Public Safety Communications Officer I/II

City of Alexandria; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Alexandria is seeking a Public Safety Communication Officer I & II to serve as essential communication links for emergency services. In this role, you will handle various emergency calls, dispatch appropriate units, and ensure a high standard of communication. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, technological proficiency, and a commitment to public safety. Experience and training will be provided to support your development and effectiveness in this critical position.

Qualifications

• Strong verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Ability to maintain excellent relationships within the department and with the public.
• Knowledge of the city's geography and police terminology is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Answer emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatch appropriate services.
• Document events and maintain radio communications accurately.
• Provide life-saving instructions to callers when necessary.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

Technology understanding

Geographical knowledge

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Computer-Aided Dispatch software

Job description

Public Safety Communication Officer I/II

The City of Alexandria is in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington, and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter of the City's square miles have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for a position as a Public Safety Communications Officer I & II(PSCO I & PSCO II).

An Overview

The Public Safety Communications OfficerI and II employees work various shifts, weekends, and holidays and serve as call-takers for all emergency and non-emergency telephone calls. Work is under the lead director of a Public Safety Communications Supervisor.

APSCO I serve as the first line of communication for emergency and non-emergency telephone calls with the public. The position involves answering emergency phone calls, ranging in nature from noise complaints to serious crime reports. A PSCO I receives categorizes, and monitors call and dispatch radio communications to Police, Fire, and/or EMS units. This is a high-tension, high-stakes position that requires quick thinking, first-rate customer service, sound judgment, and the ability to maintain composure.

A PSCO II performs all work tasks of a Public Safety Communications Officer I, dispatching all emergency and police non-emergency calls utilizing proper dispatch format, and coordinates and monitors responses of the Police or Fire/EMS units. This work requires operating assigned radio and related equipment, including primary and secondary radio channels, and maintaining control of channel(s) at all times. An employee in this class makes proper notifications, documents events with all pertinent information received, and relays messages completely, accurately, and promptly. This work differs from the Public Safety Communication Officer I class which is an entry-level call taker.

What You Should Bring

Strong, clear, and efficient verbal and written communication skills are fundamental to this position. You should have the outstanding ability to work with the public and maintain excellent relationships within the department and City. Because PSCO operates Computer-Aided Dispatch software, a thorough understanding of technology is necessary for this job. Strong knowledge of the city's geography and the ability to read maps. These public safety professionals need a thorough understanding of police terminology, policies, regulations, and procedures, much of which will be learned upon hiring via thorough department-provided training.

The Opportunity

For PSCO I & PSCO II

• Operates automated calling system to answer, screen, and process incoming calls for services;
• Enters call information into the Computer-Aided Automated Dispatch System and monitors the response of Police, Fire, and EMS units;
• Provides information to the public and law enforcement agencies within departmental guidelines;
• Provides caller with life-saving instructions until assistance arrives;
• Transfers or directs callers to the appropriate personnel, department, or other law enforcement agencies;
• Documents events with all pertinent information received;
• Contributes to team training efforts, including the development and evaluation of new personnel;
• Maintains work environment and equipment in a safe and clean condition at all times;

• Updates and documents event types based on additional information obtained;

• Assists with training activities, logs, reports, and data analysis;
• Relays messages completely and accurately;
• Obtains and processes towed vehicles information
• Performs related work, as required.

Additional Examples of Work for PSCOII

• Coordinates and monitors the response of Police or Fire/EMS units, including dispatching emergency and non-emergency calls utilizing proper dispatch formats, and response plans;
• Operates assigned radio channels, including primary and secondary;
• Practices proper radio techniques, and make notifications where appropriate;
• Determines type and amount of emergency aid needed;
• Always maintains control of radio channel(s), and operates backup systems during primary system failures.
• Performs related work as assigned.

About The Department

The Department of Emergency & Customer Communications (DECC) ensures the effective delivery of routine and emergency calls for service to the City of Alexandria public safety departments. Our highly trained staff of professionals always strives to provide the best service possible to the public. Our employees are the most dedicated you will find anywhere, going above and beyond the call of duty to serve.

PSCO I
High School Diploma or GED; United States citizen or legal resident alien of the United States (The Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) requires all persons defined as a terminal operator to be a United States citizen or have been a lawful resident of the United States for the past ten (10) consecutive years before applying for certification).

PSCO II
In addition to the minimum qualification of a PSCO I, one year of experience as an emergency operator in a 911 call center environment.

To be considered for the PSCO II
In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications for PSCO I, applicants must have at least one year of experience as a Public Safety Communications Officer I and have actively dispatched Police or Fire/EMS within the last 6 (six) months. A performance rating of meets requirements or above on all performance factors for the past two evaluation periods, call taker certification and Police or Fire/EMS Dispatch certification, or equivalent public safety certifications.

The hiring salary range for the PSCO I (Public Safety Communications Officer I) is $49,640.76- $60,678.02 (Step 6 of 20) based on qualifications & experience. The incumbent can eventually be awarded up to $87,355.06 (Step 20) with tenure and job performance.

The hiring salary range for thePSCO II (Public Safety Communications Officer II) is $54,726.10 - $69,236.70 (Step6 of 20) based on qualifications & experience. The incumbent can eventually be awarded up to $96,304.52 (Step 20) with tenure and job performance

These positions require the successful completion of the following pre-employment verification & testing:
Criminal History Records Check,
Vison and hearing test.
Drug testing,
Polygraph,
Psychological testing,
Fingerprinting,
CritiCall- position-specific competency/aptitude screening test

These positions are considered essential personnel and will be required to report to work regardless of the emergency (i.e., weather, transportation, or other disasters).