Communications Dispatcher - Full Time

The New Albany City Police Department is seeking Communications Dispatchers to respond to emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance and information. Dispatchers provide communication support services for the New Albany City Police and related emergency services for the City. This position is responsible for the day-to-day operations specific to a communications center, providing the citizens of the City of New Albany with prompt and professional service regarding any and all emergency and non-emergency calls that are received within the Center.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: "*" denotes an essential function of the job

A. *Performs all key tasks and duties of a dispatcher.
B. *Answer all calls promptly and professionally and maintain a calm demeanor at all times.
C. *Maintain calm in radio transmissions during hectic and/or dangerous situation and make every attempt to calm angered, distraught and/or frightened callers.
D. *Immediately dispatch the appropriate party to respond to the caller; Fire, police and/or EMS.
E. *Provide general information to the public and refer calls to appropriate agencies.
F. *Maintain an accurate log of incoming calls service request and action taken.
G. *Test and inspect all equipment as required and immediately report any problems to management.
H. *Follow all applicable safety rules and regulations at all times.
I. *Monitor radios and/or security cameras.
J. Send all Media inquiries to the Chief of Police to handle.
K. Assist with training new personnel.
L. Performs other duties as assigned.

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE:

A. Demonstrate informative and professional assistance when working with vendors, co-workers, and the public.
B. Act independently and originate new procedures and new approaches to problems.
C. Display excellent verbal and written communication skills.
D. Maintain initiative to preserve the flow of work.
E. Ensure commitment and follow through to deadlines.
F. Sustain interpersonal relationships which encourage openness, candor and trust, both internally and with the general public.
G. Complete projects and/or reports in accurate and timely manner.
H. Maintain City information in a confidential manner.
I. Work as a team member.
J. Display professional appearance, warm demeanor and positive attitude.
K. Be a motivated self-starter.
L. Be accurate, efficient and organized at all times.

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

A. Understand, respond to, and apply complex concepts, information and instructions including policies, procedures, laws and/or regulations.
B. Engage in frequent interpersonal interactions that are stressful and sensitive in nature and do so with tact and diplomacy.
C. Work extremely well under pressure and highly stressful situations and remain calm and in control at all times.
D. Manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
E. Stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl occasionally.
F. Sit for extended periods of time.
G. Think and apply good and reasonable judgment, discretion and initiative in accomplishing all functions.
H. Work effectively despite sleep pattern disruptions as a result of rotational and irregular shift work and overtime.
I. Lift and/or move up to 10 pounds occasionally.
J. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
K. Ability to hear, understand and respond verbal information in person, by phone and by radio, including with difficult to understand callers.
L. Must speak clearly and concisely in English.
M. Hear, understand and respond using radio transmitters and receivers, radio consoles, telephone and radio headsets, multi-line telephone systems and complex communications equipment.
N. Ability to see, read, and understand written information and instructions in all forms, including handwritten, hard copy or electronic communication formats.
O. Ability to see and use all related communications equipment including radio transmitters and receivers, radio consoles, telephone and radio headsets, multiline telephone systems, computer consoles and data communications terminals.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS:

A. This position requires working in the internal environment around dispatcher and/or police equipment.
B. This position requires a flexible work schedule; night and/or weekends may be required.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

A. Minimum of high school diploma required; some college preferred.
B. At least three years of progressively responsible communications dispatching experience, preferred.
C. Knowledge of CAD and E911 equipment required.
D. Previous customer services experience, preferred.
E. Ability to handle a high volume of incoming calls while maintaining proper phone etiquette and a high level of professionalism at all times.
F. Willingness to take on additional tasks as assigned.

EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS:

This position requires use of computers, keyboards, office equipment and similar specialized technical and electronic equipment commonly found in communication centers.