Dispatcher / Communications Officer

SUMMARY

Performs technical work dispatching police, fire, and emergency services personnel and equipment usually in response to emergency situations; does related work as required. This union position performs under the regular supervision of the Operations Lieutenant.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive calls for service and dispatching police, fire, and emergency services personnel; overseeing communications on all shifts; maintaining records and files
• Answer all emergency calls and dispatches police, fire, and emergency services personnel to emergency scenes
• Answers non-emergency calls and transfers call or takes messages; handles public works calls after working hours
• Provide general information to the public; obtains incident reports as needed
• Enters a variety of data and information into computer system
• Operates multiple radios, telephone, alarm systems, and computer terminals; receives messages by radio and maintains a log of calls
• Supervise of all prisoners detained within departmental cellblock facilities via video and audio surveillance cameras; calling for police assistance if attention to the prisoner is required
• Recording all relevant information pertaining to prisoners in the cellblock
• Performs related tasks as required

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of the methods of operating the communication system
• Thorough knowledge of radio and teletype procedures
• Thorough knowledge of the geography of the Municipality and location of important buildings
• Ability to type at a reasonable rate of speed
• Ability to speak distinctly
• Ability to deal courteously with the public under stressful conditions
• Skill in the operation of radio, telecommunications, computer terminal, data entry and general office equipment
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public
• Ability to multi-task

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• GED or High School diploma
• Experience dispatching police and emergency services personnel preferred, but not required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

*These requirements will need to be obtained, if necessary, prior to completion of probation.

Association of Public Safety Communications Officers (APCO)

EMD – Emergency Medical Dispatch with AED and CPR Certifications

PEMA – Police-Fire-EMS-Dispatch Certifications

Computer Aided Dispatch Training

Possession of appropriate certification through the State Police computer system for the State of Pennsylvania

J-NET – Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Justice Network

NIMS – FEMA – Emergency Management Institute

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This is sedentary work requiring the exertion of up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects. Work requires sitting, reaching, fine motor skills, and repetitive motions. Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels, and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound. Visual acuity is required for depth perception, color perception, peripheral vision, preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of office machines, and observing general surroundings and activities. The worker is not subject to adverse environmental conditions. High stress situations may occur.

DRUG TESTING

Employment is contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment) drug screen.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION

Employment is contingent upon successfully passing a thorough investigation, consisting of a criminal history check, certification check, and education verification check.