COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Pickens County, South Carolina; South Carolina; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Pickens County, South Carolina is seeking a Dispatch Operator to manage emergency and non-emergency calls effectively. This role includes preparing documentation, monitoring communication systems, and assisting law enforcement and other services in a timely manner.

The ideal candidate should possess a high school diploma or GED and is required to obtain specific certifications within the first year. No prior experience is necessary but a candidate with certifications in EMD is preferred.

Qualifications

• Must obtain E911, NCIC and CPR/First Aid certifications within the first year.
• Experience is not required but certifications in EMD are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch emergency and non-emergency calls.
• Prepare and maintain dispatch records and documentation.
• Monitor nuclear plant computer / alarm system.
• Testify in court, as necessary.

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Job description

The purpose of the class is to receive in‑coming emergency and non‑emergency calls; to dispatch calls for law enforcement, fire, EMS and other personnel and services in an accurate, timely and professional manner; to maintain accurate and complete dispatch records, and to perform related work as required. This class works according to set procedures under close supervision.

ESSENTIAL TASKS:

The tasks listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional tasks related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Performs dispatch duties including receiving and dispatching emergency and non‑emergency calls for law enforcement, fire, EMS, rescue and haz‑mat response; monitoring radio communications and alarm panels; providing directions and other information to officers in the field; calling wrecker companies, etc.
• Provides routine assistance and information to callers, such as taking messages, providing directions, routing calls, etc.; initiates calls to persons at the request of officers.
• Monitors nuclear plant computer / alarm system.
• Prepares and maintains dispatch records and documentation.
• Validates and corrects NCIC entries; enters and retrieves law enforcement information; coordinates NCIC information exchange with SLED.
• Testifies in court, as necessary.
• Prepares and submits various reports required by the department and county.
• Receives, reviews and responds to inquiries, complaints and requests for assistance in areas of responsibility.
• Remains available for emergency response.
• Performs general clerical work as required, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, etc.
• Attends training sessions, workshops, meetings, etc., to maintain or enhance job knowledge and skills.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS:

It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on‑the‑job injury or illnesses.

IN VOLVEMENT WITH DATA, PEOPLE, AND THINGS:

DATA INVOLVEMENT:

Requires gathering, organizing, analyzing, examining, or evaluating data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information.

PEOPLE INVOLVEMENT:

Requires giving information, guidance, or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants.

INVOLVEMENT WITH THINGS:

Requires leading, operating or repairing complex machinery or equipment that requires extended training and experience, such as emergency telecommunications equipment or the application of complex software or systems.

COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS:

REASONING REQUIREMENTS:

Requires performing semi‑routine work following procedures with occasional problems.

MATHEMATICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires using basic addition and subtraction, such as making change or measuring.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:

Requires reading routine sentences, instructions, regulations, procedures or work orders; writing routine sentences and completing routine job forms and incident reports; speaking routine sentences using proper grammar.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires doing clerical, manual or technical tasks requiring a wide range of procedures and requiring intensive understanding of a restricted field or complete familiarity with the functions of a unit or small division of an operating agency; requires wide range of attention with long periods of concentration for accurate results or occasional exposure to unusual pressure.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE PREPARATION:

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION:

Requires high school diploma or GED equivalent.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

None.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Must obtain E911, NCIC and CPR/First Aid certifications within the first year. EMD certification is desirable.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT REQUIREMENTS:

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS:

Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force on a recurring basis or routine keyboard operations.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS:

The job risks exposure to no known environmental hazards.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

The job requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking ability, and color perception.

JUDGMENTS AND DECISIONS:

Responsible for guiding others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co‑workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

ADA COMPLIANCE:

Pickens County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.