Communications Officer

A Hiring Company; Front Royal (VA); On-site; USD 20,491 - 29,184; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Automatic enrollment in the Virginia Retirement System

Health, vision, and dental benefits

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A local law enforcement agency in Front Royal is seeking a Communications Officer to handle emergency calls and ensure effective dispatching of resources. The role requires excellent communication skills and the ability to work under pressure, providing crucial support to police officers. The starting pay rate is $18.03 per hour, with opportunities for advancement and excellent benefits including retirement plans and health insurance.

Qualifications

• One year of work experience required.
• Ability to obtain dispatcher certificate within 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Receive emergency calls and dispatch appropriate personnel.
• Maintain records of all calls for service.
• Assist police officers and other staff within the communications area.

Skills

Clear communication

Public interaction

Quick decision-making

Stress management

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Tools

Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD)

VCIN/NCIC terminal

Job description

The Front Royal Police Department is seeking a Communications Officer to perform technical work dispatching law enforcement and other equipment and personnel, usually in response to emergency situations. The Communications Division is a 24‑hour, 7 days a week operation and is the hub of the Police Department. The Communications Officer handles over 20,000 calls per year and is the first point of contact the public has with the Police Department. They are also responsible for all incoming telephone calls, including 911 calls, and all walk‑in complaints.

FLSA Status: Non‑Exempt

Schedule

• 12‑Hour Shifts, 2‑3‑2 Rotation
• Weekend Availability (Required)
• Holiday Availability (Required)
• Overtime

The starting pay rate for a trainee is $18.03/hourly with training and opportunities for advancement through the Communications Officer Program. Experienced applicants are encouraged to apply; the pay rate would be determined dependent upon experience and qualifications. The Town offers excellent benefits to include automatic enrollment in the Virginia Retirement System; 457 Deferred Compensation with pretax or Roth options; health, vision, dental, wellness, and employee assistance benefits; generous paid time off; 14 paid holidays; disability, life, and supplemental insurances; and tuition assistance.

The Town of Front Royal is an equal opportunity employer in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, marital status, disability (physical/mental), family medical history, or genetic information, political affiliation, or veteran status.

Essential Job Functions

• Receive emergency calls, determine location and nature of emergency, and dispatch appropriate personnel and equipment.
• Responsible for dissemination, data entry and file maintenance of all calls for service (emergency and non‑emergency related), radio and phone traffic and service‑related activities.
• Provide communications support and assistance to police officers and other Town of Front Royal employees within the communications area of responsibility.
• Receive and forward service requests, complaints, and other calls for departments served by the communications center.
• Provide assistance to the general public; provides information and directions; handle route inquiries or problems to appropriate police staff members.
• A working knowledge of all resource manuals and directories ensuring quick and efficient requests for assistance or referrals including but not limited to the following:
  • VCIN/NCIC
  • Criminal Histories
  • Quick Reference Guide
  • Business Directories
  • Trespass Reference
  • Emergency Operations Plans
  • Shift Reports/Schedules
  • BOL/TTY Board
  • Knox Log
  • EPO Board
  • Department Policy & Procedures Manual
  • Memo Board
• Ensure proper protocols are followed.
• Operate multi‑fasceted dedicated communications devices, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management, VCIN/NCIC terminal, Voice recording systems, Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD), FAX and Copy machine, etc.
• Perform clerical work and records maintenance and all other duties as directed by the Communications Supervisor and all higher authority.
• Perform related tasks as required.

Requirements

• Education: High School Diploma/GED
• Experience: One (1) year of work experience. Possession of, or ability to obtain, dispatcher certificate within 12 months of employment.

Knowledge

• Dispatch related hardware and software.
• Public relations techniques.
• Report writing techniques and procedures.
• Geography of the Town of Front Royal and surrounding areas to include locations of important buildings and landmarks.

Skills

• Communicate in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing.
• Deal with the public in a tactful and respectful manner.
• Work quickly and accurately.

Abilities

• Work during regular and irregular shift rotations, which may include weekends, holidays and extended hours in emergency, disaster or other situations influenced by workload of staffing difficulties.
• Work under stress and use good judgement in emergency situations.
• Type at a reasonable rate of speed.
• Speak distinctly and clearly.
• Maintain positive and effective working relationships.

Work Environment

• Office environment; climate‑controlled environment; may require occasional exposure to outside elements.
• The office environment is typically quiet, but busy. Conditions also include meeting several deadlines and managing several requests/situations at one time.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work shift work.
• Frequently required to sit for extended periods of time; vocal communication to exchange ideas; use hands to handle, or feel objects with repetitive motions, tools, or control; reach with hands and arms; travel short distances within the office.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty‑five (25) pounds; view reports and computer screens with visual acuity; and concentrate for extended periods of time with attention to detail and accuracy.

Compensation details

18.03 Hourly Wage