PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Polk-County,-Ia; Carney (IA); On-site; USD 35,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Polk County Sheriff's Office is seeking a dispatcher to operate radio and paging systems, manage 911 calls, and dispatch police, fire, and EMS as required.

Responsibilities include maintaining logs, entering data for reports and warrants, handling confidential information, and ensuring accurate communication with the public and other agencies. A high school diploma and some related experience are required, with training provided on site.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Six months experience operating radio communication equipment
• Equivalent combination of training and experience that provides required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Responsibilities

• Operate a computerized radio console and paging encoder system; transmit radio messages.
• Operate an enhanced 911 system and telephone console; relay messages to police, fire, and EMS.
• Maintain a complete log of calls in accordance with FCC regulations.
• Input data into dispatching system for reports and warrants; maintain court records.
• Retrieve information from multiple sources and relay to destinations.
• Direct inquiries from the public to appropriate sources and manage impound releases.

Skills

Verbal communication

Active listening

Two-way radio

Data entry

Confidential information

Calm under pressure

Record keeping

Team collaboration

Computer literacy

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Six months radio equipment experience

Equivalent combination of training/experience

Tools

Iowa System

NCIC/NLETS

CAD system

Telecommunications equipment

Job description

Under general supervision, operates a complex communication system for the Polk County Sheriff's Office; responds to emergency and administrative calls and dispatches public safety and public service personnel and equipment.

1. Operates a computerized radio console and paging encoder system; receives and transmits radio messages; broadcasts pertinent information as required.
2. Operates an enhanced 911 system and a telephone console; receives and relays messages; directs requests for assistance for police, fire, and ambulances to the appropriate agency; prioritizes calls for service and dispatches in appropriate order; operates a recording device.
3. Maintains a complete log of telephone and radio calls received and transmitted via a computerized dispatching system in accordance with Federal Communication Commission regulations.
4. Inputs data into the computerized dispatching system to produce information for mandated and management reports; enters information into the computer; enters, files, cancels, and verifies data on warrants issued by courts in accordance with applicable state and Federal laws; maintains files and records of no-contact orders issued by the courts; performs tests of emergency communications equipment.
5. Retrieves online data and paper file information from a variety of sources and relays information to the appropriate destination.
6. Receives and directs messages, inquiries, and information requests from the public to the appropriate source; releases impounded vehicles in accordance with the applicable laws; maintains building security during non-office hours.
7. Performs related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of Federal Communication Commission rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of Polk County boundaries of jurisdiction.
• Knowledge of State laws pertaining to civil and criminal procedures.
• Knowledge of two way radio communications systems, computer-aided dispatch system, and dispatch policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the organization of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
• Knowledge of first aide and basic emergency medical dispatch procedures.
• Knowledge of procedures for entering and retrieving information from the IOWA System, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Systems, and the National Law Enforcement Teletype System (NLETS).
• Knowledge of laws and requirements on working with confidential information and ability to maintain confidentiality of information.
• Ability to verbally communicate accurate information distinctly, accurately, and concisely in a non-emotional manner.
• Ability to effectively listen and elicit appropriate information.
• Ability to operate a two way radio.
• Ability to operate a personal computer utilizing a windows software environment.
• Ability to process electronic mail and utilize word processing software.
• Ability to operate a tele-communications system for the deaf.
• Ability to reason logically, react calmly and quickly, and maintain composure under stress.
• Ability to keep accurate records and to make verbal and written reports.
• Ability to work in close proximity with co-workers.
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Skill in dealing with people and situations in a professional and tactful manner.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
• Ability to operate common office equipment such as a facsimile machine, copy machine, time clock, and shredder.
• Demonstrated ability to perform accurate and efficient data entry.
• Ability to hear a conversational voice.
• Ability to read fine print on documents and computerized screens.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional relationships with people from all sectors including other staff, law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, and the general public.

• Graduation from high school or equivalent education, and
• Six months experience operating radio communication equipment, or
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements:

• Candidate must pass a written examination and data entry test.
• Iowa On Line Warrants and Articles and National Crime Information Center certification is required within six months of hire.
• Completion of Communications Field Training required within six months of hire.
• Completion of forty hour BASIC Telecommunications program through the IOWA Law Enforcement Academy within one (1) year of appointment is required.
• Completion of Emergency Medical Dispatching certification within one (1) year of appointment is required.
• Candidate must have corrected or uncorrected vision of not less than 20/20 in both eyes and pass the Ishihara Test for Color Deficiency.
• Candidate must have normal hearing in both ears with or without use of hearing aids.
• A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
• A criminal background check is required.

Advanced annual entry salary of up to 12% for prior experience.