COMMUNICATIONS DISPATCHER I - 911 COMMUNICATIONS

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Performs multiple tasks simultaneously; takes appropriate action when presented with a routine call or a stressful life/death situation; remains calm under all circumstances.

Answers multiple telephone lines; assesses incoming 911 and non-emergency calls; enters emergency call data into computer for dispatch or transfers/connects calls to appropriate department, extension, service, or agency.

Maintains conversation with caller to obtain/verify pertinent information and to comfort them until assistance arrives; makes welfare checks on abandoned 911 calls.

Communicates effectively and coherently over law enforcement, fire, rescue, and EMS radio channels; notifies others, such as ambulances, wreckers, and utilities when services are requested/required.

Contacts various other departments to resolve problems such as street lights being out, downed street signs, roadway debris, and power outages.

Monitors multiple radio frequencies often while answering/handling phone calls or other radio frequencies and responding to in-person requests for services or records; monitors alarm systems at specific locations.

Maintains officers', fire, EMS, and other responding units' activities status at all times to ensure safety of personnel involved including those working accidents, fires, hazardous incidents, and breaks.

Provides the general public with geographical directions and referrals, answers to citizen complaints and concerns, and any other non-emergency related information requested regarding the community or situation.

Processes a variety of data from GCIC/NCIC, CAD (Computer Aided Dispatch) and/or in-house computer; modifies, locates, maintains, saves, and/or clears files and records within database; records information manually on entry cards when computer is out of service.

Performs computer background checks on criminals; handles inquiries on driver's licenses, vehicle tags, stolen articles and property, guns, wanted and missing persons, and warrants and summons; provides various information from computer database as requested by police officers.

Operates telecommunications device for the deaf; performs pager, phone, and/or radio tests as required.

Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Notifies appropriate personnel and/or supervisor of critical situations, weather related information, and problems with communications or computer equipment.

Maintains assorted logs detailing daily activity including wrecker service, warrants, CAD system dispatching, messages, and GCIC/NCIC entries/retrievals of information.

Performs administrative support duties such as replenishing various forms, changing computer paper, shredding confidential material, disseminating information to various departments, and pulling entry cards for validation.

Attends training courses as offered by the department or as required by law to maintain applicable certifications, remain informed of departmental operations, and to promote improved job performance.

Completes, prepares, processes, and/or files a variety of forms, legal documents, requests, reports, correspondence, and other documentation associated with the daily routine of this position; maintains files and administrative records.

Cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and its officers or representatives when their activities or investigations are related to on-going investigations within county jurisdiction.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

Performs clerical support tasks which may include scanning, making photocopies, locating telephone numbers and addresses, and researching and contacting business/residence call-outs as necessary.

Takes and relays messages to officers, other divisions, or local agencies; places calls for officers and supervisors.

Substitutes for temporarily absent co-workers.

Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High School Diploma or GED supplemented by little or no previous experience or training. Must be at least 18-years of age. Must be a citizen of the United States or a repatriated or naturalized citizen of the United States. Must obtain and maintain State of Georgia Telecommunications, Emergency Medical Dispatch, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and First Aid certifications. Must pass a background investigation and obtain a GCIC/NCIC certification within one year of hire date. May be required to attain and maintain additional certifications specific to assigned unit.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.