Communications Officer

City of Henderson Kentucky; Henderson (KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job description

CITY OF HENDERSON, KENTUCKY

CLASSIFICATION TITLE: COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

The purpose of this classification is to communicate effectively while both receiving and disseminating information and instruction to, from, and between multiple agencies and the public by different means of radio, phone, and 9-1-1 technology for both emergency and non-emergency assistance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

1. Performs multiple tasks simultaneously; examples of these tasks may include, but are not limited to:
2. Answers emergency and non-emergency calls on a multi-line telephone system, quickly evaluating the response and priority needed utilizing the computer aided dispatch system (CAD) while dispatching the appropriate agency on a multi-channel radio console.
3. Monitors a multi-channel radio console to maintain the status of all emergency personnel, logging radio traffic, and performing other requests as needed or requested by the emergency personnel.
4. Provides pre-arrival instruction and emergency medical dispatch.
5. Ensures proper location and validation of addressing within database, or transfers to appropriate agencies for out of jurisdiction emergency.
6. Communicates effectively over all phones and radio channels.
7. Makes notifications for various resources as requested during business hours and after hours utilizing on-call information.
8. Notifies appropriate personnel for specific events according to policy/procedure.
9. Maintains the ability to stay calm in a stressful working environment, which may include calming hysterical callers while working with multiple emergency situations at one time.
10. Utilizes the language line as needed for language barriers with non-English speaking callers to determine the nature and type of problem.
11. Enters/retrieves data into/from LINK/NCIC; modifies, locates, maintains, saves, and/or clears files and records within database.
12. Performs NCIC criminal history checks as needed/requested from other agencies we serve; utilizes NCIC for inquiries on driver’s licenses, vehicle tags, stolen articles and property, guns, wanted and missing persons.
13. Utilizes several computer-based programs as resources to assist emergency personnel.
14. Maintains assorted logs as required.
15. Performs ongoing administrative support for the Communications Center such as replenishing various forms, replenishing computer paper, replacing ink cartridges and paper, and shredding confidential material.
16. Performs open records requests, as needed, or assigned.
17. Maintains a clean work area with duties that include sweeping, wiping down console, and disposing of any unnecessary papers and other housekeeping items as assigned.
18. Attends training as offered by the department or as required by law to maintain applicable certifications.
19. Remains informed of departmental operations to promote improved job performance.
20. Upon two years of service, the Communications Officer will assist with training new Communications Officers.
21. Cooperates and maintains confidentiality with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and its officers or representatives when their activities or investigations are related to on-going investigations within the jurisdiction. This may include being subject to court subpoena for 9-1-1 call or CAD verification.
22. Maintains regular and predictable in-person attendance during regular operation hours of the City of Henderson Emergency Communications Center is required.
23. Must undergo and successfully complete drug test and alcohol screening prior to employment and undergo and successfully complete future drug test and/or alcohol screening pursuant to the City’s Drug and Alcohol policy.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Communication Officers are expected to maintain a positive attitude and teamwork effort in the Communications Center. Communication Officers shall exhibit strong customer service skills not only with the public, but with our internal customers as well (i.e., other City employees and other agencies we serve). As a City of Henderson emergency service employee, Communication Officers are held to a high standard of conduct both on and off the job. Communication Officers must be willing to work additional overtime as needed for emergency call-in or minimum staffing.

Must perform other related duties as required, necessary, or assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED required; experience in telecommunications preferred. Must be able to type 30 w.p.m. at time of application.

Before the end of the first 12 months of employment:

1. Must obtain and maintain certification as a Telecommunicator by the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council (KLEC) by successfully completing the Public Safety Dispatch Academy (PSDA) at the Department of Criminal Justice Training Center (DOCJT) in Richmond Kentucky, consisting of four (4) weeks. Thereafter, this certification must be maintained annually with a minimum of eight (8) hours of training that may require travel.
2. Must obtain and maintain CPR Certification and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification.
3. Must obtain and maintain LINK/NCIC certification immediately upon employment.
4. Other certifications consist of: NIMS 100, NIMS 200, NIMS 700.
5. Must complete the Henderson Emergency Communications Center departmental program which will begin upon employment. This training is designed to include all basic knowledge to become a successful Communications Officer. This training is expected to be completed within fifteen (15) weeks. However, an acceptable score, demonstrating competence in all categories of daily observation review must be obtained before being released from training. The Communications Training Officer will work closely with the new Communications Officer and will recommend remedial training, if necessary.

Must be able to pass a background investigation and shall not have been convicted of a felony or other crimes pursuant to KRS 15.540.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to calculate and/or tabulate data. Includes performing subsequent actions in relation to these computational operations.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to provide guidance, assistance, and/or interpretation to others regarding the application of procedures and standards to specific situations.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a computer workstation.

Sensory Requirements: Tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Tasks require the ability to communicate effectively orally and in an organized format.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

This job description does not constitute a contract of employment. Any oral or written statements or promises to the contrary are hereby expressly disavowed and should not be relied upon by any prospective or existing employees. This job description is subject to change by the employer (the City of Henderson) at the discretion of the employer, or as the needs of the employer and/or requirements of the job change. The City of Henderson explicitly reserves the right to modify any of the provisions of this job description at any time and without notice. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties or essential functions does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.