runs routine operations checks on emergency pages and radios. Performs other duties and activities as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and one year of experience in customer service or public contact work, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to type 30 words per minute.
Portals/CJIS/DVS and Powerphone Total Response Computer Aided Call Handling System certifications within six months of employment.
Minnesota Government Access AKA: Odyssey and XCEL Nuclear Plant Emergency Preparedness certifications within one year of employment.
A valid driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility is also required upon hire.
Must be able to pass a psychological exam and background check investigation.
Knowledge of, and ability to learn, law enforcement terminology, procedures and equipment; knowledge of and ability to learn Sheriff's Office policies, procedures, and regulations; knowledge of, or ability to learn, the geographical layout, political and community service jurisdictions and highway systems of the County; skill in the use of standard office equipment, including computer and software programs; verbal and written communication skills sufficient to effectively receive spoken information, present information , and respond to questions from a wide variety of audiences including individuals in emergency situations; and reading comprehension skills sufficient to read and interpret a wide variety of documents including maps; writing skills sufficient to maintain clear records; interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange and/or convey information, receive work direction, and maintain effective working relationships; ability to learn applications/systems specific to the Sheriff's Office including complex telephone, teletype and two-way radio equipment; ability to keep accurate and complete records; ability to remain calm, to think clearly and act quickly and correctly in emergency situations; ability to multi-task and prioritize heavy volume of calls and respond with composure; ability to enter data accurately into a variety of databases; ability to maintain confidentiality; ability to pay attention to detail and effectively organize time and anticipate, plan and successfully respond to changing circumstances; ability to perform all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices; ability to communicate courteously and professionally while maintaining positive working relationships with others when carrying out all job functions.
Completion of 24 hours of training from Positron (for CAD Administrator assignment).
Completion of APCO training and the designation of a Certified APCO Trainer (for Trainer assignment).

Responsibilities

Receives and appropriately responds to all incoming calls; operates the County 911 emergency telephone system, the Sheriff's Office radio communications equipment, and Statewide ARMER radio system.
Answers all incoming calls both emergency and non-emergency; determines nature and urgency of calls; collects required information.
Observes automatic alarms to detect intrusions and fires; responds accordingly.
Dispatches patrol officers, firefighters, paramedics, ambulances and other emergency vehicles in response to calls throughout the County and contracting municipalities using computer-aided dispatch systems (CAD) and maintains contact with field units to monitor response and any support requirements.
Creates and updates electronic or manual records and logs of activity as required.
Updates records such as: missing persons; obscene and harassing phone calls; protection orders; all alarms located within the County and procedures for handling; all businesses, their owners and contact information; all emergency numbers used in daily operations; towing records; etc.
Uses various computer systems to monitor calls and access and enter information as required such as the Minnesota Criminal Justice System, various Interstate Agency, State, and Federal websites, PowerCad, Power911, PowerMap, RMS via Positron, Beacon, Odyssey, and Statewide Supervision.
Performs a variety of support duties for the Sheriff's Office as needed; serves as County "Warning Point" for Civil Defense and operations County-wide warning system for natural and nuclear disasters; performs light housekeeping duties to maintain the Communications Center; runs routine operations checks on emergency pages and radios.
Performs other duties and activities as assigned.
The CAD Administrator configures, updates and maintains various systems used by the Unit including but not limited to the Power 911 database, PowerCAD, PowerMap, SIMMS, and the Notification Server.
Coordinates with other units and agencies in the use and updates of the systems, including the County I.T. Department, Surveyors Office (GIS), and vendors.
Assists in developing procedures for CAD and Map use.
The Trainer assists with training for new Public Safety Telecommunicators in the unit.
Provides one-on-one training and coaching to new employees.
Reviews daily reports, meets with trainee daily to provide feedback and discuss progress.
Evaluates trainee's progress and prepares written evaluations.
Modifies the web-based APCO training to fit the Unit's needs, as necessary.