EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Orangeburg, County Of SC; Orangeburg (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Orangeburg County is seeking an Emergency Communications Officer to serve as a primary contact for callers seeking emergency services. The role provides dispatch support using a CAD system and coordinates with police, fire, and medical units.

The position requires ability to manage multiple lines and communications devices, maintain logs, and ensure accurate data entry in NCIC/SLED databases. A high school diploma or GED and the ability to pass background and drug screening are required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• No previous dispatch experience necessary.
• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must be able to pass Background Investigation and Drug Screening Test.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and obtain information to dispatch police, fire and medical units via CAD.
• Operate a multi-line radio and telephone system and related devices.
• Translate information into codes/signals as needed.
• Maintain logs and enter information in NCIC/SLED and dept. policies.
• Process calls to determine priority level and coordinate with officers and agencies.

Skills

Communication skills

Multitasking

Reading/writing proficiency

Calm under pressure

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

CAD system

TDD

NCIC/SLED databases

Job description

General Description

The Emergency Communications Officer serves as a vital support for the public who want emergency support and assistance and is a primary point of contact for all callers requesting emergency services.

This class works under close to general supervision according to set procedures but determines how or when to complete tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities

The functions listed below are those that represent most of the time working in this position. Additional duties may be assigned by management related to the type of work of the position as deemed necessary.

• Responsibility for answering emergency and non-emergency calls. Ability to communicate effectively with different callers to obtain information to dispatch police, fire and/or a medical response unit using a Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system.
• Operate a multi-line radio and telephone system, telephone device for the hearing/speech and impaired (TDD), numerous computer databases and map.
• Ability to translate information to the appropriate codes or signals.
• Maintain logs, files and operate computer equipment to enter, retrieve and transmit information regarding outstanding warrants, vehicle registrations, driver licenses and criminal histories in accordance with the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) and departmental policies and procedures.
• Ability to process a citizen's call for assistance to determine priority level.
• Operates a manual system in the event of the Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) System fails.
• Coordinates and relays information from callers to officers, municipalities police departments, fire, and medical personnel.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex documents.
• Respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Be able to complete all required/related training.
• Performs other duties and other related work as instructed or assigned.

Supervisory Functions

There are no supervisory responsibilities for this position.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• No previous dispatch experience necessary.
• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to pass Background Investigation and Drug Screening Test.

Special Certifications and Licenses

• Must possess a valid South Carolina Driver's License and Social Security Card.
• NCIC Certification must be obtained within six (6) months of employment.
• Pass Basic Telecommunications Officer Certification from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy or equivalent certification from Association of Public Safety Communications (APCO).
• Completion of FEMA Certifications; IC S 100, 200, 300, 700, and 800 and a sound understanding of NIMS/ICS Operations.
• Requires Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Certification.

Reasoning/Math/Language Skills

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and effectively to inquiries and complaints, general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Physical Demands

• Must work in a high-volume Emergency Communications Center monitoring multiple phone lines and law enforcement calls.
• Must be able to operate a computer keyboard and work around moderate noise levels.
• Perform sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involve exerting up to ten (10) pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.

Work Environment

Works in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather conditions or discomforts associated with noise, dust, or dirt. Working conditions are moderately quiet with limited exposure to loud situations. Materials used are a Computer, Radio, and Standard Office Equipment.

American with Disabilities Act Compliance

Orangeburg County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Orangeburg County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified person(s) with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.