Communications Officer

City of Forney

Forney (TX)

On-site

USD 42,000 - 62,000

Full time

32 hours ago

Be an early applicant

A complete application in a minute

Tailored resume and cover letter, ready to send.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Dental Insurance

Life Insurance

TMRS retirement

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

Job summary

The City of Forney is seeking a dedicated Communications Officer to join the Police Department. The role handles emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatches police, fire, medical and other responders, and uses CAD and databases to support first responders under supervision.

Candidates should have high school equivalence, at least 1 year in a dispatch environment or related training, and the ability to obtain TCIC/NCIC access and CJIS certification within 6 months.

Qualifications

Valid driver’s license is required.
High school graduation or equivalent.
At least 1 year of experience in a high-volume call center or 9-1-1 dispatch environment; or equivalent.
Valid Telecommunications Basic or Intermediate Operator Certification from TCOLE, or ability to earn within 1 year of employment.
Obtain TCIC/NCIC access and CJIS Security Awareness certification within 6 months.

Responsibilities

Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and two-way radio transmissions; direct first responders to scenes.
Prioritize calls for service and dispatch appropriate personnel.
Maintain status of units and relay information to responders.
Enter data for records and reports; query databases as required.
Follow department policies; ensure safety of first responders and the public.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Communication skills

High‑volume call center experience

1 year dispatch experience

TCOLE certification readiness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

TCIC/NCIC access

Job description

Description

The City of Forney is looking for a dedicated and dependable

The City of Forney is looking for a dedicated and dependable Communications Officer to join the Police Department. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, stay calm under pressure, and have a passion for helping others, this may be your opportunity to make a difference in our community. Under general supervision, this position processes emergency and non-emergency calls for service; dispatches police, firefighting, medical, rescue, animal control, or other emergency equipment by telephone or radio, utilizing complex technical aids, such as computer-aided dispatch systems and crime information databases; and performs related work as required.

Examples of Duties

ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Answers incoming emergency and non-emergency calls and two-way radio transmissions; analyzes conflicting and/or limited location information to direct first responders to the emergency scene; projects positive support of the City organizations at all times.
Interviews callers and analyzes details; prioritizes calls for service and determines appropriate personnel to respond; dispatches calls for service; relays pertinent information to first responders concisely; provides information and assistance to the public within the scope of authority.
Gathers, analyzes, and reports critical call information to officers and firefighters; maintains status and awareness of Police and Fire units; continuously monitors radio and phone traffic and relays updated vital information to first responders.
Performs inquiries and criminal history checks for officers through TCIC & NCIC; initiates inquiries to other agencies for warrant confirmations or general information.
Enters data for records and reports; processes forms and record files; queries various specialized databases as required.
Notifies supervisory personnel of critical incidents; follows all Department policies and procedures to ensure that first responder and citizen safety is the top priority.
Maintains confidentiality as prescribed by legal statute, agency policy, or other governing directives.
Searches prisoners at the request of the arresting officer; monitors jail operations; maintains and updates jail log; coordinates inmate packets; delivers meals, medication, and sanitary supplies to inmates; washes jail laundry as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

No direct supervision exercised.

Minimum Qualifications

Possess a valid driver's license.
High school graduation or equivalent
At least 1 year of experience in a high-volume call center or 9-1-1 dispatch work environment; OR
Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Valid Telecommunications Basic or Intermediate Operator Certification from the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), or ability to earn certification within one (1) year of employment.

Special Requirements

Obtain TCIC/NCIC access and a CJIS Security Awareness certification within 6 months.

Preferences

The Following Certifications Are a PLUS

Communications Training Officer Certification
Emergency Police Dispatcher Certification
Crisis Communications Certification
Active Shooter (Assailant) Training Course
Monthly Continuing Education Certifications

EMPLOYEE BENEFITSMedical Insurance

The city is self-insured and offers a choice of four medical plans through United Healthcare:

$6,000 Deductible HSA Plan (up to a $3,000 HRA reimbursement + HSA City Contributions)
$2,500 Deductible EPO Plan

Employee health coverage goes into effect the first day of the month following 30 days of employment. Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates.

Dental Insurance

The city offers a dental plan through United Healthcare Dental:

UHC DPPO

Coverage is available to all full-time employees at group rates.

Life Insurance

Basic group life insurance protection is provided to eligible full-time employees in the amount of two times the annual salary as recorded at the beginning of each year.

Voluntary products are also available to full-time employees and include supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, cancer insurance, and critical care.

Other City Paid Plans

Teladoc -All full-time employees have access to TELADOC
Short Term Disability – Provided to all full-time employees at no cost through NY Life.
Long Term Disability – Provided to all full-time employees at no cost through NY Life.

Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)

All employees appointed to positions designated to work 1,000 hours or more per year must participate in the Texas Municipal Retirement System. TMRS is a qualified tax deferred retirement plan under Section 401 of the IRS. Seven percent of gross earnings are deducted each payroll as a pre-tax deduction and deposited into the member account. When an employee becomes vested and retires, the city provides 2-to-1 matching contributions.

Additional Group Benefits