Communications Officer

City of Santa Fe Springs; Winder (GA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Santa Fe Springs seeks a dispatch assistant to handle emergency and non-emergency calls, log and assign responses, and relay critical information via radio systems. The role requires calm under pressure, strong communication skills, and knowledge of GCIC/NCIC procedures.

You will work with multiple agencies, coordinate responses, and participate in ongoing training to maintain certifications, ensuring rapid and accurate dispatch during emergencies.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Knowledge of GCIC/NCIC rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of FCC regulations related to emergency communications.
• Knowledge of county roadways, landmarks and geography within the county.
• Skill in interpersonal communications and decision making.
• Ability to perform duties under stress while maintaining accuracy.
• Experience with Computer Aided Dispatch systems.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency phone calls and determine the required response.
• Use CAD to log, track, and assign calls to appropriate personnel.
• Relay information over county-wide radio system according to policies.
• Assist callers in high-stress situations such as medical emergencies and incidents.
• Enter data and access GCIC/NCIC information as needed.
• Dispatch appropriate agencies to incident locations.
• Provide directions and location information using mapping tools.
• Participate in annual training to maintain certifications.
• Coordinate emergency response with external agencies.
• Notify supervisors of critical situations and equipment issues.

Skills

Interpersonal communications

Oral and written communications

Judgement and decision making

Stress management

Computer Aided Dispatch System

Mentoring others

Data entry and GCIC/NCIC knowledge

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

GCIC/NCIC certification within 12 months

Tools

Computer Aided Dispatch System

GCIC/NCIC networks

Job description

This position is responsible for assisting in the dispatch of emergency services. This job is a safety sensitive position that will require a pre-employment drug test and subsequent random drug and alcohol testing in accordance with Barrow County Drug and Alcohol Free Workplace.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls for service; determines nature of the call and the type of assistance needed.
• Utilizes the Computer Aided Dispatch System to record, track, log, and assign calls to appropriate personnel.
• Relays information over county-wide emergency communications radio system to appropriate emergency response personnel according to department policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Assists callers in high-stress situations such as domestic violence, suicide threats, medical emergencies, burglaries and robberies, auto accidents, and other incidents.
• Performs multiple tasks simultaneously such as talking to callers on the phone or radio and typing information into the computer.
• Receives, monitors, and dispatches radio traffic for law enforcement, fire department, emergency medical services, and other agencies.
• Dispatches appropriate agency personnel to incident locations according to established departmental guidelines.
• Enters data into and obtains data from the Georgia Crime Information Center (GCIC) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC) networks.
• Calls business and the public as a support function to obtain or relay information to/from officers.
• Provides locations and directions to officers and the public using various mapping tools.
• Participates in annual training classes and courses to maintain certification.
• Participates in coordinating emergency response and assistance from external agencies.
• Notifies appropriate personnel and/or supervisor of critical situations, weather related information, and problems with communications or computer equipment.
• Performs related duties.

Knowledge Required By The Position

• Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Knowledge of GCIC/NCIC rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of laws pertaining to emergency communications such as FCC regulations.
• Knowledge of county roadways, landmarks, businesses, and other geographical information within the county.
• Skill in interpersonal communications.
• Skill in oral and written communications.
• Skill in judgement and decision making regarding scope of work.
• Skill in performing duties during stressful situations.
• Skill in working with Computer Aided Dispatch System.
• Skill in mentoring others.
• Skill in computer operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain GCIC/NCIC certification, must be obtained within 12 months.