Specialist, Public Safety Communications

City Of Siloam•Siloam Springs, AR

124d•$0 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

Communications Specialist operates the City of Siloam Springs emergency police, fire, EMS, and the 911 communication equipment under the guidance of the Public Safety Communications Supervisor. He/she will receive emergency and non-emergency phone calls, dispatch personnel and equipment, and provide pre-arrival instructions to citizens.

Requirements

Strong typing and data entry skills.
Ability to multi-task using computers, radios, and telephones.
Working knowledge of computers and electronic data processing.
Basic knowledge of accounting principles and practices.
Basic skill in the operation of the equipment found in the communications center.
Ability to effectively meet and deal with the public.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to handle stressful situations.
Ability to meet department’s physical standards.
Be a citizen of the United States.
Possess a valid Driver’s License.
High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and at least one year of experience or training in basic office practices.
Knowledge of emergency communications protocols.
Satisfactory completion of the ACIC/NCIC Dispatcher Course, Level I and II.
Satisfactory completion of the Priority Dispatch Advanced EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatch) Certification.
CPR Certification.
Satisfactory completion of the APCO Public Safety Telecommunicator I.
Satisfactory completion of the APCO Fire Service Communications.
Upon application, can be awarded an Intermediate, Advanced or Senior Certification as determined by department policy.
Additional certifications may be necessary to fulfill roles or assignments.
Must successfully complete a Communications Training Program administered by the department within one (1) year of hire date.

Nice To Haves

Other job-related education and/or experience may be substituted for all or part of these basic requirements upon approval of the Chief of Police.

Responsibilities

Operates telephone console to receive incoming calls for assistance.
Answers emergency and non-emergency calls from citizens and public safety officers.
Obtains vital information, refers calls to appropriate agencies or Department, and contacts agencies for callers.
Questions caller to determine nature of problem, location and seriousness of emergency response needed, and type and number of personnel and equipment needed.
Transmits orders and receives messages from law enforcement units, fire department units, emergency response units, local and state agencies, wrecker services, utility workers, and others.
Scans computer aided dispatch program to determine units available.
Maintains a constant knowledge of pursuit procedures, emergency alert and disaster procedures, and determines correct course of action, priority, and number of units to dispatch.
Operates NCIC/ACIC computer system, receives, and disseminates information concerning stolen vehicles, articles, and wanted/missing persons.
Enters felony and misdemeanor warrants into ACIC/NCIC as needed.
Types commands on computer keyboard to update files and maintain logs.
Provides pre-arrival instructions following response protocols before police or fire personnel arrive on scene.
Transmits and receives messages between divisions of own agency and other law enforcement agencies.
Contacts police officers to verify assignment locations, monitors dispatched units and, when necessary, serves as liaison with caller.
Questions caller observes alarm register that records location of incidents, and scans map of city to determine whether incidents are located within area served by City Departments.
Determines type and number of units to respond to emergency.
Records date, time, type of call and destination of messages received or transmitted.
Maintains activity, code, and locator files.
Tests various communications systems and reports malfunctions to maintenance units.
Maintaining security of facility and monitoring incoming and outgoing persons, collect fines/bail bonds and issues receipts, search, photograph, and fingerprint incoming detainees.
Issue detainee clothing and personal articles; accounts for money and property of incoming detainees and release said detainees when needed; complete medical background information sheet along with verifying any medications detainees may have and provide for care of detainees by dispensing meals and/or prescriptions.