Part-Time Call Taker/Administrative Clerk

Township-of-Lower-Merio; Ardmore (PA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

The Township of Lower Merion Police Department is seeking a Records Clerk/Dispatcher to handle public inquiries and perform clerical duties with accuracy. You will receive emergency and non-emergency calls, log activities, and relay information to patrol units and other departments.

Qualifications include a high school diploma and 2+ years of clerical experience, plus the ability to stay calm under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and protect confidential information.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent with 2+ years clerical experience.
• Successful background check and eligibility for access to confidential databases.
• Good knowledge of police, fire and ambulance services and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Receive and determine appropriate response to public calls for service.
• Record calls, logs, and maintain records; handle CCTV and dispatch tasks.
• Enter CAD and NCIC data; monitor radio/telephone consoles and relay instructions.
• Maintain confidentiality and assist Records Clerks as needed.
• Provide information and redirect inquiries to appropriate authorities.

Skills

Oral communication

Multitasking

Discretion/confidentiality

Radio dispatch knowledge

Microsoft 365 proficient

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

2 years clerical experience

Tools

Microsoft 365 (Word, Outlook, Excel)

Job description

This is responsible public communications work involving accurate receipt and appropriate response to public calls into the Township Police Department and performing police records clerical duties. Work involves responsibility for prompt and accurate receipt of messages. These messages are primarily administrative in nature, but some fielding and re-routing of emergency calls is performed. Duties include receiving inquiries/calls for service from the public and providing information or re-directing calls/messages to the appropriate authority. General radio communications are performed with Police and Highway Department units. The work requires that the employee have considerable knowledge, skill and ability to communicate with persons in a variety of emergency and non-emergency situations and to handle a number of situations simultaneously. Works under the general supervision of the Lieutenant of Auxiliary Services.

Receives and determines appropriate response to a variety of calls over the Police Department's phone lines. Incoming emergency calls, some difficult and demanding, are briefly fielded and redirected to the county 911 center. Redirects calls to the appropriate service(s) e.g., Township Highway Department, Recreation Department, State Police, etc. Receives non-emergency calls and refers to proper location. Records calls and maintains appropriate records. Keeps logs of various activities both electronic and written. Broadcasts general information to police patrol units and relays instructions or questions from remote units. Monitors incidents broadcast by county 911 center and keeps track of incidents/police units assigned. Enters complaints into the Computer Assisted Dispatching (CAD) System and updates as needed. Enters National Crime Information Center (NCIC) entries using a computer console; modifies and updates entries as needed. Accesses other confidential law enforcement databases. Operates telephone console, radio console and computer terminal and monitors various alarm systems, such as fire, burglar and generator alarm systems. Maintains various files including electronic versions, tracking the status of fire equipment, abandoned autos, vacant houses, and fire and burglar alarm records. Monitors Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system for Township complex, including the lock up/prisoner processing area. Monitors prisoner activity, completes required logs and other prisoner related tasks needed. Upholds strict confidentiality in dealing with sensitive information, including personnel matters, legal documents, financial data, contracts, and other proprietary information. Provides back up to Records Clerks as needed. Performs related work as required.

A high school diploma or the equivalent, plus two years of progressively responsible clerical experience including at least two years involving duties which required a high degree of public contact, or an equivalent combination of education and qualifying experience substituting on a year-for-year basis. Must successfully complete all pre-employment conditions, including but not limited to a background check whereby applicant must meet the eligibility requirements for access to confidential law enforcement databases. Good knowledge of appropriate Township police, fire and ambulance services and procedures. Good knowledge of radio dispatching procedures and radio codes. Considerable skill in oral communication, including dealing with people during emergencies and obtaining and relaying appropriate information. Good skills in operating a computer console and in typing. Considerable ability to learn the operations of the dispatch function, including the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, through comprehensive training. Considerable ability to remain calm and professional in stressful situations. Ability to work various shifts which include day, evening and weekend hours. Considerable ability in oral and written communications and to maintain information in the highest confidence. Considerable ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, representatives of governmental and other agencies, committees and the general public. Skill in the use of Microsoft 365 applications (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and its tools for communication and collaboration, such as Teams and OneDrive, applicable department tools, and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of specialized software as required. Considerable ability to handle diverse and multiple tasks simultaneously. Considerable ability to work within a fast-paced environment. Considerable ability to follow oral and written instructions. Thorough knowledge of general office procedures and the operation of standard office equipment. Thorough ability to perform administrative procedures and to coordinate the activities of the Police Department and other departments as assigned. Thorough ability to learn the organizational structure, operations and programs of Township government. Thorough knowledge of business English verbal and written communication. High degree of dependability. Willingness and ability to report for duty during inclement weather and other adverse situations.

Ability to sit for up to 7 hours and move about the department and/or building. Ability to bend, stoop, reach above shoulder level, crouch, and lift up to 10% of the workday. Ability to lift and carry office material up to 10 pounds. Ability to use both hands for grasping and repetitive actions. Ability to operate keyboard and push button consoles. Ability to speak and communicate clearly in order to be understood over radio equipment and phone system. Ability to perform job functions using safety precautions where loud noises may be present.